Railway Union claim 5th place in European Indoor Trophy
February 23, 2026
Railway Union’s women’s indoor squad proudly represented Ireland at the European Indoor Trophy, the second tier of indoor hockey in Europe.
Despite a number of injuries, the squad delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Senior internationals Orla Fox and Orla Patton were sidelined with hand injuries, while Emma Buckley and Hollai Quinn were unavailable. However, Ireland Captain Sarah Patton, recently capped goalkeeper Chloe Hiles, and several former international indoor players ensured Railway Union remained competitive. Orla Fox even made a couple of cameo appearances from the bench despite her injury.
Tournament Performance
Railway Union opened their campaign against Turkish side Gaziantep Doruk, losing 7–5 on the field, though they were later awarded the points due to ineligible opposition players. Their second match, against hosts Iris Hockey Lambersart, was closely contested until the final quarter when the French team pulled away to secure a 6–3 win. A similar pattern followed against Scottish side Watsonians, with Railway pushing for an equaliser in the final quarter but ultimately conceding to a 6–3 defeat.
Entering the relegation pool carrying forward the win against Gaziantep, Railway Union secured Division B status with a 4–2 victory over Italian champions SG Amsicora ASD. Their tournament highlight came against Swiss champions HC Olten, where Railway produced a dominant 6–0 win, with Amy Benson scoring four goals.
Finishing in a credible fifth place, the squad can be proud of their achievements, particularly given the number of injuries they endured before and during the tournament.
Tournament Conclusion
The event concluded in unusual fashion, with French hosts Lambersart holding a 3–2 lead over Austrian side AHTC Wien. During the final 8½ minutes, the Austrians remained in their own half while Lambersart completed over 100 passes unchallenged, finishing the match 3–2. Despite the unusual ending, both teams secured promotion, while the Scottish team’s final match became a dead rubber, leaving players and supporters watching in disbelief.
Railway Union Squad
Back: Orla Patton (injured), Amy Benson, Sarah Patton (Captain), Chloe Hiles (GK), Holly Jenkinson, Niamh Gowing, Erin Getty
Front: Orla Fox (injured), Katie Hiles, Maedbh le Roux, Jenny Long, Mati Errico
Not pictured: Gareth Myburgh (Coach), Helen Johnston (Manager)
Congratulations to Railway Union on a strong showing in Lille and for flying the flag for Leinster and Ireland on the European stage!
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