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EY2 Weekend Roundup, January 20th, 2024

SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2024

 

EYHL 2 MEN POOL A

BANGOR   5 – 4 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BANGOR AURORA

A nine goal all Ulster thriller got Pool A underway at Bangor Aurora. Callum Duncan scored from open play to make the score Bangor 1 Queen’s 0 in the 11th minute. Ruben Boyd increased Bangor’s lead from open play in the 16th minute. The Students responded when Conor Irwin converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute. Conor Irwin got his second goal from his second penalty corner conversion in  the 31st minute to level the score at 2-2.

Nathan Belshaw restored Bangor’s lead in the 36th minute from open play  to make it 3-2 . Andrew Clarke equalised for Queen’s in the 53rd minute with another goal from open play 3-3. Samuel McMillan restored Bangor’s lead yet again on the hour mark to make it 4-3. Harry Scott responded for the students in the 67th minute from open play and in the final minute Bangor sealed a win through Ryan Burgess to make the final score5-4.

 

PEMBROKE WANDERERS 3-2 AVOCA, SERPENTINE AVENUE

Marshall Puzey put the visitors one up in this game in Pool A . But two goals from penalty corners in the 24th and 40th minute respectively by Jack Flanagan put Pembroke Wanderers 2-1 ahead. David Lynch scored a 3rd goal for Wanderers from open play in the 49th minute a last minute goal for Avoca by Guy Sarratt from open play proved a late consolation as it finished 3-2 to Pembroke Wanderers.

 

EYHL 2  MEN POOLB

CORK CHURCH OF IRELAND 1- 0 SOUTH ANTRIM, GARRYDUFF

Cork Church Of Ireland secured a win at Garryduff, in their Pool B match against South Antrim through a single goal by Harry Jackson in the 64th minute.

 

CORK HARLEQUINS 3 – 1 RAILWAY UNION, HARLEQUINS PARK, FARMER’S CROSS  

Julian Dale grabbed a hat-trick as Cork Harlequins grabbed three points in their opening Pool B game in the EYHL 2. His first goal was a converted penalty corner after 5 minutes to make 1-0 to Harlequins.

Dale’s second of the game also from a converted penalty corner in the 18th minute made it 2-0 to Harlequins. Jan Trejbal got Railway Union on the scoresheet when he converted a penalty corner in the 21st minute to make it 2-1 to Harlequins. Dale completed his hat-trick with a goal from open play on32 minutes to make the score 3-1 and it remained thus to the final whistle.

 

EYHL 2 WOMEN POOL A

CORK HARLEQUINS  3- 0  KILKENNY, HARLEQUINS PARK, FARMER’S CROSS

Former international Cliodhna Sargent gave Harlequins the lead in the 15th minute from a penalty corner.  Anne O’Farrell increased their lead in the 57th minute from open play and captain Michelle Barry sealed the victory with two minutes to go to make it Harlequins 3 Kilkenny 0 at full time.

 

GREENFIELDS  0-3 BELFAST HARLEQUINS, SPORTS CAMPUS IRELAND ABBOTSTOWN

Connacht Women’s Division 1 side Greenfields played their home game against Belfast Harlequins at Sports Campus Ireland this afternoon.

It was their Ulster Premier Women’s League opponents who had the upper hand getting all three points and keeping a clean sheet into the bargain.

Susie McCollum opened the scoring for Harlequins in the 31st minute when she converted a penalty corner. Two goals from open play scored in the 53rd and 55th minutes by Emma Fraser secured the three points for the Ulsterwomen.

 

EYHL 2  WOMEN POOL B

ARDS 1 – 2 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, LONDONDERRY PARK

Munster Senior Leaguers UCC travelled to Newtownards and came away with a 2-1 win over Ards. Jane Murphy gave the students the lead converting a penalty corner in the 4th minute to put the Cork side 1-0 up. Rachel Houston equalised for the Ulster Women’s Premier Leaguers when she converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute. But all three points were on their way south when Jane Murphy got her second goal of the match with another penalty corner conversion in the 48th minute to secure the 2-1 win for UCC.

 

MUCKROSS 3- 0 UNIVERSITYOF GALWAY   MUCKROSS PARK  

Muckross opened their Pool B account with a comfortable win over Connacht Women’s Division 1 side University of Galway. Jenny Buttimer opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the 39th minute. Mia Phelan Sweeney made it 2-0 from another penalty corner in the 49th minute. Julia Holmes completed the job in the 57th minute with a goal from open play to secure a 3-0 win .

 

MEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP

 

N.I. CIVIL SERVICE 9  – 0 COOKSTOWN      

NICS had a comprehensive win over Cookstown in the First round of the Irish Senior Cup. They will be in the hat for the second round draw. Some of the first round ties have still to be played over the next few weeks.

 

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Irish heartache as Women’s Hockey team lose out on Olympic Qualification following GB defeat

 

IRELAND  1 : 2  GREAT BRITAIN 

 

Valencia, Jan 20: In 2015 Ireland suffered Olympic heartbreak in Valencia and in2024 suffered heartbreak yet again. Great Britain went into this game having qualified for every Olympics except 2004. Ireland’s women on the other hand had only ever qualified for the Olympics in Tokyo which were deferred until 2021due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Ireland’s most recent victory over Great Britain going into this match was an unofficial international warm up match ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in Belfast during 2020 when travel was restricted. In major tournaments where the caps counted as did the ranking points Great Britain always enjoyed the upper hand. This was the history as Ireland entered the bronze medal win or bust final this afternoon in Valencia.

Ireland started well but Great Britain were dangerous on the counterattack. Indeed, the first clear cut scoring opportunity fell to the 2016 Gold medallists. Katie Robertson almost opened the scoring for Great Britain. She lobbed McFerren but Charlotte Beggs cleared it off the line. Her second effort was hit away by McFerren’s block in the 8th minute. Ireland dominated possession in the closing stages of the first quarter, Ireland 0 Great Britain 0. Great Britain took the lead in the 18th minute after a counterattack into the Irish D they were awarded a penalty corner. Sarah Jones deflected the ball past Ayeisha McFerren, Ireland 0 Great Britain 1.

Great Britain had the better of the possession for the rest of the half save for a breakaway by Katie Mullan whose cross deflected skywards was deemed dangerous and ended up with a free hit out of their own D for Great Britain half time score was Ireland 0 Great Britain 1.  The main feature of the third quarter from an Irish point of view was that Deirdre Duke left the field through injury.

Sarah Jones crossed a ball later in the quarter which Ayeisha McFerren had to kick clear. Ireland were awarded a penalty corner in the 41st minute. Ireland were only able to win a long corner from the penalty corner. Ireland had a reasonable amount of possession in the third quarter and were on the attack when the end of third quarter hooter sounded. Score remained Ireland 0Great Britain 1.

Katie Robertson got the first Great Britain goal of her career to put Great Britain 2-0 ahead in the 46th minute. Ireland withdrew goalkeeper McFerren in favour of an extra outfield player with 6minutes to go.

Best chance fell to Sarah Torrans who shot wide. Ireland were awarded a penalty corner which Great Britain referred to the video umpire. The umpire upheld the decision, and they lost their video referral. Heesh saved from McLoughlin. Ireland were looking for another penalty corner which was referred to the video umpire by Ireland, the penalty corner was awarded and Heesh saved and also blocked the rebound from Niamh Carey .

In the final minute Ireland tried to get on the scoreboard. In the last seconds Ireland looked for a penalty corner and it was referred to the video umpire. Ireland were awarded the penalty corner. McLoughlin’s first effort hit a foot and Ireland were awarded another penalty corner. Ireland scored through Hannah McLoughlin with the last hit of the game to make it Ireland 1 Great Britain 2,  but the clock had run out and so did our Olympic hopes.

IRELAND:  Ayeisha McFerren, Róisín Upton, Niamh Carey, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C), Hannah McLoughlin, Naomi Carroll, Ellen  Curran, Charlotte Beggs, Katie McKee, Beth Harper

SUBS USED: Sarah McAuley, Michelle Carey, Sarah Torrans, Elena Neill,  Chloe Watkins, Deirdre Duke, Liz Murphy (GK)

GREAT BRITAIN: Sabbie Heesh (GK), Lily Owsley, Anna Toman, Hannah French, Sarah Jones, Sarah Robertson, Isabelle Petter, Giselle Ansley, Hollie Pearne-Webb (C), Fiona Crackles, Sophie Hamilton

SUBS USED: Amy Costello, Elena Rayer, Tessa Howard, Katie Robertson, Laura Roper,  Lily Walker

IRELAND:    Ayeisha McFerren, Róisín Upton, Niamh Carey, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C), Hannah McLoughlin, Naomi Carroll, Ellen  Curran, Charlotte Beggs, Katie McKee, Beth Harper

SUBS USED: Sarah McAuley, Michelle Carey, Sarah Torrans, Elena Neill,  Chloe Watkins, Deirdre Duke, Liz Murphy (GK)

 

GREAT BRITAIN:  Sabbie Heesh (GK), Lily Owsley, Anna Toman, Hannah French, Sarah Jones, Sarah Robertson, Isabelle Petter, Giselle Ansley, Hollie Pearne-Webb (C), Fiona Crackles, Sophie Hamilton

SUBS USED: Amy Costello, Elena Rayer, Tessa Howard, Katie Robertson, Laura Roper,  Lily Walker

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Ireland Men Lose To Spain But Olympic Qualification Still Awaits

IRELAND 0:2 SPAIN

 

Valencia, Jan 19: For the second time in two days Ireland took on Spain in an Olympic Qualification tournament semi-final and this time it was the turn of the men. Before the game began it was a case of win and Ireland go to the Olympics in the summer, lose and face a third place play off with a second chance to make those games. The Irish seemed to have the weather on their side as the game took place in a wet and windy Valencia this morning.

A close and tightly fought first quarter produced few if any goal scoring opportunities but whatever chances there were both defences coped with admirably. Spain looked potentially very threatening on their counter-attack and Ireland had to be on top of their defensive game to keep them at bay. While both goalkeepers were called into action it was only on a handful of occasions. It was no surprise that the second quarter produced no goals although the home side had the better opportunities Ireland did have one penalty corner which Spanish goalkeeper Calzado cleared. Spain were actually on the attack as the halftime hooter sounded Spain 0 Ireland 0.

The third quarter saw the home side in the ascendancy, and they took the lead from a penalty corer in the 35th minute, initial effort was blocked at the post by Lee Cole. Rafael Vilallonga reacted quickest to the rebound to score. Spain1 Ireland 0. Marc Miralles converted a second penalty corner in the 39th minute to put them 2-0 up. The third quarter ended Spain 2 Ireland 0. Ireland continued to press to try and get back into the game Calzado saved well from Shane O’Donoghue. Spain’s third quarter double goal salvo was enough to give them the win and a place in the Paris Olympics. Ireland go into a third-place match against Korea on Sunday afternoon. It finished Spain 2 Ireland 0.

 

After the match we spoke to Irish Head Coach Mark Tumilty:

 

“We came in at half-time level which was where we had wanted to be. But Spain came at us strongly in quarter three and took their two goals from penalty corners and got the better of us. They tend to do well in quarter three in matches.”

“Spain deserved their win, even though we had a few chances to score in the final quarter. Going into this tournament based on World rankings we thought we might have to go to the bronze medal match, and we are where we expected to be and have prepared for that.”

“Whoever we end up against be it Belgium or Korea, they will offer a different challenge. We need to be more clinical at taking our opportunities in front of goal if we are going to achieve our target”.

 

IRELAND:  David Harte, Luke Madeley, Shane O’Donoghue, Tim Cross, Lee Cole, Daragh Walsh, Nicholas Page, Sean Murray (C), John McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Michael Robson

SUBS USED: Matthew Nelson, Kyle Marshall, Peter Mckibbin, Jonathan Lynch, Sam Hyland, Ben Johnson

SPAIN; Luiz Calzano (GK), Alejandro Alonso, Xavier Gispert, Alvaro Iglesias, José Basterra, Marc Miralles (C), Jordi Bonastre, Pepe Cunill, Joaquin Menini, Borja Lacallé, Alvaro Portugal

SUBS USED: Enrique Gonzalez, Marc Recasens, Marc Reyne, Ignacio Rodriguez, Gerard Clapes, Rafael Vilallonga

 

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Ireland Women Narrowly Lose Out To Spain But Olympic Qualification Still A Chance

IRELAND 0:0 SPAIN (Spain win 3-0 in Shoot out)

 

Valencia, January 18: The first of the two Olympic qualification semi-finals in Women’s Hockey took place in Valencia this morning.  Ireland (world ranked #13) finished second in Pool A and ended up playing Spain (world ranked #8) in the game.

Spain are very familiar opponents. Ireland regularly go to play Spain in warm weather training matches in January most years. And even though they were ranked 5 places higher at the time the match began, historically games between the two sides have been relatively close affairs.

Patricia Alvarez had the first shot in anger of the game for Spain which was blocked by Sarah Hawkshaw  but Ireland went straight up the other end and won a long corner. And the was pretty much the pattern of a first quarter which was fairly even. The second quarter saw Spain start well and Blanca Perez had the first real chance after the restart but her cross cum shot whizzed across the face of the goal eluding everyone including her teammates. Ireland went on to dominate the second quarter in possession terms having several circle entries, Katie Mullan forcing a couple of saves out of keeper Clara Perez. One effort by Sarah Hawkshaw in the 23rd minute ended up bouncing off one of the umpires but play continued uninterrupted.

So, both sides went in at half time as they had begun Spain 0 Ireland 0. No stoppages, no injuries, no cards and only one penalty corner key stats from the first half. Spain started quarter three strongly.  But there were no clear-cut goal scoring chances for either side until the final minute. At the end of the third quarter though it remained Spain 0 Ireland 0.

It was a landmark for Hannah McLoughlin who gained her 50th cap in this game. But the rest of the game had no clear-cut chances and it ended scoreless. There is no extra time in tournaments like these so both sides went straight to a penalty shootout.

First up for Spain was Laia Vidosa who missed 0-0. First up for Ireland was Róisín Upton who also missed still 0-0. Second up for Spain was Lucia Jiminez who put Spain 1-0 up. Next up for Ireland was Sarah Hawkshaw whose effort was saved by Clara Perez still 1-0 Spain. Third up for Spain was Julia Strapatto who put Spain 2-0 up. Next up for Ireland was Hannah Mc Loughlin whose effort was saved by Clara Perez still 2-0 Spain. Fourth up for Spain was captain for the Day Maria Lopez and she added another goal. Spain win 3-0.

Spain are in the Olympic games in Paris. Ireland will have to settle for the 3rd/4th place play off against the losers of the second semi-final between Belgium and Great Britain.

After the match we spoke to Head Coach Sean Dancer:

“We are really happy with how we played today.  When a game goes to a shootout, it’s always a difficult way to lose a game.”

“Belgium have to take on Great Britain to decide who plays in the final and who we will play against on Saturday. We just need to focus on ourselves as we prepare for Saturday.”

“We are proud of how we defended. But we also dominated possession today and in attack. We created a lot of chances today, we just need to start putting more of them away.”

 

IRELAND:  Ayeisha Mc Ferren, Róisín Upton, Niamh Carey, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C), Hannah McLoughlin, Naomi Carroll, Ellen  Curran, Charlotte Beggs, Katie McKee ,Beth Harper

SUBS USED: Sarah Mc Auley  (4 mins), Michelle Carey (6 mins ), Sarah Torrans  (7 mins ), Elena Neill  (  4 mins ),  Chloe Watkins  (5 mins ) , Deirdre Duke  ( 7 mins)   ; Liz Murphy (GK) [ mins]

SPAIN:  CLara Perez  (GK), Lucia Jiminez, Maria Lopez (C), Marta Segu, Constanza Amundson, Blanca Perez, Begona Garcia, Xantal Gine, Laia Vidosa, Alejandra Torres-Quevedo, Patricia Alvarez

SUBS USED:  Laura Barrios (11 mins), Sara Barrios (4 mins), Belen Iglesias (4 mins), Lola Riera (7 mins), Beatriz Perez (5mins), Julia Strapatto (4 mins), Maria Tello (GK)

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Ireland Men book their place in Olympic Qualifier Semi-Final

IRELAND 1:0 JAPAN  

Valencia, January 17: Both Ireland Men and Ireland Women progress to the semi finals of the Olympic Qualifiers as Ireland Men beat Japan in their last pool game here in Valencia this evening.

Both sides in this men’s encounter entered their final pool match having won one and lost one of their opening two games. Ireland had the advantage of a plus 2 goal difference meaning that a draw would be enough to reach second place in Pool A and that coveted semi-final slot. Japan simply had to win to get past Ireland and points gained as they had a minus 4 deficit goal difference entering game three.

For Ireland, who suffered the heartbreak of a playoff elimination back in Vancouver in 2019,there was probably even more motivation after the disappointment of losing their shoot out to Canada five years ago. Japan appeared to be determined to try and counter anything Ireland threw at them and in the first half it was pretty much even stephens in terms of possession but both sides seemed to have the crucial intervention to prevent anything concrete being created by their opponents in terms of goalscoring opportunities. Indeed, when the end of the first quarter arrived it was difficult to recall a single clear-cut chance for Ireland or Japan.

The second quarter was better from both sides in terms of attacking opportunities and the first real chances of the game happened early on in the quarter. Ireland had enjoyed slightly the better of the chances and were rewarded midway through the quarter. Ireland took the lead in the 21st minute from a penalty corner Shane O’Donoghue’s shot toward goal was turned in at the post by Luke Madeley to give the Green Army a 1-0 lead. The umpire referred the goal to the video umpire but the video umpire saw no reason for the goal not to stand and the goal was awarded.

Japan came back at Ireland but were thwarted at times by David Harte in the Irish goal and at other times by Irish defending. Daragh Walsh did some great covering on one occasion intercepting a Japanese pass down near the corner at the Irish end and immediately launching a counter attack to relieve some pressure. It was still1-0 at half -time.

The Japanese were dominant in quarter three and forced five penalty corners during the quarter. The closest they came to scoring was two shots which sailed over the bar. And every so often Ireland would break out of defence and cause some serious back pedaling by their opposition. Daragh Walsh cut inside the D ran along the baseline and before he could shoot properly Yoshikawa the Japanese keeper made a fine save in the 54th minute. Japan went for the last ultimate option when withdrawing goalkeeper Yoshikawa in favour of an extra attacker with five minutes remaining. While they had the lion’s share of the possession, including a few penalty corners, they were never able to carve out the chance that would have gotten the goal. Having several shots on goal over the length of the match including two which sailed over the bar. The hockey gods who had abandoned Ireland in 2019 were back on board on this occasion.

The team defended as a unit from front to back and when they did carve out a few attacks looked to have more of a cutting edge than their opponents who were the hosts last time the Olympic Games were held. The Japanese forced a number of long corners and were looking to get penalty corners. But their video referrals were deemed inconclusive by the video referee, and they kept their referrals. One occasion saw a penalty stroke awarded initially against Ireland but when it was referred to the video umpire by Ireland, he said it was not a stroke and should be downgraded to a penalty corner and Ireland should keep their referral.

John McKee broke out of defence in the closing seconds and got deep into Japanese territory  just as the final hooter sounded. Shane O’Donoghue was chosen as player of the match.

 

After the match we spoke to Head Coach Mark Tumilty:

“Without the ball we’ve become comfortable in deep defence. Deep defence is something we have worked on. The objective was to get out of the group. We have achieved that, and we now face into a huge challenge against Spain in the Semi-final on Friday and then have another opportunity on Sunday, the nature of which (either the gold medal or bronze medal final) will depend on the result on Friday.”

Captain Sean Murray said after the match:

“It was tough in the end. At the same time, it was never going to be easy with both teams playing to make the last four. They had to win, nothing else would have been good enough for them. We had a slight cushion with our goal difference advantage knowing that if we did draw, we would also qualify.”

“We weren’t playing for a draw because going for the win was the best way to secure a place in the semi-final and we got there. Set pieces were crucial both taking them and defending against them. Both the drag flickers, runners and post men (while defending) were outstanding and at the end of the day we were more efficient when we were awarded penalty corners and when we had to defend them”.  

“Ourselves and the women are both playing Spain in semi-finals in this tournament. Hopefully we get the job done on Friday and they do likewise tomorrow. Two Irish teams getting it done against Spain would be amazing.”

 

Shane O’Donoghue player of the match:

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against Japan. We displayed the fighting Irish spirit, at times it was backs to the wall defending but we are experienced at that aspect of the game. You also have to score when you have an opportunity to do so and then defend when you don’t have the ball. That spirit runs right through the team. Looking forward to the semi-final with Spain, both teams will be feeling the pressure. The hosts are going to have a large home support, but we will also have a large number of green jerseys in the stand cheering us on and our fans will be competing against the Spanish as to who can make the biggest noise to support their teams.”

 

IRELAND: David Harte, Tim Cross, Shane O’Donoghue, Lee Cole , Nicholas Page, John McKee, Sean Murray (C), Michael Robson, Daragh Walsh, Jeremy Duncan, Luke Madeley

SUBS USED: Jamie Carr (GK)  (Not used) Matthew Nelson (5 mins), Kyle Marshall (8 mins), Peter McKibbin (3 mins), Jonathan Lynch (5 mins), Sam Hyland (3 mins), Ben Johnson (4 mins)

JAPAN: Takashi Yoshikawa (GK), Koji Yamasaki, Yamato Kawahara, Seren Tanaka, Kentaro Fukuda, Taiki Takade, Yuma Nagai, Raiki Fujishima, Ken Nagayoshi, Makasi Ohahsi, Kaito Tanaka

SUBS USED :-  Takumi Kitagawa (GK) (Not used), Takuma Niwa (4 mins), Manubu Yamashita (5 mins), Hiro Saito (3 mins), Ryoma Ooka (4 mins), Genki Mitani  (4 mins), Yusuke Kawamura (4 mins)

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Hockey Ireland Domestic Weekend Preview: Saturday January 20

EY Hockey League returns after the Christmas break this weekend with the EYHL Division 2 2023/24 season start.

The League will sort out which teams from outside the EYHL gain promotion to the topflight at the end of the season. The teams qualify via their finishing position in their respective provincial leagues. The teams who were relegated from the topflight in 2022-23 are also included, making up a total of 20 teams. These twenty teams (10 male and 10 female) are divided into two groups of 5 in each division. One team in each Pool will be idle per week.

The top two in each Division qualify for the EYHL 2 semi-finals in both men’s and women’s categories. There is a finals weekend hosted where the semi-finals are played off on a Saturday and the finals are played on the Sunday. The good news for the finalists is that, as two teams are relegated from both the Men’s and Women’s top division each year, both finalists gain promotion to the EYHL Men’s and Women’s Division 1 respectively with a trophy being awarded to the winner to crown EYHL2 champions. But the main goal is promotion to the top flight for the four finalists concerned in both men’s and women’s competitions.

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 20, 2024

EYHL 2 MEN POOL A 

BANGOR V QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY,  BANGOR AURORA

PEMBROKE WANDERERS  V  AVOCA,   SERPENTINE AVENUE   16:00

 

EYHL 2  MEN POOL B 

CORK CHURCH OF IRELAND  V  SOUTH ANTRIM,  GARRYDUFF   12:00

CORK HARLEQUINS  V  RAILWAY UNION,  HARLEQUINS PARK, FARMER’S CROSS  14:45

 

EYHL 2 WOMEN POOL  A

CORK HARLEQUINS  V  KILKENNY,  HARLEQUINS PARK, FARMER’S CROSS  12:45

GREENFIELDS  V  BELFAST HARLEQUINS,   SPORTS CAMPUS IRELAND ABBOTSTOWN  15:30

 

EYHL 2  WOMEN  POOL  B 

ARDS  V  UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK,   LONDONDERRY PARK  13:00

MUCKROSS  V UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY,   MUCKROSS PARK        13:30

 

The Men’s Irish Senior Cup 2024 competition first round has another tie down for decision this weekend when N.I. Civil Service take on Cookstown. The rest of the ties will be taking place over the next few weeks. Teams currently involved in quarter-finals and knockout stages of provincial cup competitions will play their ties once those other matches have been completed.

MEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP 

N.I. CIVIL SERVICE   V  COOKSTOWN,    VENUE TBC  14:30

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Ireland Women Secure Olympic Qualifiers Semi-Final Spot

IRELAND 3:1 KOREA

Players in front of fans after the match.

The task for Ireland going into tonight’s last pool match of these Olympic Qualifiers was simple. A win and second place in the pool and a spot in the semi-finals would be secure. In fact, a draw given Ireland’s superior goal difference to the Koreans might also have been enough. Belgium went on from their 0-0 draw with Ireland to beat Korea 10-1 and Ukraine 13-0 and win the Group. Ireland would have needed to beat Korea 15-0 to win the group and that outcome was highly unlikely. to secure a semi-final tilt with Great Britain.

Hannah McLoughlin had an early penalty corner attempt saved by Eunji KIM. McFerren made a good save from a circle entry by the Koreans. The ball struck her on the lower arm, and she needed a little attention from the physio before continuing in action. Korea forced a number of corners both long and penalty in the 10th minute without really testing McFerren.

Ireland finished the quarter strongly 0-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Korean defended well in numbers and having shipped 10 goals against the Belgians in their previous outing were determined there would not be a repeat. Jeogihn Kim was green carded for Korea in the 19th minute Sarah Hawkshaw got green carded in the 22nd minute but neither Ireland or  Korea were unable to put their temporary numerical advantages to productive use. Korea and Ireland were taking it in turns to attack as the quarter drew to a close. Sarah Torrans dived in to intercept a pass across goal by a Korean player, but her interception didn’t go on target. It was 0-0 at half time.

The third quarter began and Roisín Upton was green carded in the 32nd minute. Ireland got their second penalty corner of the match in the 34th minute while shorthanded. Sarah Hawkshaw diving in at the far post converted the penalty corner from Hannah McLoughlin’s initial goal bound shot. Ireland 1-0. Korea didn’t see the ball while Ireland were shorthanded as the girls in green defended well.

Sarah Torrans was green carded in the 41st minute and again Ireland had the better of times during her absence. Deirdre Duke was unlucky not to score diving effort saved by Eunji KIM and while on the ground she attempted another which the keeper batted away with her blocker. Deirdre Duke had gone on a run and shot the ball in the net in the 45th minute .

The Koreans referred it to the video referral. But the goal stood, and the Koreans lost their video referral. Ireland led 2-0 at the end of the third quarter.  Eunbi Cheon, the Korean captain almost got them on the score sheet in the fourth quarter forcing a save from Ayeisha McFerren. From the resultant long corner, Korea did score the ball was sent to Cho Hyejin at the far post and she scored to make it 2-1. This was the first goal Ireland had conceded in the tournament. Michelle Carey was yellow carded and Ireland were shot handed for Ireland were awarded a penalty stroke in the 55th minute which Roisin Upton converted with aplomb to make it 3-1 to Ireland. The Koreans withdrew their goalkeeper with five minutes to go. Ireland failed to convert a penalty corner when Korea had no keeper, and they also had the ball in the net, but the whistle had already blown for a free hit to Korea in the closing minutes. The Koreans forced a penalty corner in the 58th minute but were unable to convert it and Ireland held out to win 3-1. They will face Spain the winners of Pool B in their semi-final.

 

After the match, we spoke with Captain Katie Mullan and Player of the Match, Sarah Hawkshaw

To Katie Mullan: 

Q.1 Katie, a place in the semi-finals secured an important first step?

“It feels great we are very excited. This is the place we wanted to be in. I’m really proud of the girls tonight. It was another game and another job done. And we put in a brilliant performance. Everyone did their job and we are ready to go for the semi-final”

Q2. Is it good to have a familiar opponent  in the semi-finals?

“Yeah we’ve played Spain a lot and we have lot of experience of playing against them , and on this pitch. I’ve no doubt that it will be a good battle but we’ll be ready for it.”

 

To Sarah Hawkshaw:  

Q.1 Tell us about the first goal of the game. Was that one from the training ground?

“Yeah most certainly is. Look , for that to come off , all the basics have to be right . Hannah McLoughlin delivered a great ball. So I just had the small matter of touching it in.” 

Q.2  Sarah there were a number of green and yellow cards awarded against Ireland today and we played much of the second half down to 10 players , were you under increased pressure short handed?

“We always like to make it a little bit more exciting don’t we?  It is a bit more pressure, but we practice those scenarios though. We know what it’s like to be down (players) because of cards. Cards come freely in the game. We have to be used to it. We showed a lot of resilience I think to hold them out.” 

 

IRELAND: Ayeisha Mc Ferren, Róisín Upton, Hannah McLoughlin, Ellen Curran, Beth Harper,  Katie McKee, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C ), Charlotte Beggs, Naomi Carroll, Niamh Carey

SUBS USED:  Sarah McAuley (5 mins), Michelle Carey (6 mins), Sarah Torrans (6 mins), Elena Neill (5 mins), Chloe Watkins (6 mins), Deirdre Duke (5 mins), Liz Murphy (GK) (not used)

 

KOREA: Eunji KIM (GK), Jungeun SEO, Hynju AN, Eunbi CHEON (C), Hyejin CHO,  Minjeong KIM, Eunji CHO, Yuri LEE, Seungae PARK, Suyoung SEO, Sujin AN

SUBS USED: Juyeon LEE (6 mins), Yujin LEE (3 mins), Soyeong KWON (9 mins), Jina KANG (7 mins), Eunji KIM (4 mins), Jeongihn KIM (3 mins), Seoyeon LEE  (GK) (not used)

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In Memoriam: Dr Moira McKelvey (née Hopkins)

Hockey Ireland joins Ulster Hockey in sadness as it learns of the death of Dr Moira McKelvey (née Hopkins) who passed away peacefully on Thursday 11th January 2024. 

Moira had a very distinguished hockey career which started off at Victoria College, Belfast. When she was at school, she won her first full international cap for Ireland at the age of 17. Her sister, Thelma, who was a year younger, was also on the team. Ireland played Wales on that occasion and won the match 2-1, with Moira scoring Ireland’s first goal and Thelma the second. 

Moira had 15 Irish caps from 1953 to 1971 and represented Ulster in Interprovincial matches from 1952 to the late 1970s. After she graduated from Queens University in Medicine, she played for Victorians from 1958 to the late 1980s when she was nearly 50 years of age. A newspaper article, written in the Belfast Telegraph by Artie O’Neill in February 1981, had the headline, ‘Victorians owe a lot to Moira’, saying the young squad had the benefit of the maturity of former international Moira upfront and ’the speed that Moira moves on the field certainly belies her age’. 

Off the pitch Moira contributed greatly to hockey in Ulster. She was President of the Ulster Women’s Hockey Union from 1981-1983 and sat on the Ulster Women’s Hockey Committee for many years. She was President of Victorians Ladies Hockey Club from 1985 to 2007 and was actively involved in the club as a player and an official for 49 years.  

At this sad time we remember how much Moira gave to hockey over the years. Our condolences go to her husband, Jimmy, son Bill, grandsons Ben, Matt & Nick and her sister Thelma, who is in Canada. 

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Strong Irish Performance Not Enough Against Clinical Belgium

IRELAND 2:4 BELGIUM

 

Without creating any clear cut opportunities Belgium dominated the opening exchanges of today’s second match for Ireland Men in their Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia. A well organised Irish defence coped admirably with whatever they were faced with.

But Belgium, ranked number two in the world, had the ball in the net in the thirteenth minute when Thibeau Stockbroekx cross seemed to be deflected past David Harte by another Belgian player. The Irish asked for the video umpire to take a look thinking some kind of infringement may have occurred. The video umpire saw no reason to change the on-field decision and the goal stood. So, it was 1-0 to Belgium at the end of the first quarter.

The goal seemed to have been a straight shot by Stockbroekx but Felix Denayer ended up being credited with the goal. In the second quarter Harte saved from point blank from Tanguy Cosyns and then Tim Cross went up the other end and was very unlucky not to get an equaliser for Ireland who were in white on the night. Alexander Hendrickx converted a penalty corner to increase Belgium’s lead 2-0 in the 25th minute. Nelson Onana was green carded a minute later. Ben Johnson got one back from open play to make the score 2-1 in the 26th minute. But any hopes of a comeback took a major blow in the final minute of the first half when William Ghislain scored from open play to send Belgium leading 3-1 at the break.

Belgium increased their lead in the 32nd minute through Thibeau Stockbroekx who scored from open play. 4-1 Belgium and it seemed a bridge too far. Ireland did get back one goal late on and it was a terrific piece of team play which was finished off by Matthew Nelson in the 53rd minute.

Speaking after the match head coach Mark Tumilty said:

“We probably weathered a storm in the first quarter and then shipped two good goals. We got a goal back and had a chance to make it 2-2 but it was the sort of chance we normally take but didn’t on this occasion.”

“They got two quick goals either side of half time and we were chasing the game for the remainder of it. It was pleasing we scored an excellent team goal late on.”

“We have a final pool game with Japan and there’s no point in sitting back and getting a draw we need to be proactive and play attacking hockey looking for the win we need to secure that semi-final spot. Ukraine showed earlier on by attacking Japan from the start and went into a 2-0 lead against them so they can be vulnerable early on which gives us a good opportunity”.

 

IRELAND: David Harte, Kyle Marshall ,Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Tim Cross, Nicholas Page, John Mc Kee, Sean Murray, Michael Robson, Jeremy Duncan, Darragh Walsh

SUBS USED:  Peter McKibbin ( 3 mins) ; SamHyland ( 3 mins), Ben Johnson (6 mins), Jonathan Lynch (6 mins),  LukeMadeley (6 mins)

 

BELGIUM: Vincent Vanache, Thibeaux Stockbroekx, Arthur van Doren, Florent van Aubel,Gauthier Boccard, Alexander Hendrickx, Felix De Nayer, Arthur De Sloover, Victor Wegnez, Arno Van Dossel, Tom Boom

SUBS USED: Nelson Onana (2 mins), Tanguy Cosyns (3 mins), Loick Luypaert (4 mins),  Maxime Van Oost ( 4 mins), William Ghislain (6 mins), John John Dohmen (7 mins)

 

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