Ireland’s women qualify for Olympics in shootout drama

Ireland’s women have qualified for the Olympics in field hockey for the very first time, after taking a dramatic late win in a penalty shootout against Canada.

The sides drew 0-0 in the first leg of their qualifier at Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, before again tying 0-0 in the second leg on Sunday.

Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran. Credit: INPHO

That pushed the game to penalties and Ireland’s goalkeeper, Ayeisha McFerran from Larne in Co Antrim, proved her worth with two crucial saves to take proceedings to sudden death.

Roisin Upton then scored for Ireland, only for Amanda Woodcroft to miss for Canada – sending Team Ireland to the Olympics in Tokyo.

Roisin Upton celebrates scoring for Ireland in a dramatic shootout against Canada. Credit: INPHO