Ireland draw with Italy to secure progress to Olympic qualifiers

HONOURS EVEN: Ireland's Niamh Carey shoots on goal against Italy. Pic: WorldSportPics/Will Palmer

Ireland women’s captain Katie Mullan admitted to a bittersweet ending as they finished their EuroHockey campaign Saturday by matching their best ever finish, assured their stay in Europe’s top flight for 2025 and sealed their place in January’s Olympic qualifiers.

A brilliant deflection from Naomi Carroll saved face for Ireland as they drew 1-1 against Italy, a team they had beaten seven times in a row in the European showpiece.