Ireland Women beat Spain 1:0 in third and final warm-up game in Dublin’s Sport Ireland Campus ahead of European Championships
Friday, August 1 – Dublin: The Ireland Senior Women’s Hockey Team completed a vital three-match series against Spain in Dublin as part of their final preparations for the upcoming EuroHockey Championships. The matches provided both a competitive test and a valuable opportunity to reconnect with supporters on home soil.
Ireland opened the series, held at the Sport Ireland Campus, on Tuesday July 29 with a confident 2-0 win thanks to goals from Sarah Torrans and Mikayla Power. The second match the following day was a thrilling contest that saw Spain take a 3-1 victory, scoring twice in the final minutes after a tight and hard-fought battle.
The final and third game of the series held today delivered even more drama. With the match on a knife edge throughout, Ireland secured the series victory with a goal in the final seconds of the game. Mikayla Power reacted brilliantly in front of goal to volley the ball into the net, sparking celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands. The win sealed a 2–1 series triumph for Ireland and capped off a memorable few days of international hockey.
While the performances on the pitch were a key part of the team’s Euros build-up, the importance of the home series extended beyond the results. After each match, the players spent time engaging with young fans, signing autographs, posing for photos, and sharing conversations that created lasting memories. These moments reflect the team’s ongoing commitment to being role models and leaders within Irish sport.
Ireland Women’s Captain Sarah Hawkshaw said:
“What made this series so special was being at home and surrounded by fans who have supported us through every step of our journey. Seeing the young faces in the crowd, hearing their cheers, and meeting them after the game is just as important as anything we do on the pitch because it reminds us why we play.”
Head Coach Gareth Grundie praised the team’s performances and spoke about the importance of testing themselves against familiar opposition.
“We have had some great battles with Spain over the years and this series was no different. It was a good test for us, and we saw plenty of encouraging signs in our play, especially in the two wins. Playing at home always adds something extra and the support from the fans was incredible. The crowd lifted the players and created an energy that made the series feel really special, although the performance side remains our main focus at this stage.”
The Irish Women’s Hockey Team has consistently led the way in Irish women’s sport. They captured the hearts of the nation during their remarkable run to the 2018 World Cup Final and again in 2019 when they secured Olympic qualification in front of a full house at Donnybrook, Dublin.
Now, as they prepare for the EuroHockey Championships, the team continues to lead by example. Their work on the pitch is matched by their dedication to inspiring the next generation, showing young players across the country what is possible.
Ireland depart for the EuroHockey Championships on Tuesday, August 5 where they will finalise their preparations in Monchengladbach ahead of their opening match against World #1 and defending European Champions, the Netherlands on Saturday, August 9 at 14:30 Irish Time. Watch all of Ireland’s EuroHockey Championship matches live on RTÉ Sport.
EuroHockey Championship – Fixtures
Saturday, August 9 – NETHERLANDS vs IRELAND – 14:30 Irish Time
Monday, August 11 – IRELAND vs FRANCE – 14:45 Irish Time
Wednesday, August 13 – IRELAND vs GERMANY – 19:00 Irish Time