Ireland Hockey, Athletics, Basketball and Boxing Update: Positive Progress Across the Board
Hockey
Ireland Women Secure Crucial Pro League Win
The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team produced an impressive display to defeat Spain with a 3-1 win and strengthen their position in the FIH Hockey Pro League, building on their 1-1 draw against the same opposition the previous day.
Ireland took control early, with Emily Kealy opening the scoring in the first quarter to register her first goal in a green shirt.
The advantage was extended in the third quarter when Niamh Carey struck superbly on the reverse, before Ireland added another through Sarah McAuley, who deflected home from a penalty corner.
Spain pulled a goal back late on, but Ireland remained composed to close out the win and secure a vital three points in their bid to remain in the Pro League next season.
Ireland Men End Nations Cup Campaign on a High
The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team concluded their campaign at the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup with a commanding 5-1 win over the USA, their second victory over the tournament debutants.
A brace from Ben Nelson, alongside goals from Alistair Empey, Greg Williams, and Matthew Nelson, ensured a comfortable win and a positive end to the competition.
The result reflects a strong attacking performance and provides momentum as the squad continues to build towards upcoming international challenges.
Athletics
Sharlene Mawdsley continued her outstanding season with another personal best in the 400m at the FBK Games in the Netherlands, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold.
The 27-year-old clocked 50.14 seconds to finish second, edging ever closer to the 50-second mark. The race was won by Egypt’s Bassant Hemida (50.10), with Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands finishing third.
This marks the third time this season Mawdsley has lowered her personal best, having previously run 50.52 in Italy and 50.17 in Brussels. Her consistent progression highlights a strong build-up towards key championships later this year.
Basketball
Ireland improved on their Vienna outing at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series in Amsterdam, reaching the quarter-finals after a win over Belgium in group play.
They were beaten by Beijing in the group stage but still advanced, before losing to hosts Netherlands in the last eight.
The performance marked clear progress, with Ireland showing better structure and competitiveness, but still chasing consistency at elite level.
Boxing
Team Ireland’s boxers competed at the World Boxing Cup in Guiyang, China, one of the sport’s leading ranking events, with nine athletes taking part in a field of more than 330 boxers from 44 nations.
Although Ireland narrowly missed out on medal contention, several athletes delivered standout performances:
- Daina Moorehouse opened with a unanimous decision win over Chorong Bak (Korea) before facing Olympic champion Wu Yu, losing on points after a competitive bout.
- Dean Clancy impressed with an RSC win in his opening fight before losing a tight 4-1 split decision to Moldova’s Alexandru Paraschiv in the last 16.
- Jack Marley was involved in one of the closest contests of the tournament, edged out on a split decision by China’s Han Xuezhen in the heavyweight division.
While medals proved just out of reach, the competition offered crucial ranking opportunities and valuable experience as preparations continue for major championships later this season.