Ireland off the mark in World Cup as 'so proud' Katie Mullan nets winner over New Zealand

Katie Mullan’s clinical touch proved decisive as Ireland women posted a first win of the FIH Hockey World Cup with a spirited 3-2 success over New Zealand.

"A World Cup win is not easy to come by...we had an early start this morning and I think we came out of the blocks quite well,” said Mullan after the Ireland win. “Ourselves and New Zealand have played each other so many times over the years that it was always going to be a battle.

placeholder image — Ireland women celebrate against New Zealand in the FIH Hockey World Cup. (Photo by WORLDSPORTPICS/Rodrigo Jaramillo)

"I think we showed great resilience and executed our corners again, which are really threatening.

"I am so proud of the girls, it was just unbelievable strength of character.”

Ireland next focus on host nation Belgium (Thursday, 7.30pm, UK time).

Ireland men met South Africa yesterday in a Pool C fixture over after the News Letter print deadline.

Captain Sarah Hawkshaw broke the deadlock before a New Zealand equaliser in the third quarter.

Roisin Upton’s penalty joy left Ireland back in front before Mullan was on hand to convert the former’s flick.

New Zealand’s second goal served as little consolation in the closing moments, with Ireland finishing in front by a 3-2 margin.

Ireland women’s World Cup squad is as follows:

IRELAND: Elizabeth Murphy, Holly Micklem, Roisin Upton, Hannah McLoughlin, Caoimhe Perdue, Lena Neill, Sarah McAuley, Ellen Curran, Lisa Mulcahy, Sarah Hawkshaw, Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Mia Jennings, Katie Mullan, Sarah Torrans, Aisling Utri, Mikayla Power, Niamh Carey, Emily Kealy