The Front Row Union Sport - International Hockey: EuroHockey Championship B Qualifier

International Hockey: EuroHockey Championship B Qualifier

Aug 29, 2024

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We caught up with last weeks EuroHockey Qualifiers held in the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin Thursday Aug 22 through Sunday Aug 25.

The tournament featured eight teams and was played in a knockout format starting with quarter finals on Thursday. Ireland’s ambitions were to win the tournament in order to return to EuroHockey Championship A in 2025.

Unfortunately, Ireland just missed out on their stated aim. After a big win against Malta in the quarter finals they lost, after runs, to eventual winners, Poland, in the semi final. The Ireland team did regroup for a big win against Czechia in the 3rd Place Play Off, but as the highest ranked team in the tournament they will be frustrated with the results.

Match details and galleries below

Quarter Final: Ireland 25 Malta 0

Ireland recorded a record win in international hockey in their quarter-final game with Malta. Ireland were clinical in front of goal and ran out 25 – 0 winners

Ireland’s scores came from Alistair Empey (6), Ben Walker (4), Ben Johnson (4), Jonathan Lynch (2), Shane O’Donoghue (2), Michael Robson( 2), Luke Madeley, Lee Cole, Charlie Rowe, Louis Rowe, Daragh Walsh.

Semi Final: Ireland 0 (2) Poland 0 (4) After Runs

Ireland started strongly but Poland defended well, and the game was scoreless at halftime.
Ireland continued to control possession in the third quarter but failed to score and they had the best chance in the final quarter with a shot from Ali Empey just edging wide.

The game went to a shoot-out and despite early success from Ireland’s Daragh Walsh and Lee Cole the Polish side held their nerve for a 2 – 4 win.

3rd Place: Ireland 4 Czechia 0

Ireland won the bronze medal by defeating Czechia 4-0 in a thrilling match.

Shane O’Donoghue converted a penalty corner in the 6th minute, giving Ireland the lead. Ireland scored three more goals in the third quarter, with Alistair Empey, Lee Cole, and Louis Rowe all finding the net.