Ireland 3-2; EuroHockey Nations Championship (men)

Ireland defeat Spain and take 5th position in Europe to equal their best ever finish in a European Championships. This was a great performance against the World No. 5 Spain with two late PC goals from Lisnagarvey's Timmy Cockram ensuring a 3-2 victory and the coveted 5th place in the top tier of European Hockey.

Ireland had to dig deep in the first half as Spain looked the more dangerous going forward and created more scoring opportunities in the half. The 1st goal of the game came in the 25th minute when Pau Quemada fired home from penalty corner. Ireland leveled matters in the 32nd minute Eugene Magee firing home also from a penalty corner. Ireland would have been the happier of the two sides going in level at the break.

Spain got their noses in front in the 42nd minute Captain Santi Freixa firing low to Hartes right from their 3rd corner of the game. Ireland only needed a draw to secure 5th, due to superior goal difference, remained patient and the longer the game went on the stronger they became. Ireland were back level in the 64th minute with Timmy Cockram PC low drag. Spain were rattled and two minutes later were down to 9 men with Tubau getting a Yellow card and within seconds Delas got Green. Ireland drove forward and after consecutive penalty corners Cockram fired home the winner in the 70th minute for a famous Irish victory.

Irish Coach Paul Revington was obviously delighted after the game and went on to compliment not just the 18 players with him in Germany but the extended group of players used throughout the season. The work they have all put in has been very rewarding and great for irish Hockey. They now look forward to the Olympic Qualifier with the confidence gained throughout the summer.