Ireland retains Top flight Status in europe (Women's Hockey)

The biggest tournament in the Senior Irish Women's Hockey Calendar was the EuroHockey Nations Championship which took place from the 22nd - 29th August in Amsterdam. The competition went right to the wire for the girls in green to ensure that they fulfilled their primary objective which was to retain A division status in Europe

Ireland opened their campaign on shaky ground with a 7-0 loss to the world's number three, Germany. Despite such a loss the Irish girls had little time to dwell on the issue as just 24 hours later they had to step back onto the field at the Wegner Stadium to take on their rivals of old, Scotland. A vastly improved Irish performance saw them bag their first point of the tournament by securing a draw against their fellow Celts. With a point in the bag Ireland had all to play for in their final pool game against the higher ranked Spanish, but despite an excellent start from the Irish the Spanish proved too strong eventually securing a 4-1 victory – consigning Ireland into the relegation pool alongside Azerbaijan, Scotland and Russia.

No less than an overall fifth or sixth finish would do for Ireland to spare them from being relegated from the Championship to the Trophy for 2011. Ireland played Azerbaijan in their first match of the relegation pool and although nerves were displayed they closed out their first victory of the Championship with just 6 minutes to spare with thanks to a great Alex Speers' deflection. With another three points in the bag Ireland were due to play their final match of the Championship against Russia, where a draw would be enough to ensure they stayed in the A division. Ireland took the early lead in a match that could either realise or crush the Irish dream but it was young Lisa Jacob who set them off on the right foot cracking the ball home for an early lead. But the Russian's were quite done and continued to test Ireland levelling two minutes before half time to keep the Irish on their toes. The second half ensued with the Irish predominately controlling the game but with frayed nerves to content with both sides missed opportunities to take the lead and much to the Ireland's relief they secured the point with a one all draw.

Ireland who finished 5th overall – equalising their best ever finish in this competition, the last time being in 2005 – have now given themselves the best possible chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics with two shots of qualification, the next Europeans in 2011 and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and with a squad whose average age is just 23 this is a side that should be well in tact when the years 2011 and 2012 roll around.