Ulster's record run to continue

Such is the sense of disbelief and bewilderment felt by everyone in Irish hockey this week after the death of Jacqui Potter it is difficult, if not impossible, for all concerned to turn their attention to this weekend's fixtures.

As a mark of respect to Jacqui Hermes have postponed their scheduled Senior B game against Our Ladys, Terenure while a one minute silence will be observed before the opening of the under21 Interprovincial Championships in Kilkenny. There, no doubt, all the competing players dream of one day emulating the achievements of one of the game's most loved and respected characters. Indeed, you have to go back to not long after Jacqui's Leinster under-21 days to find the last occasion her province won the tournament - the year was 1985 but since then Ulster has completely dominated the event, making the Vera McWeeney Cup their own.

This year, under the guidance of Graham Quincey's successor Graeme Francy, they will attempt to make it 15-in-a-row but must do so without the services of two of last year's most influential players, Irish internationals Pamela Magill and Angela Platt, both of whom have now moved up to the senior grade.

In all there are eight changes from last season's squad but there is still enough strength in depth to suggest that Ulster will not easily relinquish their hold on the trophy. While Munster finished second to Ulster at Garryduff last year Leinster should be the defending champions' closest challengers this year having named a squad that includes three of last season's Irish under-21 team - Catherine Murray, Linda O'Neill and Jenny Osborne - as well as two of the Irish under-18's rising stars, Caoilfhionn Rowan and Nikki Symmons.