Hockey: Ireland narrowly missed out on a place in the forthcoming hockey World Cup after being beaten 2-1 by Japan in this morning's final qualifier.
John Jermyn had given Ireland hope with an equalising goal on the stroke of half-time but Japan grabbed the winner ten minutes from the end.
"We are obviously bitterly disappointed that we have not reached the 5th/6th play off and missed out on qualification for the World Cup," said Irish coach Dave Passmore.
"We created sufficient goal scoring opportunities to at least draw but just couldn't find a way through. The game against Belgium in the morning will be a good challenge and provides us with the opportunity to gain more valuable world ranking points." continued.
Ireland no face Belgium in the 7th / 8th place play-off.