Monday, September 14 – Dublin: The EY Hockey League, Ireland’s highest division of club hockey, returns this weekend with both the Women’s and Men’s competitions getting underway on Saturday, September 19.
The 2026/27 season will see 10 Women’s and 10 Men’s teams from across Ireland compete across 18 rounds of elite-level competition, with all sides aiming to finish the campaign as EY Hockey League winners.
The top six teams in each League after 18 rounds will then advance to the EY Champions Trophy weekend, where the ultimate Champions for the season will be crowned. Both the EY Hockey League winners and EY Champions Trophy winners will earn qualification to EuroHockey’s club competition, representing Ireland. The format applies equally across both the Women’s and Men’s Leagues.
The new season promises another highly competitive campaign, with reigning Men’s EY Hockey League and EY Champions Trophy winners Lisnagarvey looking to defend both of their titles. They will face strong competition from local rivals Banbridge, Monkstown, YMCA, Corinthian, Avoca, Pembroke Wanderers and Three Rock Rovers, while newly promoted Cork Harlequins return to the topflight and Portrane prepare to make their EY Hockey League debut.
In the Women’s competition, 2025/26 league winners Loreto will be targeting a remarkable fourth successive EY Hockey League title. Railway Union will have their sights firmly set on league success following their trio of triumphs in the EY Champions Trophy, while Pegasus, Pembroke Wanderers, University College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, Old Alex and Portadown will all be aiming to challenge at the top end of the table.
Newly promoted Monstown and Ards will also bring fresh competition to the Women’s League, with both returning to the top table following a one-year absence.
Simon MacAllister, EY Ireland Partner, Co-Head of Geopolitical Strategy, Partner Sponsor of Hockey Ireland:
“EY Ireland is delighted to continue our support of the EY Hockey League as we kick off another season of top-class competition, across both the men’s and women’s leagues.
It’s brilliant to see the league go from strength to strength, with newly promoted teams stepping up and even more games available to fans through Hockey Ireland TV this year.
For us, hockey brings together the same qualities we value in our own people and our clients, teamwork, ambition, and a drive to keep improving, and it’s a privilege to back a sport that’s growing so visibly.
We’re looking forward to seeing it all unfold this season and good luck to all.”
Richard Fahey, CEO of Hockey Ireland:
“The EY Hockey League showcases the quality and ambition of club hockey across Ireland. We look forward to another competitive season and welcome our newly promoted teams. EY’s continued support helps us build the profile of both the women’s and men’s game, while expanded Hockey Ireland TV coverage will give more supporters the opportunity to follow their clubs. Best wishes to all players, coaches, officials and volunteers for the season ahead.”
Hockey Ireland TV also returns for the 2026/27 season, promising fans even more live and on-demand coverage than last season. The expanded programme will once again bring the best of domestic hockey to supporters across the island of Ireland, with a season pass remaining at just EUR 39.99.
Coverage will get underway during Round 1 of the EY Hockey League, giving fans the opportunity to follow the action throughout another exciting season of elite domestic hockey.
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