Ireland book Olympic qualification group spot with Italy draw

Ireland will be in the qualification groups for the 2024 Olympics next January in either China or Spain following a 1-1 draw with Italy in their final game at the EuroHockey Championships.

Group rivals Spain had played Scotland on Friday and surprisingly lost 2-1 ensuring that Ireland had a bit of wiggle room ahead of their final fixture. The result also secures a place in the EuroHockey Championships in 2025.

Both sides showed endeavour and maintained their discipline in a scoreless first quarter. The second quarter was also largely uneventful with just a single penalty corner for the Italians, ensuring that it was 0-0 at half time.

Things got interesting in the third quarter as Italy went 1-0 up when Sofia Laurito converted a penalty corner.

A healthy goal difference ensured that Ireland could lose by two goals and still top the pool, but that wasn't on their minds as they chased a response.

Trailing 1-0 at the end of quarter three, Ireland began the fourth and final quarter strongly and Naomi Carroll scored from open play in the 48th minute to level things up in a game that saw no cards issues to either side as good discipline shone through.

The point after the draw was enough for Ireland to win Pool C, and their overall fifth place finish ensures a spot at the Olympic qualification groups in January 2024 and a spot in the elite tier of European Hockey in 2025.

Ireland: Ayeisha McFerran (GK), Sarah McAuley, Roisín Upton, Niamh Carey, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C), Elena Neill, Charlotte Beggs, Caitlin Sherin, Katie Mc Kee, Deirdre Duke.

Subs: Michelle Carey, Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah Torrans, Naomi Carroll, Ellen Curran, Caoimhe Perdue.

Italy: Lucia Ines Caruso (GK), Emilia Munitis, Dalila Mirabella, Federica Carta (C), Sara