Three Rock Rovers Retain National Indoor Title in Finals weekend
February 10, 2026
The Men’s and Women’s National Indoor Championships took place last weekend, bringing together the final four teams in both competitions to compete for national titles and European qualification. Three Rock Rovers emerged victorious in the men’s competition, successfully retaining their title and securing their place in Europe. In the women’s section, Railway Union came agonisingly close to defending their crown, but Ards were ultimately crowned champions after a dramatic shootout.
Men’s National Indoor Competition
Leinster was strongly represented in the men’s semi-finals, with Three Rock Rovers, Portrane and Corinthians all competing for a place in the final. Corinthians overcame Lisnagarvey, while Three Rock Rovers defeated Portrane to set up an all-Leinster final and a repeat of the Leinster Indoor Final from just two weeks earlier.
The final delivered another high-quality contest. An early corner from Luke Madeley was quickly cancelled out to make it 1–1, before Ryan Williams produced a key moment to set up James Walker and restore Three Rock’s lead for a 2–1 advantage at half-time. Corinthians levelled in the third quarter, but Madeley struck again with an excellent corner recovery to edge Three Rock ahead 3–2 going into the final period. A strong closing quarter saw Madeley complete his hat-trick, with Jody Hosking adding a late goal to seal a 5–2 victory.
Three Rock Rovers now travel to Vienna to compete in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy, and we wish everyone involved the very best of luck.
Women’s National Indoor Competition
Railway Union and Corinthians joined Ards and Queen’s University Belfast in the women’s semi-finals. Railway Union began their title defence strongly, defeating Corinthians in an all-Leinster semi-final to book their place in the final against Ards.
The final proved to be a memorable and high-scoring encounter, with both sides producing excellent attacking hockey throughout. Railway Union led for much of the match and held a 7–5 advantage with just two minutes remaining. Ards removed their goalkeeper and applied intense late pressure, scoring twice in the closing seconds to force a shootout. Ards then prevailed 2–0 in the shootout, meaning Railway Union finished as runners-up after an outstanding campaign.
Congratulations to Railway Union on a superb tournament and to Ards on becoming National Indoor Champions.
Congratulations also to all Leinster teams on a fantastic indoor season, and a sincere thank you to Hockey Ireland for their organisation and promotion of the competition.
On Monday, February 2nd, hundreds of spectators gathered at Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club, with many..