Ireland face England in crucial relegation match

HAVING BEEN forced to swallow the unexpectedly bitter pill of a defeat to France which undid all their good work at the European Championships, Ireland’s men will face England today in a bid to avoid relegation from the top level of European hockey.

Ireland might reasonably have expected to play Belgium in this encounter, but a curious turn of events in the late games on Wednesday saw the Belgians thrash the Czech Republic 6-0 and Germany repeat their soccer exploits by beating the English.

This means that the host nation can only finish fifth at best, but the Irish captain Paddy Brown is relishing taking on the English on their home turf.