Ireland rout Poland to seal semi spot

Ireland proved the hockey public’s cash was money well spent as they cruised into the Champions Challenge I semi-finals in Quilmes, Argentina yesterday.

Based on world rankings, Ireland would have been expected to be battling to avoid relegation from the eight-team tournament, but instead they are now guaranteed a top-four finish after a 4-0 quarter-final demolition of Poland. Argentina will be their semi-final opponents tomorrow.

It repays the faith of the hundreds of supporters who combined to donate €60,000 in just four days to get the green machine to Argentina, after the cash-strapped Irish Hockey Association board initially withdrew the side from the tournament amid much controversy.