Second Jermyn hat-trick helps Cork C of I to top of EY Hockey League table

The Cork C of I Twitter account was quick to point out that John Jermyn has "not retired yet", as Ireland's record goalscorer fired home a second successive hat-trick in the EY Hockey League.

The 32-year-old Jermyn has not featured in the national panel since late 2012, but he looked in immaculate form as Cork C of I beat Glenanne 4-2 on Saturday. Indeed, he fired home twice from set pieces in the closing 10 minutes in Tallaght after the tie had been locked at 2-2 since half-time.

These goals added to an earlier thunderbolt after Philip Brownlow had opened the Cork side's account, countering goals from Eddie O'Malley and Gary Shaw.

Jermyn, though, dominated the game and, as well as scoring, also cracked the post with a blistering run and shot from open play. Strong in possession and looking fitter than ever, Jermyn – who also scored a hat-trick a week earlier in a 4-1 win over Cookstown – served up a gentle reminder that he might be an outside contender for a return to the central Irish panel for a possible 2016 Olympic appearance. Ireland find out their fate from on that on October 25th.

The result was Cork C of I’s second win in the fledgling league. They top the table with Monkstown and Banbridge.

Monkstown picked up a surprisingly big 5-2 win at Lisnagarvey to show why they are favourites for the title, with Kyle Good netting twice. Banbridge tore through Railway Union in the second half for a 6-1 victory. Three Rock Rovers were denied a second win by Chris Jackson's goal for Annadale in a 1-1 draw, while Pembroke saw off 10-man Cookstown 3-1 after Stuart Smyth was red-carded.