Great Britain's women beat Ireland to secure Paris 2024 Olympics place - BBC.com

Great Britain's women secured a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a 2-1 win over Ireland in the FIH qualifiers bronze-medal match in Valencia.

With both sides needing to win to qualify for the Games, Sarah Jones and Katie Robertson secured GB's place.

Jones scored in the second quarter when she deflected in a Sophie Hamilton shot following a penalty corner.

Robertson added Britain's second before Hannah McLoughlin scored a late consolation effort for Ireland.

"Emotional is definitely the word. Absolutely thrilled to have qualified for the Olympics," said Jones, who helped GB win bronze at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

"I think we had a fantastic tournament. Today probably wasn't the best hockey we played but I think we played some fantastic hockey throughout this tournament and I know that's something we will build on.

"Ireland are a fantastic opponent and commiserations to them."

Both teams were bidding to join Belgium and Spain in qualifying for the Games and Britain, Olympic gold medallists in 2016, started strongly in Spain.

Elena Rayer had a shot saved before Robertson had a follow-up effort cleared off the line by Ireland's Charlotte Beggs.

Jones then scored as she turned in an angled shot from Hamilton following the game's first penalty corner.

Robertson's goal came early in the fourth quarter following a Hannah French pass.

Ireland, who had swapped their keeper for an extra outfield player with about six minutes left, had a number of penalty corners in the final stages and, while McLoughlin scored, the final whistle went after her effort as GB celebrated victory.