Hermes tackle Loreto in key tussle

The mathematics couldn't be simpler for Hermes - a win in their penultimate fixture of the season tomorrow afternoon at Belfield…

The mathematics couldn't be simpler for Hermes - a win in their penultimate fixture of the season tomorrow afternoon at Belfield will seen them regain their Leinster Senior A title.

The tricky part of the equation, though, is that their opponents happen to be Loreto, the team who dethroned them as champions a year ago and who are rather keen on retaining their crown.

A win for undefeated Loreto (who are a point behind Hermes), or even a draw, will keep their title hopes alive and see the race go down to Wednesday night's final fixtures when they host Old Alexandra and Hermes are away to Pembroke Wanderers.

Tomorrow's encounter will be the third between the teams this season with one more to come (the Leinster Senior Cup final). Hermes got the better of Loreto in their Irish Senior Cup game back in December, winning 3-2, but a week later Loreto took the points in the league (1-0), Hermes' only defeat of the campaign so far.

READ MORE

If Hermes can beat Loreto, it will complete a highly successful week for the Connery household - Aine, sister of Hermes' Fiona, scored the goal that gave Loreto, Kilkenny their first South East Senior Cup win since 1986 when they beat Loreto Wexford in Waterford, with another sister, Sinead, one of the game's outstanding players.

Three Rock Ladies and Enniscorthy meet in tomorrow's Irish Junior Cup final at Belfield, with Three Rock (formerly known as Maids) attempting to win the competition for the first time since 1975 and Enniscorthy, who reached the final in 1996, seeking their first success.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times