ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO FOR BANN

Bann take on Pembroke Wanderers in the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup on Saturday (12.30pm start) with the aim of booking a place in Sunday’s final.

They head down the motorway full of confidence having just won their first Ulster League title since 1989.

That was 24 years ago - and it’s been even longer since Banbridge last won the Irish Senior Cup, having last won it in 1986 with a 4-3 victory over Three Rock Rovers.

In fact the club has not had much success in the Irish Senior Cup down the years. A 2-0 defeat to Lisnagarvey in 1994 was their last appearance in the showpiece decider.

But this time around Banbridge have got a capable enough squad to be more than just almost rans.

The winners of Saturday’s game will play the victors in the Irish Senior Cup’s other semi-final between Monkstown and Three Rock Rovers, which starts at 10am. The final will be played at UCD on Sunday with a 1pm start

2012 has already been a historic year for Banbridge after the men’s club agreed new rules to allow for the ladies club to play under the name, whilst the Ladies club passed a motion in favour of full integration with the Men’s club. 

The newly established Executive Committee aims to further develop the club as a premier integrated, family oriented, hockey club in Ireland, competing at the highest possible level of Irish hockey and to offer the highest standard of coaching and technical support for all players. All sections of the club achieved in the 2011/2012 season with league promotions, cup wins and Clubmark accreditation.

The Club also continues to see players from all age groups selected to play for both Ulster and Ireland.