Ireland coach Grundie targeting Euro semi-finals

Gareth Grundie has set the goal of reaching the Euros semi-finals

Head coach Gareth Grundie says Ireland are "not here just to take part" as they prepare to face elite opposition at the EuroHockey Championships in Germany.

In 15 previous tournament appearances, the Irish have never placed higher than fifth - a position they have achieved five times.

But while the tournament features six of the world's top eleven teams, Grundie insists Ireland are targeting a semi-final spot.

"We're really excited to get going at the EuroHockey Championships. It's a fantastic tournament and a great stage for us to test ourselves against the best teams in Europe," said Grundie, who replaced Sean Dancer as head coach last year.

"We're not here just to take part; we want to challenge the top sides and push hard for a place in the semi-finals. The players are ready, and we're looking forward to seeing what we can deliver."

Ireland open their tournament on Saturday against reigning Olympic, world and European champions the Netherlands before facing France on Monday.

They will then take on hosts Germany in what will likely be a decisive game in the race for the semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

Ireland completed their preparations for the Euros with an encouraging 2-1 series win over Spain in Dublin last week.

That came on the back of the runner-up finish at the Nations Cup when they lost in a shootout in the final to New Zealand but would eventually lead to an invitation to take part in next season’s Pro League, the highest level of competition in world hockey.

"It was frustrating, and it was very disappointing not to get over the line with that one, especially because we didn't actually lose a game in real time in the whole tournament," explained captain Sarah Hawkshaw.

"We had a brand new coaching staff with Gareth in charge and while we achieved what we wanted to on the pitch that final hurdle in the shootout is kind of what let us down.

"So yes, disappointed, but looking at it now, we'll take our performances into the Pro League, and we'll be smiling going into it."

Katie Mullan and Sarah Hawkshaw will be pivotal to Ireland’s chances

The Pro League is for the future. Hawkshaw's attention is very much on this week.

As well as targeting a place in the last four, there is also the incentive of a World Cup qualifying place for next year on offer.

With the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany having already qualified, the next best finisher in the Euros will claim a place without having to go through a qualifying tournament at the start of next year.

Ireland's squad boasts a wealth of experience, including World Cup silver medallists Katie Mullan and Roisin Upton and Tokyo Olympians such as Hawkshaw, Sarah Torrans, Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah McAuley and Michelle Carey.

However, goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, Elena Neill and Naomi Carroll are missing, giving the opportunity to the likes of Belfast Harlequins defender Katie Larmour, who will play in her first senior international tournament.

Charlotte Beggs and Katie McKee are the other two Ulster players in the squad.