It has been a busy weekend for our Pathway teams. Five teams are away for the weekend. U16 Boys and Girls, U18 Boys and Girls and our U21 Men.
The U16 Girls are away in Lilleshall National Sports Centre in the UK.
The U16 Boys are away in the Walcz Olympic Sports Centre in Poland.
The U18 Girls are at the KHC in Leuven, Belgium
The U18 boys are in Wiesbaden THC in Germany
The U21 Men are in Loughborough University in the UK.
So far they have been playing some great hockey according to their managers and getting some great experience.
Scores from Friday and Saturday:
U16 Girls results
Match 1: England 4 Ireland 0
England put on an impressive display in the opening game, notching a goal in each quarter to take a 2-0 lead into half time. Ireland struggled to get a foothold in the game, penned in by the aggressive English press. The third quarter produced Irelands best spell, combining to win a couple of corners, but to no avail. England scored two more goals in the last quarter to leave the game 4-0 at the final whistle.
Ireland were impressive in the shoot out, however, coming away with a bonus point.
Match 2: Spain 4 Ireland 1
In the second game of a busy day, Ireland took on a fresh Spanish side full of flair and ability. The first Spanish goal was deftly taken, and the second somewhat against the run of play. Half time 2-0 to Spain.
The second half was a different affair, the Irish girls finding their groove and playing their best hockey of the day. A couple of chances went begging across the far post, Hollai Quinn hit the cross bar, before Emma McEntee converted a stroke after Anna Butler was fouled in the circle. Unfortunately a lapse in concentration immediately after saw Spain win and convert a penalty corner to make it 3-1. Ireland pushed for a goal back and conceded from a Spanish counter in the last quarter to leave the final score 4-1. However, just like earlier in the day Ireland were composed and assured in the shoot out, coming away with the bonus point.
Match 3: Ireland 0 England 6
Tough 3rd match for the U16 Girls against England 6-0 loss.
Match 4: Ireland 2 Spain 4
In a thrilling encounter at the Lilleshall Stadium, Ireland’s under 16 hockey team faced off against Spain in a nail-biting match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Despite a valiant effort, Ireland ultimately fell short, losing 4-2 to a formidable Spanish side. However, amidst the disappointment, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. From the outset, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation. Spain seized the early advantage, capitalizing on some defensive lapses to take the lead. Despite the setback, Ireland remained resilient, refusing to let their heads drop.
As the game progressed, Ireland’s persistence paid off when they earned a penalty corner, which they expertly converted to level the score. Buoyed by the equalizer, they continued to press forward, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Spain’s defense held firm, thwarting their advances and regaining the lead with a clinical finish.
Despite conceding some soft goals, Ireland refused to relent. With unwavering determination, they launched a relentless assault on the Spanish goal in the final quarter. Their efforts were rewarded when they earned another penalty corner, but unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on this occasion.
As the clock ticked down, Ireland threw everything they had into the attack, desperate to salvage a result from the game. Their persistence paid off when they finally found the breakthrough, levelling the score once again and setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the game went to a penalty shootout. Ireland, displaying nerves of steel, held their nerve to emerge victorious in the shootout, securing a morale-boosting win to cap off the tournament on a positive note.
While the final result may not have gone in their favour, Ireland’s under 16 hockey team showcased their resilience, fighting spirit, and never-say-die attitude throughout the game. Their performance against a strong Spanish side is a testament to their talent and determination, and bodes well for the future of Irish hockey.
As they reflect on their tournament journey, Ireland can take pride in their achievements and use this experience as motivation to continue striving for success on the international stage. With their promising young talent and a resilient mindset, the future looks bright for Irish hockey.
U16 Boys results
Match 1: U16B V U18B Czech Republic
Ireland under 16 boys versus Czech Under 18 Men:
The first quarter of the game saw Ireland start on the front foot, dominating possession and taking an early lead through Liam Walsh expertly slapping home from a short corner rebound.
Quarter two continued in the same vein, with Ireland enjoying the Lions share of possession, however not capitalising on several circle entries.
It was in quarter three that Ireland drove home their dominance with two excellent team goals. The first a wonderful team goal finished off by the tireless Hayden Jones. The second a sublime reverse finish from Harry Thompson.
Several more chances came and went, with the Ireland work rate causing all sort of problems for the opponents.
Each game ends with run-ins, which Ireland also won in sudden death, David Rankin converting the winner (his second of the shoot-out).
A four point haul from game one leaving head coach Ronan Hickey pleased “greater challenges lie ahead, however the boys worked very hard and have given us a good platform to build upon”, said Ronan.
Match 2: Ireland 0 Belgium 2
The under 16 boys took on their Belgian counterparts in their second group match, in what turned out to be a tactical battle between both coaching teams.
Two Belgium goals within the first 4 minutes left the boys with an uphill battle…and battle they did.
Oliver Graham had a short corner taken off the line with another being well saved by the keeper.
Whilst Belgium edged the first half, a change in shape and press structure caused the Belgians lots of problems, with Ireland dominating possession in Q3 and Q2. However the boys could not find the breakthrough and Belgium ran out 2-0 winners.
Once again, Ireland prevailed in the run-ins to secure the bonus point, leaving them tied at the top of the table after two games.
Next up are the Poland under 18 men, with it all still to play for.
Match 3: Ireland 2 Poland U18 0
Ireland under 16 Boys entered today’s final group game knowing that a victory against a very strong Poland under 18’s would see them through to the bronze medal play-off. Backed by absolutely incredible Irish supporters, the boys controlled the game from the outset.
Ireland took the lead through Hayden Jones who calmly controlled and fired home a short corner rebound.
As expected, the Poland side tried to respond, however were unable to penetrate the Ireland press. On the very odd occasion they did, Irelands one to one defence was outstanding. The second half saw the Ireland boys dominate territory creating some good chances. It was through one of these that the boys put the game to bed. Johnny Woods broke inside and accelerated away from a Polish defender, drew another before slipping in Sam Rothwell who deftly dinked it over the out-rushing keeper and tapped home home to spark great celebrations from the travelling support. The boys saw the game out comfortably and now face Austria under 17 for third place.
Special mention to the travelling supporters who were incredible and totally out-sung the home fans all match long!
Match 4: Ireland 1 Austria U17 2
Irelands under 16 boys took on Austria under 17 team this afternoon in the third/fourth place game. It was a tactical battle for large portions with possession shared evenly. Austria took the lead in Q3 from a short corner. Ireland immediately responded creating several good chances, however were unable to capitalise. Against the run of play, Austria scored a second in Q3 seemingly putting the game out of reach. However in true honeybadger style the under 16 boys responded incredibly, driving the Austrian team back with wave after wave of attack. Some last ditch defending saw Austria reduced to 10 men. Ireland saw their opportunity and withdrew their goalkeeper. Shortly thereafter they were awarded a penalty stroke and converted to make it 2-1. The wave of attacks continued. With minutes remaining Ireland were awarded a second penalty stroke. This time the Austrian keeper pulled off a fantastic stop. This enabled the Austrians to run down the clock and emerge as 2-1 winners. Ireland finished in 4th place in this 8 Nations tournament having faced three teams from older age categories. A notable result and credit to the players and leadership team of Ronan Hickey, Denis Pritchard, Mollie McGann, Sadhbh Murray Donoghue, Bart Shannon.
U18 Girls results
Match 1: Ireland 0 Spain 2
U18 Girls played Spain in their first match of the 2024 program. They played well unfortunately losing 0-2. Spain scored from a penalty in the 3rd Quarter and again on the final whistle.
Match 2: Ireland 0 Belgium 3
On Saturday, they met Belgium, losing 0-3, with goals 1st, 2nd and 4th quarter. They go again tomorrow at 10am against USA.
Match 3: Ireland 1 USA 4
Meabh McLoughlin with the goal.
Match 4: Ireland 0 Spain 0
U18 G drew 0-0 with Spain to close out their 4 Nations. Strong performance today with good progress made over the last 4 days
U18 Boys results
Match 1: Ireland 0 Netherlands 8
The first game of the Easter 4 Nations in Wiesbaden, Germany was a real tough game against The Netherlands. After starting well in the first quarter, a very difficult second quarter followed with a lot of wasteful passing leading to goals against. The third quarter showed signs of defensive improvement however further wasteful passing lead to goals against.
The final quarter was a marked improvement with the scoreline shared.
A tough day at the office but no doubt a real show of the standard to work towards.
Match 2: Germany 7 Ireland 0
Match 3: Scotland 3 Ireland 3
U21 Men results
Match 1: Ireland 1 England 2
U21M 2-1 loss to England – players report
We started our series against England with a tough game. They started the game well and had a lot of the ball in the first quarter, but we settled into the game and started to create some chances. We went 1-0 down in the second quarter from after one of their forwards picked up an aerial on the baseline and played it across to another one of their forwards who finished it well, and it stayed
1-0 until half time. We came out much better in the second half and started to keep the ball well and create more and more chances. We won a short corner midway through the 3rd quarter which Louis Rowe scored to make it 1-1. The game opened up then and both teams had a handful of good chances to go ahead in the rest of the third and 4th quarter. With about 5 minutes left England won a corner and converted it to make it 2-1. We couldn’t find an equaliser in the little time that was left and the game ended 2-1. We were disappointed with the result but happy enough with how we played considering it’s our first time playing together as a group since October. We are all looking forward to building on this performance and are confident we can get results in Sunday and Mondays games.
Match 2: Ireland 2 England 5
In a thrilling encounter at Loughborough University, the Ireland U21 men clashed with their English counterparts in the second game of a riveting three-game series. Push back was at noon, and from the onset, it was evident that both teams were evenly matched.
Q1 saw England draw first blood with a clinical move down the right-hand side, resulting in a well-executed pull-back and finish. However, Ireland responded swiftly, as Louis Rowe embarked on a mesmerizing solo run from the halfway line, with Adam McKee capitalizing on the rebound to level the scores.
Q2 saw Ireland seize control, dominating proceedings and earning several penalty corners, one of which was expertly converted by John Cunningham to put Ireland ahead.
Q3 witnessed a resurgence from England, as they notched up two goals to take the lead, courtesy of another incisive move down the right and a penalty corner conversion.
Q4 England continued their attacking onslaught, adding two more goals to their tally, including another penalty corner conversion and a well-worked move down the right flank, securing a hard-fought 5-2 victory.
Despite a valiant effort from Ireland, England emerged triumphant, setting the stage for an exciting finale to the series. Ireland will be eager to bounce back in tomorrow’s decisive encounter.
Match 3: Ireland 3 England 2
The match started at a really high standard with Ireland going in front with a rocket of a flick from Louis Rowe into the top right hand corner. England grew back into the game after converting a deflected corner, and then pressing with intensity to turn the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1.
The Irish boys battled hard and immediately responded with a bit of fortune from a short corner converted from Sam Maxwell. They then kicked on with an incredibly composed finish from Matthew McKee to make the score 3-2. The team showed resilience to protect the lead and came out victorious.
