Ireland’s men ended their Olympic hockey campaign on a high note as they produced an heroic defensive display to defeat New Zealand 2-1 in Paris.
The Kiwis forced 15 penalty corners but Joseph Morrison’s fifth-minute goal was the only time they beat magnificent Ireland goalkeeper David Harte.
After Morrison’s early goal, Benjamin Walker levelled for the Irish after 13 minutes.
The sides remained level at half-time but Jeremy Duncan put the Irish ahead a minute into the third quarter.
Lee Cole and Michael Robson had chances to extend Ireland’s lead but they Irish had to defend stoutly thereafter as Harte continued his heroics and Duncan also made a couple of crucial blocks to deny New Zealand penalty corners.
After losing their opening three games, Ireland’s hopes of securing a quarter-finals spot were ended in Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Argentina.