Ireland beat France to claim Hockey World League Two gold

Ireland added Hockey World League Round 2 gold on Sunday evening to their all-important ticket to the next phase of the competition with a 4-2 shoot-out win over France at Stormont.

The first half of the final was a subdued affair with flowing hockey at a premium.

France earned a couple of penalty corners that David Harte kept out while his counterpart Arthur Thieffry did likewise, keeping out shots from Shane O’Donoghue and Jonny McKee.

With the half petering out, France won their third corner and Victor Charlet rammed home the opening goal with a low bullet down the middle.

The third quarter provided more of the same before Ireland stirred in the closing quarter, rattling the French who were reduced to nine men for various indiscretions.

During that time, Gormley won Ireland’s only corner which Shane O’Donoghue drove home to make it 1-1 with eight minutes to go.

Jonny McKee and Lee Cole then both stung the palms of Arthut Thieffry in a rousing finale.

In the shoot-out Conor Harte, Eugene Magee, Cole and McKee all scored while David Harte’s pair of saves ensured victory.

For coach Craig Fulton, it was hugely satisfying in seeing a much-changed squad prevail with eight tournament debutants while he had to cope with the injuries to John Jermyn and Chris Cargo late in the day.

Fulton was quick to praise the squad for building game on game to produce ever-improved performances.

“They are the future of Irish hockey,” Fulton said of the new faces.