With an Olympic qualifier ticket confirmed, when the Irish men reflect on their week’s work in Le Touquet, their outlook will probably prove far more upbeat than their exit from the Eric Choteau field after a chastening 3-1 loss to France in the FIH Series final.

John Jermyn marked his 179th and final international cap in fantastic style as his goal secured Ireland a 1-1 draw against France in Garryduff yesterday.