Irish U18s among Euro elite

IRELAND’S U18 girls produced a superb backs-to-the-wall effort to keep Belgium at bay and secure a top four ranking at the Volvo EuroHockey U18 Championships in Utrecht yesterday.

Katie Mullan blasted Ireland in front in the opening minute, before goalkeeper Jenna Holmes and produced save after save to keep the Belgians at bay.

Richie Malone’s charges will now take on Germany today (1.05pm Irish time) in the semi-finals. Tournament favourites the Netherlands meet England in the other last four tie.