Kirk Cup final moved again!

THE Kirk Cup final between Banbridge and Cookstown has been moved for a FIFTH time by Ulster Hockey officials.

The final, which was originally scheduled for Boxing Day, has had to be shifted once again due to a clash with a Universities tournament in England.

Not only that but as a result the organisers will have to find a new venue as Lisnagarvey’s Comber Road base is unavailable on the new date of April 25.

“It is regrettable that we have had to change the date yet again,” explained Ulster Hockey Executive Manager, Angela Platt.

“We simply hadn’t realised that the British Universities Hockey Tournament in England was clashing with the April 10 date, and as several players involved in the Kirk Cup Final would also be playing for the Northern Ireland Universities team we had no choice but to find another date.

"It is very disappointing to have to change the date as other dates we have pencilled in have been postponed because of the severe weather conditions this season.

“Unfortunately we cannot use Garvey’s excellent facilities so we are trying to find a suitable neutral venue for the final. We have a couple of alternative venues in mind but we are checking availability at the moment.”

Ironically, although he agreed that it was becoming a bit of a farce, Bann coach Mark Tumilty said that he was pleased with the new date.

“It suits us as it falls between our two All Ireland League games so we are happy enough that way,” he said.

Bann have an important Ulster League fixture tonight (Tuesday, 7.45pm) when they travel to Kilkeel in a vital game where three points are essential to maintain their title hopes.

“It won’t be easy down there - it never is,” he admitted. “Bann have had a bad record down there in previous years but we went down there earlier this season in the Anderson Cup and won 4-1. If you offered me that now I’d take it.

“We just have to go down there and perform and hopefully get a few corners early on for Ross McCandless to bury for us. If we get the three points then the destination of the title is in our hands.

“It’s tight at the moment but at least we are involved. There’s plenty to play for with the Kirk Cup final, the All Ireland League and the Ulster League so it’s a nice position to be in.”

Stephen Dowds has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the Burney Cup final for Banbridge Academy, although Christopher Boyce, who has been out for 10 weeks, could be back sooner rather than later for Bann after an MRI scan came back clear.

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