Ireland's women were beaten 3-0 by Ukraine but still managed a creditable sixth-place finish at the European Nations Cup in Barcelona today.
The match was always going to be a tough one for the Irish and although they conceded a 12th-minute penalty corner to Zhanna Savenko, they restricted their opponents for the remainder of the half.
However, Ireland's brave resistance finally cracked with seven minutes to go when Tetyana Kobzenko converted a penalty corner and Natalya Vasyukova scored from another set-piece.
Ireland's men beat Italy 3-2 to finish ninth. Stephen Butler scored from a second minute penalty corner before Mark Irwin doubled the lead.
When John Jermyn scored a penalty corner midway through the second half the Irish appeared to be home and dry but two late set-piece goals from Massimo Lanzano increased their anxiety.
PA
