WOMEN'S HOCKEY:CONSIDERING HOW close the Leinster title race has been all season, it's improbable Hermes ever imagined going in to their final fixture knowing that even a defeat is unlikely to cost them the Division One crown.

Their 2-0 victory over champions Railway Union on Monday night, combined with Loreto’s draw against Old Alexandra, left them three points clear of Loreto and four ahead of Railway, the defeat ending the holders’ hopes of a three-in- a-row.

Hermes need just a draw against UCD tomorrow to be mathematically sure of the title, but even if they were to lose to the in-form students – who are now certain of fourth place and automatic qualification for next season’s Irish Hockey League – their superior goal difference (+43 to Loreto’s +32) means Loreto would need to score a hatful of goals against a Railway side that has conceded just nine in 17 games.

Teams level on points in the league are first ranked according to matches won, but Hermes and Loreto would both have won 14 if the former were to lose and the latter to win. Goal difference, then, would be the deciding factor.

Meanwhile in Munster, Catholic Institute are celebrating their first title since 1993, their 6-0 defeat of Belvedere clinching the league.

It’s been a remarkable season for the Ger O’Carroll-coached side, who also won their first Munster Senior Cup in 21 years. Their league success brought to an end Cork Harlequins’ 15-year run as Munster champions.

Railway will hope for consolation at Belfield tomorrow when their seconds take on Lisnagarvey in the Irish Junior Cup final.

LEINSTER LEAGUE– Division One – Tomorrow: Loreto v Railway Union, Beaufort, 1.30; UCD v Hermes, Belfield, 11.15.

IRISH JUNIOR CUP– Final – Tomorrow: Lisnagarvey v Railway Union, Belfield, 1.15.