Ards Ladies won promotion to the EY1 hockey division with a victory over Cork Harlequins on Sunday. The win returned the team to Ireland's top division after relegation the previous year.

Caroline Arnold scored the decisive goal for Ards in the third quarter. The defender's goal broke a deadlock after no score at halftime. Ards controlled play after the break to secure the points needed for a top-two finish in EY2.

Team captain Alana Doyle said the squad stuck to its game plan and stayed patient to overcome a competitive Cork side near the bottom of the table. She noted the coach prepared the team well for the match.

Doyle expressed joy at the promotion after last year's relegation. She described the achievement as especially meaningful in her second season as captain.

The promotion follows Ards' win of the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League title one month ago. Doyle said the team aims to stay in EY1 next season and develop younger players.