Men's hockey team out of World Cup

The Irish men’s hockey team has lost their World Cup qualifier play off game against Japan this morning (1-2), in Changzhou, China.

The Irish team will not now compete in this year’s World Cup in September.

In a close-run match Japan took the lead on 12 minutes but Corkonian John Jermyn levelled matters from a penalty corner just before half time.

Japan snatched the eventual winner 10 minutes from time and go forward to face France in the final play-off for the remaining World Cup spot.

Ireland plays Belgium tomorrow for world ranking points (April 22,10am Irish time) in the 7th and 8th-place decider.