Hermes start as favourites

Women's Hockey PreviewNot for the first time in recent years Hermes start the Leinster season tomorrow as favourites to retain the title they regained from Loreto in the last campaign, not least because their closest rivals have lost key players. The champions, meanwhile, have held on to the bulk of the squad that won the League, Irish Senior Cup and All-Ireland club title last season.

Guy Garrett has taken over from Siobhan Keogh as Loreto coach but while he welcomes back Caitriona Tipping (nee O'Kelly) and Wendy Byrne, who missed most of last season, and has added former Irish under-18 international Katie Grehan to his squad he has lost five players.

Irish international Nikki Symmons has moved to the German Bundesliga to play with Eintracht Braunschweig, former internationals Linda O'Neill (moved to Bray) and Catherine Murray (unavailable because of work commitments) have also left, as have Sarah Cooney (college in Scotland) and Suzanne O'Connor (moved to Old Alexandra).

Garrett, who had a spell coaching Genesis two seasons ago, remains confident the team, which finished second in the last campaign, can be challengers again. "Despite losing some experienced players from last year's team this is still a strong squad which I expect to challenge for honours again this season," he said. Loreto start their campaign away to Three Rock tomorrow.

Like Loreto Railway Union, third last season, have lost an experienced Irish international with Ciara O'Brien joining English Premiership side Chelmsford. They will also be without cricket international Isobel Joyce from November but have added three young players, Emer Lucy, Emer Dolan and Jenny Kenefick, to the squad.

Railway begin away to Corinthian today while Hermes, with Jenny Burke back to full fitness, host Clontarf at Booterstown. The tie of the day could be the meeting of Old Alexandra and Pembroke Wanderers at Milltown, with both sides intent on improving on last season's campaign when they missed out on qualification for the All-Ireland Club Championships.

LEINSTER LEAGUE: Division One: Corinthian v Railway Union, Whitechurch, 2.0; Three Rock v Loreto, Grange Road, 1.0; Hermes v Clontarf, Booterstown, 1.15; Old Alexandra v Pembroke Wanderers, Milltown, 1.30.