A lop-sided European championship campaign came to a suitably farcical end for Ireland’s U21 sides, as they both took gold with heavy victories in their final clashes.

Cork Harlequins’ Irish Senior Cup triumph last month could prove the swansong for a number of the side’s stalwarts after they saw their EuroHockey League dream go up in smoke.

EIMEAR CREGAN admits she has had plenty of lucky breaks along the way as she stands on the cusp of becoming the most capped Irish hockey player of all time.

IRELAND hockey coaches Gene Muller and Dave Passmore insist there are positives to be taken from the Setanta Sports Trophy despite seeing their sides finish bottom of the pile yesterday.