Thursday, August 27 – Amstelveen, The Netherlands: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team ended their 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a win over South Africa in Amstelveen to finish in 13th place. A first quarter goal proved the difference maker as eventual player of the match Niamh Carey found twin sister Michelle free in the circle to break the deadlock.

While not the game Ireland would have hoped to have been in when they began their campaign, their final run-out in the new surroundings of Amstelveen procided the side an opportunity to finish their campaign on a positive note as they took on South Africa in the 13th/14th Play-Off.

Ireland dominated the opening minutes, but South Africa sent an early warning shot as they called goalkeeper Lizzy Murphy into action to keep the game scoreless. Ireland regained their control, manufacturing several attacking opportunities, the best of which coming from a penalty corner which was charged down.

Ireland’s breakthrough eventually came when Niamh Carey drove with purpose down the left flank making her way into the South Africa circle and playing a perfect ball to twin sister Michelle who was well positioned on the back post to turn into the net.

Three penalty corners in quarter two, and an effort at goal provided Ireland with opportunities to extend their lead before half-time but South Africa were equal to the efforts to keep the score at 1-0 in Ireland’s favour.

South Africa began the second-half with some early energy, but Ireland quickly wrested back control and won a penalty corner. Caoimhe Perdue’s flick at goal looked destined for the back of the net, but a last minutes touch took it wide of the post.

The penalty corners continued to come for Ireland in the final quarter as they looked to put the game to bed, but once again the South African defensive unit stepped up to deny them. With five minutes to play, South Africa withdrew goalkeeper Morgan De Jaeger i favour of an additional outfield player. Ireland did well to deny them any ground until the final minute when they found a route into the Irish circle to win a penalty corner.

Ireland’s Lizzy Murphy stepped up from the set piece to boot the ball clear, settling the Irish nerves and securing a 1-0 win for her side in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup closer.

Discussing the importance of ending their campaign on a win, Ireland’s Niamh Carey said:

“It was really really important for us as a team. We didn’t finish necessarily where we wanted to in this World Cup, and we had a few ups and downs throughout, so ending on a win is definitely really important for us as a team going forward. Ranking points-wise, it’s also important for us as well.

Discussing the opportunity to play alongside her twin sister Michelle, Niamh Carey said:

“It’s great, I know she always wants to pass to me so it’s great, I always play o the side that she is on! When we connect to score a goal it is really special.”

The result sees ireland end their campaign with a 13th place finish. As things stand the result means Ireland will be in the bottom six seed for the 2027 EuroHockey Championships, meaning they will need to play two preliminary pool stage matches in order to secure a semi-final place.

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Monday, August 24 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 3-1 defeat to the USA in their penultimate match of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Ireland led in quarter 1 thanks to a Niamh Carey deflection, but three unanswered goals in quarter 2, 3, & 4 for the USA saw them secure the win. The result means Ireland have come third in Pool H and will move to Amstelveen, The Netherlands, where they will take on South Africa in the 13th/14th Place Ranking match.

A place in the 9^th/10^th ranking match was still a possibility for both Ireland and the USA as they entered their last Pool H clash, with both needing in a win in order to top the pool.

The slow and controlled start to the tie from both sides soon saw Ireland get the first sight of goal, winning two penalty corners inside the opening five minutes forcing USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing into an excellent stick save low to her right side. Ireland though got an early breakthrough when they won the ball on the left flank, Emily Kealy releasing Aisling Utri high and wide who fired an inch-perfect reverse into the circle for Niamh Carey to deflect into the back of the net.

Momentum remained in Ireland’s favour early in the second half with another set of penalty corners coming their way, but both Hannah McLoughlin and Caoimhe Perdue’s efforts at goal were saved.

The USA, though, won a penalty corner with three minutes to play in the half. Their initial effort was well saved but they recovered possession and worked the ball back into the Irish circle where Lucy Adams found the space to shoot at goal and bring her side level.

The half-time break appeared to breathe life into Ireland again as they won another set of penalty corners, but were denied on both occasions. The USA, though, tipped the balance of play in their favour in the latter stages of quarter three as they won a series of penalty corners, the fourth of which ended in their second courtesy of a Mia Schoenbeck dragflick.

The hammer blow arrived in the final quarter when the USA extended their lead to two through an Abigail Tamer reverse stick shock. With just under three minutes to play, Ireland withdrew goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy and piled on the pressure in one last roll of the dice, but the USA’s defense held firm as they walked away with a 3-1 win.

The result sees Ireland remain in third in Pool H meaning they will now travel to Amstelveen, The Netherlands for their final match of their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign. The side will take on South Africa on Thursday, August 27 in the 13^th/14^th Ranking Match.

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Sunday, August 23 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team have secured a first place finish in Pool H at the FIH Hockey World Cup, despite a 2-1 defeat to France in their final pool outing. Having beaten South Africa and Malaysia Ireland accrued enough points to secure top spot thanks to results elsewhere, guaranteeing Ireland a best-ever FIH Hockey World Cup finish. The side will face the winners of Pakistan or New Zealand on Friday, August 28.

Despite having already secured top spot in Pool H, there was still plenty of bragging righst on the line as Ireland met France, a side that have become something of a rival for Ireland in recent months.

A largely uneventful first half saw the sides size each other up as both went in search of a chink in their opposition’s armor, but chances were few are far between as the sides cancelled each other out.

A breakthrough finally came early in the second half as Jeremy Duncan picked the pocket of Eliot Curty, rounding the French goalkeeper and firing into the bottom corner on his reverse stick from a relatively tight angle.

France, however, responded. A venture into the Irish circle just three minutes later ended in a penalty corner which gave Victor Chalet the opportunity to fire powerfully into the bottom corner to draw level.

France remained the side in the ascendency going into the final quarter, finding routes into the Irish circle on a number of occassions, but Ireland performed their defensive duties well. Needing a win, France rolled the dice, withdrawing goalkeeper Corentin Saunier in favour of an additional outfield player, an advantage they used effectively to win a penalty corner which required the intervention of Jaime Carr to parry over the bar.

France, though, found their winner in the final two minutes, a deft touch in front of Carr from Timothée Clemént deflecting the ball into the Irish net.

Speaking after the game, Ireland’s Jeremy Duncan said:

“We knew it was going to be really tight. We would have liked to have hung on for a 1-1 draw or to have come back and make it 2-1. But it is always really close against those guys.”

Discussing their top spot finish in Pool H, Duncan said:

“It’s brilliant. One of our goals at the start of the tournament if we didn’t get into the top eight was to be in that 9th/10th play-off. We are delighted to be in that game. We are ninth in the world at the moment, and we want to finish at that ranking.”

Ireland will face either New Zealand or Pakistan in their final FIH Hockey World Cup outing in Wavre on Friday, August 28 to determine their final ranking.

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Saturday, August 22 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Scotland in their first of their phase 2 FIH Hockey World Cup matches. Having gone a goal down in the opening quarter, Ireland’s Emily Kealy drew her side level before half-time. But a stunning Charlotte Watson strike just minutes into the second half proved the difference-maker, as Scotland secured the 2-1 win.

After an energy sapping effort from Ireland less than 48 hours prior against Belgium, Scotland began the tie looking the fresher and more energetic of the teams, immediately winning a flurry of penalty corners which forced Ireland into early defensive duties. Scotland eventually found their breakthrough from a set piece, Ellie Mackenzie providing the deflection in front of Lizzy Murphy to lift the ball into the roof of the net.

Scotland maintained their momentum into quarter two, winning yet another penalty corner which Ireland defended. A rare Irish attack eventually proved fruitful as Emily Kealy reacted quickest to a saved Christina Hamill effort to flick the ball into the back of the Scottish net and draw Ireland level in the 26th minute.

Ireland’s equalizer was somewhat short-lived as Scotland grabbed their second early in the second half, Charlotte Watson controlling a crash ball into the Irish circle and firing an inch-perfect strike into the roof of the net.

Ireland mounted a response immediately after as Niamh Carey did well to find goalscorer Emily Kealy who won Ireland a penalty corner, but Scotland cleared their lines. A second opportunity followed as Michelle Carey played a ball across the face of goal where Kealy once again came close, but the delivery was just out of her reach and Ireland remained a goal behind.

Ireland continued to search for their equaliser in the final period, but the toll of the battles in the days prior looked to be taking their toll as individual errors in the attacking third meant ventures into the Scottish circle were few and far between. Scotland ultimately held out to secure the 2-1 win.

The result sees Ireland drop to 3rd in Pool C behind the USA and Scotland. Ireland will play the USA in their second Pool H outing on Monday, August 24 as they look to climb back of the pool standings and maintain their pursuit of a 9th/10th place play-off place.

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Friday, August 21 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey team return to winning ways at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, securing a 7-4 win over Malaysia in their first of two Pool H matches. Ireland were quick out of the blocks scoring four unanswered goals in less than twenty five minutes, Jonny Lynch grabbing a hattrick and Matthew Nelson getting on the scoresheet. Malaysia pulled a goal back before half-time, with a hectic third quarter following that saw both sides score twice. Ireland regained control in the final quarter, adding their seventh, but Malaysia were the last to find the net, scoring a consolation to see the match end 7-4.

Having just come up short against Spain less than 24 hours before, Ireland looked determined to return to winning form in Wavre as they took on Malaysia in their first of two Pool H matches. It took the side less than ten minutes to open the scoring, Jonny Lynch firing in a reverse stick shot at the near post, before the Lisnagarvey man added a second touching in a Jeremy Duncan delivery at the back post.

Ireland continued to cruise, Louis Rowe driving through the centre of the pitch and beating two before finding Matthew Nelson who fired into the net. Lynch completed his hattrick mere minutes later to give ireland a commanding 4-0 lead.

Malaysia clawed a goal back just before half-time, a moment that seemed to be the catalyst for a chaotic quarter 3.

Malaysia grabbed a second early in the second half to make it a two score game, but Ireland cancelled it out when Johnny McKee touched in a penalty corner variation. The sides traded blows in the minutes that followed, Ireland’s Matthew Nelson finishing off an exquisite attacking move, before Malaysia bundled in their third, once again from a penalty corner.

Ireland’s Ben Walker got in on the act striking low and hard into the net after an Irish penalty corner broke down, but it was Malaysia who got the last of the goals, bundling in a fourth after a good Jaime Carr save.

Speaking after the match, Player of the Match Jonny Lynch said:

“The most important thing today was to get the win. After a disappointing loss yesterday where we gave a lot, it was impressive to see the team bounce back and get the win.”

Discussing the second half, Lynch said:

“Malaysia are a good outfit; they are physical, fast and they like to counter-attack. I think there are a few things we need to tighten up, but overall I am proud of the guys; some lovely goals going forward and some lovely connections up top.”

Ireland will take on France in their second of two Pool H matches on Sunday, August 23 as they look to secure top spot and a place in the 9^th/10^th place play-off match, guaranteeing a best ever World Cup finish for the team.

The post Ireland return to World Cup winning ways in chaotic eleven-goal encounter with Malaysia appeared first on Hockey Ireland.

Thursday, August 20 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts and World #3 Belgium in their final FIH Hockey World Cup Pool C match. Ireland led in the opening quarter thanks to a Charlotte Beggs goal and could have had a second having been initially awarded a penalty stroke in the second quarter, but it was controversially overturned. Ireland maintained their lead until the final quarter, but Belgium’s pressure eventually gave way as the Red Panthers scored twice in the final eleven minutes to secure the win they needed to top Pool C. The result means Ireland will now move to Pool H where they will face Scotland and the USA to determine which final ranking match they will play in.

Knowing that a top-two finish was still up for grabs should they beat the hosts, Ireland made an intense start to the tie, matching Belgium’s energy across the pitch to unsettle their opposition. Belgium eventually settled and put the Irish defensive unit under some pressure, but Ireland kept them at bay eventually launching a counterattack and winning a penalty corner of their own.

From the initial effort Ireland found the back of the net, but a foul in the buildup resulted in a re-award. Unshaken by the disallowed goal, Ireland stepped up again. Hannah McLoughlin’s slap at goal rebounded up in the direction of Charlotte Beggs on the back post, Beggs graciously volleying the ball into the back of the net to give Ireland the lead.

Belgium regained momentum in quarter 2 forcing goalkeeper Lizzy Murphy into a world class save early on. Ireland, though, continued to be efficient in the limited attacking opportunities they had. Niamh Carey won Ireland their fourth penalty corner of the tie, which saw Ireland work the ball back to Beggs and across the face of goal. Katie Mullan’s deflection goalward hit a Belgian player on the line, and Ireland were awarded a penalty stroke, but the decision was controversially overturned.

Lizzy Murphy was needed throughout quarter three to make a number of smart saves and clearances, and pressure from Belgium built. The Belgian support thought they had found their breakthrough with three minutes remaining in Q3, but the ball flashed past the back post.

Belgium finally found their equaliser, much to their relief, as Charlotte Englebert found some space in the circle to strike into the bottom corner. With two minutes to play Ireland withdrew Murphy as one last roll of the dice, but a late Belgium attack sealed the result in the hosts favor as Ambre Ballenghien touch it in at the back post to secure top spot in Pool C for her side.

Speaking afte the game, Ireland captain Sarah Hawkshaw said:

“You get sick of saying we are that close when we are recording 2-1 scorelines against top 3 teams in the world. Incredibly proud for the fight that we showed, I don’t think there were many people in this stadium who thought we could have a chance against this team and we showed how relentless we are.”

Discussing the overturned penalty stroke, Hawkshaw said:

“These decisions go your way, and don’t go your way. Another day they say that the momentum of the ball is going towards the goal, but today they said it wasn’t. We can’t put it down to that, but it is those small moments that make the difference.”

The result sees Ireland take on Scotland and the USA in their Pool H outings ahead of their final ranking match.

Ireland take on Scotland on Saturday, August 22 at 10:30 Irish Time, before taking on the USA on Monday, August 24.

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Thursday, August 20 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Spain in their final Pool C match of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Having gone a goal behind, Ireland’s Lee Cole converted calmy from the spot to draw Ireland level. Spain however mounted a final quarter push, scoring twice to secure the win and take second place in Pool C. The result means Ireland now move to Pool H where they will face Malaysia and France to determine which final ranking match they will play in.

Having secure a resounding win over South Africa on Tuesday, Ireland entered their final Pool C outing needed just a point against World #6 Spain to secure a top-two finish and remain in the hunt for a semi-final place.

Ireland began the tie with purpose, generating early circle penetrations but it was Spain who secured the first penalty corner which they flicked wide. Spain though found their breakthrough in the first quarter, pulling the ball back off the baseline where Nicolas Alvarez was waiting to provide the touch required to deflect the ball into the net.

With their tails up, Spain continued to threaten, firing past the post and calling Ireland’s penalty corner defensive unit into action in the closing minutes of the quarter, but Ireland performed their duties well to stay within touching distance.

Ireland were quick out of the blocks again in the second quarter, winning two penalty corner which saw Lee Cole’s efforts defended, but Ali Empey was quickest to react to the loose ball from close range. His effort at goal hit a Spanish defender on the goal line, earning Ireland a penalty stroke. Cole stepped up to calmly convert, drawing Ireland level and grabbing his third of the campaign.

Clear cut chances for either side were few and far between in the opening ten minutes of the second half as both sides sized each other up. The most positive chance of the phase came Ireland’s way as Jonny Lynch weaved his way into the circle and fired across goal from a tight angle, but his delivery was booted clear by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado.

Momentum continued in Ireland’s favour at the start of the final quarter as they mounted an early attack and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but the touch required to direct the ball into the net didn’t come. Spain went up the other end and won a penalty corner. The initial effort was blocked high into the air, but Spain’s Marc Reyne got under the falling ball to volley in and restore Spain’s lead. Reyne added Spain’s third with seven minutes to play, firing a powerful reverse into the roof of the net.

Ireland fought until the final whistle, almost reducing the deficit when Ali Empey took down an aerial ball inside the circle and half volleyed towards goal, but his shot went just wide of the post.

Spain ultimately saw the game out to take the win they needed to secure second place.

Speaking after the game, head coach Mark Tumilty said:

“This is the challenge for us; breaking into that Top 8. I don’t think we could have asked for any more from the lads today. We knew they [Spain] were going to come out really hard in the second half, and a really clinical third goal was the killer. We were in it at that stage. Did everything go our way? No, but that is sport at this level.”

Discussing the games to come, Tumilty said:

“The big challenge now is to regroup and go again tomorrow against Malaysia. That is a huge game for us. We have spoken about our objectives as we go through the tournament and if we couldn’t make the top eight then it was to be in that 9^th/10^th place play-off.”

The result sees Ireland take on Malaysia and France in their Pool H outings ahead of their final ranking match.

Ireland take on Malaysia tomorrow, August 21 at 13:00 Irish Time, before taking on France on Sunday, August 23.

The post Ireland’s World Cup Semi-Final hopes dashed with defeat to Spain appeared first on Hockey Ireland.

Tuesday, August 18 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team secured a 4-1 victory over South Africa, recording their first FIH Hockey World Cup victory since 1978 in the process. Having gone a goal down in the third quarter, Ireland turned the game around thanks to a Ben Walker goal, a brace of penalty corners from Player of the Match Lee Cole, and a finish in the final minutes from Sam Hyland to put the game beyond reach.

In a must-win game for both sides to keep top-two hopes alive, South Africa were the quicker of the teams out the blocks, mounting a number of attacks which Ireland weathered in the early stages.

Ireland soon gained control, forcing Cullin De Jager into two saves. Penalty Corners followed, but De Jager was once again on hand to keep Gregory Williams at bay.

A scrappy, end-to-end second and third quarter followed as both sides continued to size each other up. South Africa had the more notable chances of the period, Jaime Carr stepping up to deny them on more than one occasion. A rare error at the back provided South Africa with their best chance of the quarter, Kenton Melville converting in spectacular fashion to give South Africa the lead.

Ireland, though, had a response. Peter Brown drove well into the circel from the right hand side and connected with Fergus Gibson. Gibson played an inviting ball towards the penalty spot where Ben Walker battled fiercely to get the decisive touch to divert the ball goalward and draw Ireland level.

With their tails up, Ireland continued to push in the final quarter, winning a penalty corner that Lee Cole fired into the top corner to propel Ireland into the lead. Another penalty corner with less than five minutes on the clock gave Cole a second opportunity at goal, one he grabbed with two hands to give Ireland a two-goal lead.

The icing on the cake came with a minute to play, Louis Rowe playing the ball across the circle where Sam Hyland was waiting at the right post to stop and slap home to grab a fourth.

Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Lee Cole said:

“We started a little bit slow, we improved but then found ourselves behind. But unbelievable character to come back and get a win. It’s the stuff we dream of.”

Discussing the performance of his fellow defenders, Cole said:

“I don’t think we left a lot to be desired out there. Jaime Carr, Peter McKibbin; unbelievable. Everyone in our back four today were unbelievable.”

Ireland Head Coach, Mark Tumilty said:

“Going behind probably helped us. When we went behind we started to be more aggressive in our press, we stole a bit more ball and could play off that.

It shows the character of the group to grind that result out. I am not convinced twelve months ago we would have.”

The result means Ireland keep themselves within the hunt for a top two finish in Pool C, with a draw against Spain on Thursday enough to see the side progress.

Both the Ireland Women and Men close out their Pool C matches on Thursday, August 20. The Ireland Men are up first, taking on Spain at 16:00 Irish Time, followed by the Ireland Women who face World Cup hosts Belgium at 19:30 Irish Time.

Both games are available to watch live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player in the Republic of Ireland, and on Watch.Hockey around the world.

The post Ireland Men Secure Convincing World Cup Victory Over South Africa appeared first on Hockey Ireland.

Tuesday, August 18 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team secured their first win of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, battling past New Zealand. Captain Sarah Hawkshaw gave the Green Army the lead, but New Zealand drew level in quarter three. Ireland’s lead was restored by Róisín Upton from the penalty spot, before Katie Mullan touched in an Upton flick from close range to give Ireland a two-goal cushion. New Zealand grabbed a late consolation goal with a minute in the clock, but Ireland had done enough by that point to secure the win.

After a cagey opening period, New Zealand settled first securing the first penalty corners of the game which were squandered, before Ireland went up the other end to win two of their own, their first effort going wide followed by a second being saved by Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.

Penalty corners remained both sides’ best route to opportunities on goal, but neither could convert in the early stages of quarter 2. Ireland, though, found the game’s breakthrough, Aisling Utri beating her opposite player and feeding Ellen Curran who in turn found Niamh Carey free inside the circle. Carey pushed goalward where Braxgata teammate and Ireland Captain Sarah Hawkshaw was waiting to deflect into the roof of the net.

Ireland carried their momentum into the second half, Emily Kealy winning the ball off the restart and firing a reverse stick shot at O’Hanlon who did well to save. New Zealand, though, mounted a response, winning a barrage of penalty corners which eventually ended in their equaliser.

Ireland, though, remained calm to maintain control of the tie going final quarter. Fullback Ellen Curran drove with purpose along the right flank to draw a foul which resulted in a deserved penalty corner. Ireland opted for a variation from the setpiece, which ended in Aisling Utri deflecting the ball goalward from close range, hitting a New Zealand player on the line to win a penalty stroke.

Roisin Upton stepped up calmly to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and restore Ireland’s lead.

With momentum behind them Ireland continued to push. Another penalty corner this time won by Charley Beggs gave Ireland the chance to extend their lead. Upton flicked from top circle, finding the onrushing Katie Mullan who touched the ball over O’Hanlon to double Ireland’s lead, and almost secure victory.

A late goal for New Zealand from a penalty corner proved only to be a consolation, as Ireland got off the mark in Wavre with a crucial three points.

The result keeps Ireland’s hopes of a top two finish in Pool C alive, with a win over hosts Belgium on Thursday potentially enough to see them progress.

Speaking after the game, goalscorer Katie Mullan said:

“A World Cup win is not easy to come by. We had an early start this morning and I think we came out of the blocks quite well. Ourselves and New Zealand have played each other so many times over the years that it was always going to be a battle.

I think we showed great resilience and executed our corners again which are really threatening. I am so proud of the girls, it was just unbelievable strength of character.”

The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team will now turn their attention to their final Pool C match against host Belgium on Thursday August 20 at 19:30 Irish Time.

Before then, the Ireland Men’s Hockey Team take on South Africa later today at 16:00 Irish Time, as they look to secure a first win of their own in Wavre.

The post Ireland battle past New Zealand to secure first 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup win appeared first on Hockey Ireland.

Sunday, August 16 – Wavre, Belgium: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team came up just short against Spain in their opening game of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Having gone a goal behind on two occasions, Ireland drew level courtesy of penalty corner goals from Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey. But a final quarter penalty corner goal for Spain was the decisive moment, as the Redsticks secured a 3-2 win.

Ireland enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening minutes of their first Pool C out in Wavre, but Spain looked the more dangerous in attack with space to run into. A late green card in the opening quarter for Spain gave Ireland the opportunity to pile on some pressure, Niamh Carey driving onto the baseline and attempting to pull the ball back to a teammate, but Spain snuffed out the effort to keep the game scoreless.

Spain upped the intensity in quarter 2, finding the back of the net from a penalty corner. Ireland used their referral to good effect, the video umpire agreeing that goalkeeper Lizzy Murphy was fouled in the build up. Spain though did get their opener, Laia Vidosa flicking low into the bottom corner.

Spain almost had a second, but the goal was yet again ruled out after review, but momentum remained in Spain’s favor as they flashed a number of balls across goal in the closing minutes of the first half.

Ireland mounted a response early in the second half, Niamh Carey drawing a heavy challenge on the edge of the Spanish circle to win a penalty corner. Hannah McLoughlin’s slap from the top of the circle took a deflection on the way through to loop into the back of the net and draw Ireland level.

Spain wasted no time in restoring their lead, winning three back-to-back penalty corners. Sarah Torrans charged down the first two efforts, but at the third time of asking, Spain found the back of the net.

But Ireland once again mounted a come back with penalty corners yet again proving fruitful for the Green Army. Roisin Upton found Niamh Carey running at the back post, with Carey getting the touch required to direct the ball goalward.

A final twist in tail came with less than five minutes on the clock, Spain winning a penalty corner of their own. Lizzy Murphy did well to get low to save the initial effort, but Spain pounced on the rebound and smashed the ball off the backboard, ultimately securing the win.

Speaking after the game, Hannah McLoughlin said:

“We know each other very very well. Unfortunately, today probably our penalty corners, we didn’t quite get right and then conceded PCs, so very small margins but I did think we played quite well.”

Looking ahead to their next match against New Zealand, McLoughlin said:

“Leave the result behind, but also taking positive things forward, how we played, how we felt. It’s an incredible stadium here and a lot of supporters, and we’ll bring that with us. It’s a new challenge”

Both the Ireland Women’s and Men’s team return to FIH Hockey World Cup action on Tuesday, August 18. The Ireland Women take on New Zealand at 10:00 Irish Time, followed by the Ireland Men who face South Africa at 16:00 Irish Time.

All of Ireland’s FIH Hockey World Cup matches are available to watch live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player in the Republic of Ireland, and on Watch.Hockey around the world.

The post Heartbreak for Ireland in FIH Hockey World Cup opener versus Spain appeared first on Hockey Ireland.