There may not be light at end of tunnel for Irish in Rome

THE Irish men’s hockey team today stand on the brink of attaining their goal at the European Nations Hockey Championships, but dodgy floodlights at the Tre Fontane Stadium in Rome may frustrate their ambitions.

Following their 1-1 Pool A game against Wales last Tuesday night, criticism of the lighting at the stadium was unanimous, with captain Paddy Brown and keeper Wes Bateman particularly vocal.

However, coach Dave Passmore dismissed the issue, claiming the lighting, which throws a patchy cover over the Tre Fontane pitch, was a problem of equal measure for both teams.