MEN'S HOCKEY PREVIEWS:IN THE IRISH Hockey League, 24 of the top teams go head to head this weekend in two pools.

In Pool A Dublin heavy-hitters Glenanne take on their counterparts in Cork when they travel to Farmers Cross. With two league wins under their belts but injuries to Paul Lombard and Jason Black, this will be Cork Harlequins’ first major test of the season.

Monkstown face Instonians in Glenageary, also in a tough opener. The Ulster side arrive after a 4-3 league win over Irish Senior Cup holders Cookstown. The Dublin side had a golden goal win over their visitors in last year’s cup.

The 2011 champions Banbridge, who won on a penalty shoot-out (3-1) against Lisnagarvey last year, take a local jaunt to face rivals and cup winners Cookstown.

In Pool B, in-form YMCA travel to Lisnagarvey, who are coached this season by Kyle Lunn. Irish penalty corner specialist Timmy Cockram returns to the fold.

Pembroke will enjoy home advantage against Munster side Cork C of I in Serpentine Avenue.

Three Rock Rovers return to the IHL against Annadale with a much-changed side from the one which saw them qualify.

Irish Hockey League: Pool A:Cookstown v Banbridge, Coolnafrankey 2.30pm; Cork Harlequins v Glenanne, Harlequin Park, 3pm; Monkstown v Instonians, Rathdown, 3pm. Pool B:Lisnagarvey v YMCA, Comber Road, 1pm; Pembroke W v Cork C of I, Serpentine Avenue, 3pm; Annadale v Three Rock Rovers, Lough Moss, 3pm. Leinster Senior League: Division 1:Railway Union v UCD, Park Avenue, 1.30pm: Division two:Portrane v Avoca, Grange Road, 3pm; Weston v Suttonians, Griffeen Park, 3pm; Rathgar v Dublin University, High School, 3pm.

WOMEN'S HOCKEY

Ireland could end up hosting an Olympic qualifying tournament in Dublin next March after being invited by the International Hockey Federation to submit a tender to stage the event.

The Irish Hockey Association expecting to hear if their proposal is successful some time next month.

That proposal covers the option of hosting a women's and/or men's tournament.

IRISH HOCKEY LEAGUE: Tomorrow – Pool A:Catholic Institute v Pegasus, Rosbrien, 1.0; Old Alexandra v Hermes, Milltown, 3,30; UCD v Armagh, Belfield, 1.0. Pool B:Loreto v Cork Harlequins, Beaufort, 1.15; Ballymoney v UCC, Joey Dunlop Centre, 2.30; Lurgan v Railway Union, Lurgan Junior High School, 2.30.