By Rory McKee
ARDS Ladies Hockey Club’s Naomi McKnight described it as a ‘full circle’ moment to help the club return to the top of the indoor game on Sunday, as they ended Railway Union’s dominance at the National Finals in dramatic fashion and lifted the silverware for the first time in eight years.
Having seen off another Dublin side, Corinthians, in the tournament’s semi- final, Ards produced a remarkable comeback in the gold medal match at Our Lady’s School in Terenure.
Trailing 7-5 with less than two minutes remaining, the Oranges struck twice in the closing 90 seconds to force a shootout before holding their nerve to claim the All-Ireland crown and book a place at the EuroHockey Club Indoor Championships in 2027.
Ards had lifted the title seven years in succession between 2012 and 2018, only to be knocked off their perch by Railway Union in the years since.
This latest instalment of a growing rivalry more than lived up to its billing. Ards were ahead inside the opening minute through Emma Reid, but Railway hit back to lead 2-1 in the second quarter. Ards levelled before half-time and the sides continued to trade blows in a breathless contest.
Railway twice regained the advantage, while Ards responded from a penalty stroke and a penalty corner to leave the tie finely poised at 4-4 heading into the final quarter. Two quick-fire penalty corner goals put the reigning champions back in control and, even after Reid struck again, Railway appeared to have sealed it at 7-5 with just two minutes left.
Ards, however, were not finished. After soaking up sustained pressure, they hit on the counter and Reid completed her hat-trick to reduce the deficit. With goalkeeper Naomi McKnight withdrawn for an extra outfield player, Frankie McKnight fired home a dramatic equaliser in the final minute to send the match to a shootout.
Naomi then stepped up to mark, denying two Railway attempts while Ards captain Ellen Fitzpatrick converted her run and Rebecca Beggs calmly slotted the decisive effort to spark wild celebrations.
“It has been seven years in the making for us,” said goalkeeper McKnight, who is one of the longest-serving members in the squad.
“In the past, we’ve struggled with preparation for Indoors but Ulster Hockey have really pushed the format this year and the standard has been really good. They introduced Under 15 and Under 18 tournaments which have been amazing for development and it’s something we are very passionate about as a club.
“It’s a nice full circle moment for us, because there are players in the team who were involved when we last won it, mixed with younger players who have progressed from our junior squads.”
With the indoor celebrations complete and the Ulster Premier League title all but secured, attention for Ards now turns back outdoors and to another EY Hockey League Division 2 campaign as they target promotion to the top tier.
“Our sights are firmly on promotion to EYHL1,” Naomi continued.
“The format has changed this year, it’s a straight league with no play-offs with the top two teams going straight up.
“We’re optimistic about our chances and have done well to win our first two games (against University of Galway and Belfast Harlequins).”
Balancing commitments across multiple competitions remains a significant challenge for the team.
“That’s the biggest thing for us as a club, how difficult it is to compete with so many fixtures across those competitions. You have to hope and pray that everyone stays fit and healthy.”
A key factor in Ards’ success has been the seamless integration of younger players into the senior set-up, which Naomi paid tribute to.
“It’s a credit to our youth development,” she said. “Alyssa Boyd is one who has made a massive impact, and there are others like Alana Thornton, Maddie Leathem and Rebecca Beggs.
“Some of us in the squad – myself, Naomi Grundie and Caroline Arnold – have played together for 15 years now, but we know that those cycles come to an end at some point and as a club we want to continue being at the top level.”
Promotion, however, would only represent part of the challenge. When Ards have reached the EYHL top flight previously, it has been followed by immediate relegation, and breaking that cycle is firmly on the agenda for Naomi and her teammates.
“It’s a big aim for us and one which we haven’t managed yet. The only way to do that is by playing the long game. Last year, there were lots of games that were decided by one or two goals. I think we finished on something like 16 points, some of the teams are just so clinical and you’re coming up against Irish internationals and Olympians.”
Before thoughts turn too far ahead, Ards face an Ulster derby this weekend as they travel to Lisnagarvey for the third round of EYHL2 fixtures.
