Having dominated the Four Nations Under-21 hockey tournament in Cork over the weekend, it seemed that Ireland will be well equipped to take their place in the A Division of the European Junior Championship next year. At Garryduff yesterday it took strength in attack and concentration in defence to stave off France (3-2) to capture the Celtic Trophy for the first time.
Two goals by Justin Sherriff - top marksman in Padua last August - put Ireland on course for their third victory, following 50 wins over Wales and Scotland.
After goalkeeper Charlie Henderson had curbed initial French verve, it was Sherriff who opened the scoring in rifling home a short corner; and although the visitors equalised through Rudy LuongBin, a long pass from Michael Harte sent Sherriff racing clear to make it 2-1 at the interval.
Graham Shaw celebrated his last international at this level - and capped a dynamic weekend - in putting away Ireland's third goal midway through the second half, but the skilful French side surged back for Mathieu Durchon to reduce the deficit again to the minimum.
Then a searing attack involving Sherriff, Shaw and Simon Kershaw forced the French to yield a penalty stroke but, for once, Stephen Butler's name was kept off the scoresheet by a fine save by Julien Thamin.
At this stage, though, the trophy was within Ireland's grasp, even if the French still pressed in quest of a draw, only for Charles Verrier to be foiled by Henderson, who had able support from Colin Clarke and debutant Colm Brady.
Meanwhile in Cardiff, the Ireland Under-18s and Under-16s recovered from 5-2 defeats by Scotland on Saturday to beat Wales by 4-0 and 3-1 yesterday. Alan Giles notched a hat-trick in the senior match, with David Hobbs completing the tally. David Roche, Amir Alipour and Aaron Mills were the Irish scorers in the Under-16 game.
Ireland however have no hope of taking either title as the England juniors are poised to retain the honours while Scotland are on the threshold of winning the senior trophy. Amazingly, they recovered from a deficit of 4-0 at half time to beat England 5-4 yesterday.
IRELAND UNDER-21 (v France): C Henderson; A Chambers, R Beere, C Clarke; S Butler; G Shaw (capt), M Harte, M Black; J Sherriff, C Bailey, S Kershaw. Sub: C Brady.
