Advertisement
Conor Harte was on target for Ireland (file photo). INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Report

Hockey: Ireland beat South Africa, secure quarter-final spot

Andrew Meredith’s team will now face Poland in the last eight following today’s win.

A 3-1 VICTORY over South Africa has handed the Irish men’s national hockey team a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Challenge 1 tournament in Quilmes, Argentina.

New coach Andrew Meredith’s first competitive win as Ireland boss means his side are now set to face Poland in the last eight.

Ireland went into the game on the back of two disappointing losses against Argentina and Japan, but were boosted early on in the match, when Andy McConnell gave them the lead with a scrappy goal on eight minutes.

However, Miguel Da Garca subsequently equalised for their opponents shortly thereafter, after Ireland failed to clear a penalty corner.

Meredith’s men then re-took the lead early in the second half, with John Jermyn getting the all-important goal, before Conor Harte sealed their victory from a penalty corner after 62 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Meredith praised his side for their diligence.

“The result was a good reward for the players who have been improving half by half, game by game,” he said. “Their work-rate in the extreme heat here was outstanding and the result was just reward for their efforts.”

Opinion: Here come the girls… at last, as Katie Taylor set for RTÉ award>

The Sexy Managers Calendar could be* the perfect gift this Christmas>