In the aftermath of the senior EuroHockey Championships, the Irish under-21s started their Junior campaigns, both suffered tough losses in the searing Valencia heat.
The men fell 4-2 to Germany despite equalisers from Simon Wolfe and Luke Madeley. The latter made it 2-2 with 20 minutes to go but an instant riposte from Moritz Rothlander and another from Thies Ole Prins saw Germany pull clear. They face a crucial tie against Austria on Wednesday.
On the women’s side, Dave Passmore’s side lost 3-0 to England – coached by former Irish underage international Colin Clarke – all coming before the break.
From there, Ireland had much of the game but could not pull things back.
“We started nervously and got punished. We had more corners in the second half, way more of the possession but you have to play at 0-0 and not 3-0.”
For both Irish sides, the key target is to avoid relegation with 2020 Junior World Cup will be decided based on 2019 Euro top level rankings.
EuroHockey Junior Championships
Men
Pool B: Ireland 2 (S Wolfe, L Madeley) Germany 4 (N Bosserhoff, J Schiffer, M Rothlander, T O Prins); Belgium 5 Austria 1.
Women
Pool B: Ireland 0 England 3 (H Munro, E Sanders, H Hunt); France 0 Germany 0.
Tuesday: Ireland v France, 2.30pm.
