Irish hockey team claim crucial first win in Rio

A brace from Shane O'Donoghue and another goal from Peter Caruth put Ireland into a comfortable lead at half-time.

The Ireland men's hockey team have kept their Olympic dream alive after Canada by four goals to two in their penultimate match in Pool B.

They had lost their opening three games but refused to let their heads go down and turned in a strong performance against Canada, who were are also without a win so-far from their matches.

A brace from Shane O'Donoghue and another goal from Peter Caruth had put Ireland into a comfortable lead at half-time.

Strong day for #TeamIreland continues as @irishhockey see off Canada with 4-2 win! #InphoInRio #IRL pic.twitter.com/BzY41HcrOA

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 11, 2016

But Canada fought-back during the second-half to get back to within one score - before Mitch Darling's goal with less than four minutes remaining boosted Ireland's quarter-final hopes.

FT @IreMenHockey 4-2 @FieldHockeyCan. Superb win with goals from @shaneod16 Caruth and @MitchDarling88 #hockey pic.twitter.com/YaGbRQ4ft3

— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) August 11, 2016

They face Argentina tomorrow evening in their final group game.

Also in Rio, Padraig Harrington has finished the first day of golf at one under, while Seamus Power is still out on the course.