Ireland hockey Wales in Celtic Cup

Ireland defeated Wales by six goals to nil in their final Celtic Cup match.

The last time these two sides met was at an ill-tempered European Trophy affair in Rome last year which ended in a one all draw, this time however the Irish ensured a victory by hammering home six goals.

Michael Watt opened the scoring for Ireland six minutes in by slipping the ball under the Welsh Keeper for his first international goal. A corner won by Conor Harte enabled Mark Gleghorne to continue his fine run of form of converting penalty corners for Ireland and bringing his team two goals ahead.

Twenty minutes into the game, the Irish continued to edge their lead by slotting home a third goal from excellent interchange play from Eugene Magee, Gleghorne and Captain Mark Irwin, with Gleghorne finally punishing the Welsh with a flick high into the net. That goal netted Gleghorne an impressive ninth international goal from six games.

Three minutes later Irwin ensured that Ireland would go into half-time with a healthy four goal lead by winning a penalty corner and then converting the set-piece.

Ireland continued to dominate the game and twenty four minutes into the second half, Magee and Timothy Cockram split the defence with Cockram finishing the play with a reverse stick shot to bring Ireland to a five nil lead. Only two minutes later, Cockram slid into the backpost from a Michael Watt cross to ensure an Irish victory. 

Coach David Passmore seemed delighted with his team's performance. He said: 'There was excellent team spirit where younger guys shined and showed they are well worth a place in the squad. They are open minded, have a great attitude and a desire to improve will help this group go along way.'

Captain Mark Irwin, who won his 100th cap for Ireland, was also very positive about the Celtic Cup campaign. He said: 'This was a very pleasing weekend, we improved through every game and the younger players gave a very good account of themselves.'

With a six nil win this was the largest defeat Ireland have inflicted over Wales in recent years since they last defeated them 6-0 , Abergavenny in 1954.

Ireland have now given themselves an opportunity to win the Celtic Cup with their superior goal difference,  Scotland will now have to get a result from their final match against France who could also win the tournament with an unlikely large victory.