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BBC News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ireland's women promoted to Pro League for first time
Ireland's women will play in the FIH Pro League for the first time later this year after accepting an invitation from the world governing Grundie's side narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the sport's highest level of competition after the lost the final of the FIH Nations to New Zealand in defeat, in a shootout, meant New Zealand could have taken their place in the Pro League but declined the are the ninth and final team to be confirmed for the seventh edition of the Pro League. They will play alongside the World's top sides, including Olympic gold medallists Netherlands, Olympic Bronze medallists Argentina, and World number 3 other countries taking part are Germany, England, China, Australia and currently ranked eleven in the world, will replace India in next season's competition, following their relegation on timing of their inclusion in the competition couldn't be better with qualification for the 2026 World Cup coming up at the start of next year and will provide the best preparation for the squad."I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to participate in the FIH Pro League 2025/26 Season 7,' said Ireland Women's Head Coach Gareth Grundie.'It's a testament to the quality of play this team has achieved to date and is an excellent and invaluable opportunity for further improvement. 'It comes at an ideal time for us as a programme also, pitting us against the World's best teams as we go in search of qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium."The Irish squad, currently preparing for the European Championships in August, will find out their Pro League schedule shortly.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ireland stun Belgium for first win in Pro League
Ireland have stunned world number two side Belgium in the FIH Pro League in Antwerp. Goalkeeper Jamie Carr saved a penalty stroke in the first half before Louis Rowe and Lee Cole gave Ireland a two-goal advantage. Advertisement Nicolas De Kerpel responded for Belgium, however Cole landed his second penalty corner and 's side had enough to hold on despite Thomas Crols' effort. It is a first win in the 2024-25 campaign for Ireland and it came a day after Belgium ran out 5-1 winners in the first game between the sides. "It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed [with the performance] as a team," said Carr. "I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be. "We beat Belgium twice [in Antwerp] last year, but we have been struggling to get over the line this year. It's nice to get a win on the board." Carr saves set up Irish win After dominating the game a day before against an Ireland side without a victory, Belgium were heavy favourites in Sunday's game and had the perfect chance to take the lead when Ben Ryder gave away a penalty. Advertisement However, Carr guessed correctly and denied his club team-mate Alexander Hendrikx to keep the scores level in the opening quarter. Ireland then took a shock lead early in the second half when Fergus Gibson worked some space down the right and he found Rowe, who smashed home to break the deadlock. Belgium immediately searched for a response and Carr was again called into action, but it was the underdogs who extended their advantage when Cole flicked home a penalty corner. The pressure from the hosts finally told when De Kerpel shot past Carr two minutes later, and the Irish goalkeeper denied Tom Boon as Belgium flew forward. However, some good work by Matthew Nelson allowed Cole to convert his second penalty corner of the match, and the Irish held on despite Crols' late effort.
BBC News
15-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ireland stun Belgium for first win in Pro League
Ireland have stunned world number two side Belgium in the FIH Pro League in Jamie Carr saved a penalty stroke in the first half before Louis Rowe and Lee Cole gave Ireland a two-goal De Kerpel responded for Belgium, however Cole landed his second penalty corner and 's side had enough to hold on despite Thomas Crols' is a first win in the 2024-25 campaign for Ireland and it came a day after Belgium ran out 5-1 winners in the first game between the sides. "It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed [with the performance] as a team," said Carr. "I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be."We beat Belgium twice [in Antwerp] last year, but we have been struggling to get over the line this year. It's nice to get a win on the board." Carr saves set up Irish win After dominating the game a day before against an Ireland side without a victory, Belgium were heavy favourites in Sunday's game and had the perfect chance to take the lead when Ben Ryder gave away a Carr guessed correctly and denied his club team-mate Alexander Hendrikx to keep the scores level in the opening then took a shock lead early in the second half when Fergus Gibson worked some space down the right and he found Rowe, who smashed home to break the deadlock. Belgium immediately searched for a response and Carr was again called into action, but it was the underdogs who extended their advantage when Cole flicked home a penalty corner. The pressure from the hosts finally told when De Kerpel shot past Carr two minutes later, and the Irish goalkeeper denied Tom Boon as Belgium flew forward. However, some good work by Matthew Nelson allowed Cole to convert his second penalty corner of the match, and the Irish held on despite Crols' late effort.
