Ireland hit eight to beat drop

PAUL REVINGTON is refusing to get carried away despite watching his ever-improving Ireland senior men’s side rout Russia 8-2 to retain A division status at the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Germany.

It is the first time Ireland have managed to stay put at the top level since the tiered system was introduced in Europe, a huge boost to the men’s game in this country as it ensures they will be back among the big guns in 2013.

It also atones for the relegation suffered in 2007, when Ireland adopted an ultra-defensive approach yet somehow contrived to lose 1-0 to eight-man France in the decisive game.