Hockey: Olympic-bound Ireland embracing challenge of facing Dutch

Irish Women’s Hockey Goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran: 'We are very driven and we don’t go into any game thinking we’re going to lose it.' Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Ireland’s women take their first step of a huge summer of action this Saturday as they take on world number one side, the Netherlands, at the EuroHockey Championships in Amstelveen (2.30pm Irish time, live on RTÉ2).

It is a repeat of 2018’s World Cup final with the Green Army hoping fresh legs and a full focus on this date will close the gap from that day, the Dutch winning out 6-0 in London. The Dutch have lost just one fixture since that day, picked up the 2019 European title as well as the 2019 and 2020 Pro League crowns. Indeed, all told, they have not lost a European fixture in normal time since 2011 while Ireland’s last win over the Dutch dates back to 1963. While those stats show the Orange power, star goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran – twice a nominee for World Goalkeeper of the Year – says the Irish mindset has them relishing this challenge.