Ireland women lose final game against Spain as hosts take series

Comprehensive defeat in Valencia means tourists return to Dublin beaten 3-1

Naomi Carroll went close for Ireland in their 3-0 defeat to Spain in Valencia. Photograph: Inpho
Naomi Carroll went close for Ireland in their 3-0 defeat to Spain in Valencia. Photograph: Inpho

Ireland 0 Spain 3

Ireland’s women completed their time in Spain on a low note, falling to a 3-0 defeat to the Valencia hosts, losing the series 3-1 overall.

Begona Garcia got the first with barely four minutes gone when she was unmarked in the circle, clipping home a simple reverse-stick finish. Lola Riera added the second from the penalty spot before Gloria Comerma closed out the win with a powerful straight hit from a corner.

In between times, Ireland were lively. Hayley Mulcahy's electric pace caused plenty of problems while Nikki Evans and Naomi Carroll had rasping back-hand shots denied.

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But they were too open at times in this tie at the end of a busy week of matches, especially without the experience of captain Megan Frazer and Shirley McCay who sustained injuries earlier in the series.

The players fly back to Dublin with the majority set for a big weekend in the EY Hockey League on Saturday with several players from Hermes and UCD set to swap Irish shirts for rival colours.

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about hockey