Murphy hails team effort as Ireland open Euros with defeat to Dutch

The 25-year-old Loretto stopper was thrust into the spotlight after Ayeisha McFerran was forced to pull out.

Sarah Hawkshaw and her Ireland teammates. Pic: INPHO @WORLDSPORTPICS /BART SCHEULDERMAN

Goalkeeper Lizzy Murphy hailed an “unbelievable” 60 minutes for Ireland women despite a 2-0 defeat to world No.1 Netherlands in their EuroHockey Championship opener on Saturday.

The 25-year-old Loretto stopper was thrust into the spotlight as Ireland's No.1 after Ayeisha McFerran was forced to pull out of the Championships through injury.