‘I never thought I would get the opportunity qualifying for an Olympics, let alone coaching Ireland’

Twenty four hours after Ireland women had fallen short of reaching Paris, the men’s side held their nerve in a riveting, end-to-end affair to seal their Olympic dream after missing out so controversially in 2019 for the Tokyo Games.

“I’ve had some great days with Banbridge but I’ve put a lot in the last four years with this group on and off the pitch. To get over the line is just a relief. I never thought I would get the opportunity qualifying for an Olympics, let alone coaching Ireland. It’s a fantastic day.”

Matthew Nelson and Ben Johnson had given Ireland the lead in the opening 20 minutes. But each time Korea rallied. Goals from John McKee and then Shane O'Donogue continued to hand the Irish a crucial advantage as a pugnacious Korea scored at 3-1 and 4-2 down..

“We wanted to play today and I didn’t want to look back and say I didn’t have a go at it,” added Tumilty, the former Banbridge and Lisnagarvey coach.

“I was pleased with the attacking stuff and our defence shone through in the end. We played Japan, Spain and now Korea and we didn’t concede from open play. They can be very proud of what they achieved.”

Ireland’s second goal proved the standout. Started by the excellent Sean Murray, who stole a crucial Korean ball inside the 23 metre line, the Ireland captain weaved into the circle before Johnson, a late call up to this tournament, reversed on the volley from a tight angle.

There were five goals in an enthralling 15-minute spell in the first-half, while O’Donoghue’s penalty corner at 4-2 saw the drag flick specialist jump in delight for his first of the tournament.

Korea proved dangerous at the penalty corner set piece. Jeong Junwoo scored their second from a diving deflection off Harte's post, a third came from a penalty stroke. They then took off their goalkeeper Kim for the remaining minutes as Ireland survived a late barrage on Harte’s goal.

“It typified an Irish dogged performance, grinding it out, making it tough on ourselves sometimes but getting over the line,” admitted Harte. “It’s just an incredible feeling that goes back to Canada and 2019 to those boys who were there and the release of emotion at the final whistle said it all.

“We came out all guns blazing, played our best hockey of the tournament, scored some great goals and were unlucky again with goals against. But we are off to Paris and it’s indescribable.

“Everyone put in a serious shift. For some players they have had a harder journey to get here but we all worked together and it’s an incredible feeling.”

This classic encounter had it all. In amongst the goals - Korea also had a second-half strike disallowed - Harte made some sprawling saves, while Kyle Marshall was also forced off in the second quarter after taking a piercing blow to his thumb.

“Those are the little details where guys sacrifice a lot on and off the pitch to make these moments really special,” said Murray.

“They kept coming back to us and it could have gone to shoot-outs at the end. We looked at this game and it’s been a stressful old time, the two weeks we’ve been in Valencia feels like an eternity ready for almost just this game.

“The match was a bit of a blur but everyone just dug deep to get us over the line. It’s very special.”