David Harte puts on 'world-class' shotstopping display in what could be final game for Ireland

Ireland's goalkeeper David Harte put on a magnificent display against New Zealand

If this is to be David Harte’s last game for Ireland, then the Cork goalkeeper produced an utterly memorable sign off with a string of world-class saves as the Green Machine beat New Zealand 2-1 last night.

Harte, 36, saved the best until 90 seconds from the end of a riveting encounter as he dived to his right to send Ireland into a likely world top 10 berth for the first time since 2016.

Ireland came from a goal down to win their first and final match in Paris thanks to goals from Ben Walker and Jeremy Duncan.

Meanwhile, Harte and his defence repelled New Zealand’s 15 penalty corner chances, while failing to accrue a single set piece themselves.

Harte, who will be 40 by the LA Olympics, said: “Should this be the last game I’ve ever played in a green jersey, I don’t think there is a more beautiful way to go out in my second Olympic Games with my family watching me.

“Winning a game like that and managing to pull out a few saves is incredibly special.” The Black Sticks got off to the perfect start last night, courtesy of a high deflection from Joseph Morrison’s stick in the fifth minute.

At the end of the first quarter, Ireland levelled when Walker intercepted a sloppy back pass and slapped low into the backboards.

Ireland took the lead early in the second-half when Walker stole the ball inside the 23m and Duncan pushed past Dom Dixon.

Nelson then had a chance to create a two-goal cushion before pushing wide. All the while, Harte’s pads and gloves staved off each Kiwi corner chance.

Ireland’s stand out stopper then pulled off a magnificent save with 90 seconds left, from a crash ball move into the circle, and turning the ball inches past the post.

“Joy is the big one,” said Ireland’s captain Sean Murray. “There’s lots of emotions, proud, ecstatic and relief. Credit to New Zealand, they came out firing the whole time. Credit to David. It’s amazing to finish off with a win, for Hockey Ireland, the fans and the country.” Coach Mark Tumilty, who recently inked a deal to stay as men’s coach up until Los Angeles 2028, will now give his team a few weeks off before focusing on a return to EuroHockey's A Division. Dublin will stage the event with Ireland first facing Malta later this month.

Tumilty said: “We have a bright future and if we can get our programme right which we have done for the last six months, if we can maintain that for a full-year cycle, hopefully we can get to LA and compete there.”