Ireland through to first European Hockey championship semi-final

Ireland enhanced their reputation as the coming team in world men’s hockey by reaching a European championships semi-final for the first time yesterday.

That they ousted world number four Belgium in the process after a tense 2-2 draw in London adds another feather to the cap of coach Craig Fulton. The South African earlier this summer led his side to a fifth place finish at World League 3, beating higher-ranked Pakistan and Malaysia en route, and within touching distance of Olympic qualification.

Yesterday’s history-making result means 14th-ranked Ireland’s chances of earning direct qualification as continental champions are still alive. They’ve also moved up the World League list, from which the other Olympic qualifiers are drawn, thanks to their exploits in London.