Ireland have finished as runners up in the Women's Hockey World Cup Final, after being beaten by The Netherlands.
The Green Army exceeded their pre-tournament expectations by reaching the decider, becoming the first Irish side to do so, and will return home with a World Cup silver medal.
The Dutch showed exactly why they're the top ranked side on the planet, powering to a 6 - 0 victory at London's Lee Valley Stadium.
Lidewij Welten broke the deadlock midway through the opening quarter with a thunderous drive past Ireland's keeper Ayeisha McFerran.
The Netherlands made it 2 - 0 just 4 minutes into the second quarter through Kelly Jonker, who fired into the corner from close range.
A quickfire double before the half-time effectively ended any hopes of an Irish comeback as the Netherlands made it 4 - 0.
After an hour of play it ended The Netherlands 6 Ireland 0.
Shirley McCay, Ireland's most capped player, announced she would retire after the tournament. She'll walk away from the international game with a World Cup silver medal.
FT: Ireland 0 - 6 Netherlands. Well done to the world number 1’s. We couldn’t be prouder of the #greenarmy, making history and winning a World Cup silver medal!!!! Keep watching folks, we’ve got a medal presentation to attend pic.twitter.com/RyLqbsbbPm
— Irish Hockey (@irishhockey) August 5, 2018
It's been confirmed a civic reception will be held in Dublin's Dame Street at 3pm (Monday) to welcome home Ireland's hockey heroes.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the tenacity and skill of the Irish Women's hockey team has inspired the country.
President Michael D Higgins says it's a 'fantastic accomplishment' and Sports Minister Shane Ross, who plans to greet the Girls in Green at Dublin Airport, says it is 'an historic achievement'.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring is urging the public to come out and show their appreciation.
Your World Cup silver medalists!!!! #greenarmy #HWC2018 pic.twitter.com/uOLvgQXr1z
— Irish Hockey (@irishhockey) August 5, 2018
