Ireland won the final of the Champions Challenge II against France and secure promotion to Champions Challenge I with a solid performance in a 4-2 win over France.
Ireland opened scoring in the 17th minute when captain Ronan Gormley scored a penalty stroke following an offense on Cargo as he attempted for goal.
Ireland doubled their lead to 2-0 in the 29th minute when Eugene Magee scored a drag flick.
Ireland had further penalty corner opportunities but missed, and France rebounded in the 34th minute from Catonnet to make 2-1 just before half time.
The opening of the second half was a midfield battle with David Harte pulling off a great diving save in the 46th to keep Ireland in the lead.
Ireland took a 3-1 lead in the 49th following great work from Peter Caruth for McConnell to put one in at the back post.
France pulled back in the 51st minute from good open play to make it 3-2.
Ireland regained their two-goal advantage with a great counter attack from Peter Blakeney and Caruth driving down the right hand side and passing to Gareth Watkins for a diving deflection to finish off the game at 4-2.
Ireland secured the Fair Play Award and David Harte got goalkeeper of the tournament, so all in all an excellent day for Ireland and the men’s team.
Ireland manager Peter Jackson said: ‘We were pleased with our performances this week and it sets our stall for further momentum as we prepare for the upcoming Europeans.’
President of the IHA Herbie Sharman was also delighted commenting: ‘This was a well deserved win and we are back in Champions Challenge I where our team of this calibre rightfully belongs.’
