Hockey: Harte shoot-out hero for Ireland again

Shoot-out king David Harte came to Ireland’s rescue to all but assure a first World Cup ticket since 1990 as they battled their way to victory over France at the World League in Johannesburg.

He saved brilliantly twice at the death to hand Ireland a 4-3 win after normal time ended 1-1. Harte was modest in his assessment, taking the regular captain’s line of it being “what our team did to get us there” with “all credit being to the guys”.

But both coach Craig Fulton and Chris Cargo – who scored the winner – said the Kinsale man’s ability gives them the confidence in the shoot-out.