Men's Hockey: With Ian Hamilton of Annadale notching his third hat-trick of the weekend, Ireland beat Scotland 3-2 at Belfield yesterday to regain the under-21 Celtic Cup with some elan.

Hamilton scored in the fifth minute of each half to earn a 2-0 lead. First he put away a cross from Ian McKeown and then he converted a short corner forced by the resourceful Joe Brennan. But Scotland, needing just a draw, hit back through Adam McKenzie and Gareth Hall to set up a gripping finish.

Spurred by Ronan Gormley, Ireland swept forward again for Hamilton to seize the winner from a powerful drag flick 10 minutes from the end. Scotland were repulsed in the closing stages not only by Seán Nicholson but also by Niall Stewart with a clearance off the line. Hamilton's three first-half goals on Saturday yielded a 3-2 defeat of France after he had sparked off his unique treble hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Wales on Friday.

IRELAND (v Scotland): J Moore; S Nicholson, D Robb (Capt), A Mills, J Brennan; T Cockram, R Gormley, I Lewers; I McKeown, A Walker, I Hamilton. Subs: P McLaughlin, C Acquaye, N Stewart, E Butler. Coach: D Pritchard. Manager: D Miller.