Ireland made it back to back wins in the Men’s Octagonal Matches with a 4-2 win over Portugal in Costa Ballena but it wasn’t enough to see them compete in the medal matches.
Despite finishing the group stage with two wins from three matches and level on points with Spain and England, Ireland will compete in the 5th/6th place match.
Host nation Spain have progressed to the final on score difference courtesy of a sizeable 7.5-1.5 victory on day one. Weather delays caused reductions in format on days two and three meaning that overcoming that score difference was always going to be difficult for Ireland despite beating their hosts on day two.
Ireland’s day three match with Portugal was reduced to singles only. Keith Egan continued to lead from the front as the former West of Ireland winner defeated Martin Johansen 3&2 in the top match.
Portugal rallied with two 1UP wins over Adam Fahey and John William Burke but the Boys in Green rallied towards the end of the matches.
South of Ireland champion Jonathan Keane was a comprehensive 4&2 winner over Gaspard Mass while East of Ireland champion David Howard romped to a 6&5 victory against Santiago Dias as debutant Isaac Oliver clinched a 2&1 win in the second to last match.
Ireland will face Germany in the 5th/6th playoff match with the full foursomes and singles matches being played.
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