IRELAND'S fairytale journey at the Women’s Hockey World Cup came to end as they lost out to the Netherlands in the final.
In a David v Goliath contest, Ireland – who had only ever won one World Cup game before this year’s tournament – were up against the Netherlands, the most successful team in World Cup history, who were going for their eighth title.
Kelly Jonker scores the Netherlands' second goal (Image: Christopher Lee / Getty Images)However despite a heavy 6-0 defeat to the Dutch, Graham Shaw’s side can return to Ireland with their heads held high – and a silver medal – after their heroics in London.
Defying expectations
Ireland's amateur players entered the tournament as the second-lowest ranked team but defied all expectations to reach the final at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
They had finished bottom of the group on their three previous appearances at the tournament, but claimed the scalps of the United States, India (twice) and Spain to reach the final.
Just as impressive, they have put hockey on the map and won a new army of fans in a country where, just two weeks ago, many were unaware the World Cup was even taking place.
Dutch masters
Ireland started the final brightly against their professional opponents but fell behind to a Lidewij Welten goal after seven minutes and went 2-0 down early in the second quarter after a goal from Kelly Jonker.
Two late strikes in the second quarter from Kitty van Male and Malou Pheninckx left Ireland facing an uphill task at the halfway point.
The Dutch started the third quarter as they finished the second, with two more quick-fire goals from Marlo Keetels and Caia van Maasakker.
Anna O'Flanagan of Ireland battles with Marloes Keetels (Image: Christopher Lee / Getty Images)Nicola Daly looked the most likely to open Ireland’s account but the Green Army couldn’t find a way through the Netherlands’ defence.
Meanwhile smart defending from Ireland kept the Dutch from extending their lead as they sealed a third consecutive World Cup.
Ireland defied all the odds to reach the World Cup final (Image: Christopher Lee / Getty Images)However the Green Army will return to Ireland as heroes, with names like Anna O’Flanagan, Chloe Watkins and keeper of the tournament Ayeisha McFerran on everyone’s lips.
The plaudits were already rolling in ahead of their homecoming tomorrow.
Tough luck today but the #GreenArmy have inspired the country and made themselves legends of Irish sport. @irewomenhockey #HWC2018 https://t.co/pzXYkl8eJu
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) 5 August 2018
Forget the score line and look at the achievement.... @IreWomenHockey Silver medal in the World Cup! Role models, professionals and athletes! Well done #GreenArmy, well done! ☘️
— Louise Quinn (@louise_quinn4) 5 August 2018
There’ll be craic mor at City Hall tomorrow night for @irewomenhockey teams after their fab performances in #HWC2018
The #GreenArmy will get the roars they deserve for reaching the pinnacle of sport AS AMATEURS! Comhgairdeas @irishhockey - this is so special!#RTESport pic.twitter.com/ia4FhQDOwx
— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) 5 August 2018
Huge Congratulations to @IreWomenHockey who have finished 2nd in the #HWC2018 The Irish team has captured the imagination of the entire country, playing with immense pride and passion. An historic day for Irish Sport pic.twitter.com/DWjnVkrgmw
— Sport Ireland (@sportireland) 5 August 2018
Well done Irish women’s hockey team - you brought great pride to the country. Fanatic achievement #GreenArmy
— Brian Hayes MEP (@brianhayesMEP) 5 August 2018
World silver medalists, absolutely awesome, get into town and welcome these legends home tomorrow #greenarmy #HWC2018 #BankHoliday pic.twitter.com/x4kTfIbbWM
— Sen. Neale Richmond (@nealerichmond) 5 August 2018
Full-time professional athletes who are paid to play their national sport played a World Cup Final against a semi-pro team who only booked their hotels up to the Quarter Finals. Ireland made the Dutch work for every goal. They only scored 6. The #GreenArmy are magnificent pic.twitter.com/bGtHhMGDzK
— FAIR GAME Podcast (@FairGameCast) 5 August 2018
Congratulations @IreWomenHockey silver medallist at the #HWC2018 Making Ireland so proud! #GreenArmy #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/1ZLJynjM3i
— Arnotts (@ArnottsDublin) 5 August 2018
Silver medal for @IreWomenHockey - fantastic achievement. Full credit to Netherlands but amazing campaign by the #GreenArmy! #proud #Ireland
— Ireland Women’s Cricket Team (@IrishWomensCric) 5 August 2018
