Veteran John Jermyn back on radar but Ireland fall short

The unlikely Olympian almost fuelled the unlikeliest of comebacks as Ireland’s return to the top table of international hockey after a 108-year wait came agonisingly short against India.

Cork man John Jermyn’s 91st international goal 15 minutes from time in Deodoro kick-started a huge late push, a rousing closing quarter in which the Irish pushed for a draw.

Ultimately, the eight-time champions and current world number five side prevailed 3-2 in a penalty corner shoot-out but not before Craig Fulton’s charges gave them a huge rattle.