Ireland’s women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.

Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over New Zealand was the first since a 1-0 win over India in 2018, a tournament in which Ireland progressed to the final and took home a silver medal.

Sarah Hawkshaw, Roisin Upton and Katie Mullan were on target in Wavre, Belgium as they secured a narrow win.

As they prepared for this World Cup, the squad were keeping a keen eye on the likes of Kate O’Connor, Mark English, Mona McSharry and Ellen Walshe who all brought back medals from the European Athletics and Swimming Championships.

“It’s been unbelievable. This squad is sports-mad, so we’ve been cheering on every evening, watching how unbelievable it’s been,” explained Upton.

“Even out here, all the fans must have come from the athletics in Birmingham over here because the place is packed with green again, and the Irish support has been fantastic.

“I think Irish sport is pretty unique. We’re able to compete across so many different sports at such a high level, and you always take a lot from it.”

Mullan echoed those sentiments.

“I think one of the most special things about Irish sport being so small sometimes is that we know those athletes personally,” she said.

“We get to train with them, we get to sit and have coffees with them, we share experiences, and we learn from one another.

“If you looked at us at any point in time, whether we were out having a pre-match meal or we were supposed to be in bed, we’re all huddled around the TV watching those special moments in Irish sport. And they definitely motivate us.”

After losing narrowly to Spain in their opening game on Sunday, this was a must-win for Ireland, as it was for New Zealand who had been beaten by co-hosts Belgium.

The deadlock was broken in the second quarter when Niamh Carey’s cross was deflected in by captain Hawkshaw.

Emelia Surridge equalised for the Black Sticks Women from a penalty corner after half-time to set up a vitally important final 15 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, Upton held her nerve to convert a penalty stroke that gave Ireland a 2-1 lead.

“I think this past weekend, watching Kate [O’Connor] hold her nerve in the 800m gave me all the inspiration I needed,” she added.

It was Upton again, this time with a drag flick from a penalty corner that set up Mullan to add to the Irish lead.

While New Zealand scored a last minute consolation through Katie Doar, it did not detract from an important victory for Ireland in which the outstanding Sarah McAuley was voted player of the match.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) sold close to 40 per cent of Liverpool Football Club to the consortium including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos.

Early suggestions on both sides of the transaction indicated the purchased stake was in the range of approximately 30 per cent to one-third, but The Athletic can reveal the figure is actually much closer to 40 per cent, according to sources with knowledge of the deal, granted anonymity due to the confidentiality of the process.

1892 Holdings, a consortium headed up and led by Amit Bhatia, the former Queens Park Rangers co-owner who will take up the position of vice-chairman at Liverpool, has purchased around a 38 per cent shareholding in Liverpool.

That is a much more significant share of the club, while there is also an option for the consortium to buy a controlling stake in the Premier League side, as per the terms of their agreement with FSG, in the next 12 months.

The language around the potential for them to buy an even bigger stake, however, does not constitute a formal commitment, so it is only an option that could lead to further investment as opposed to being a requirement.

As well as Bezos, who is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Bhatia is also joined in 1892 Holdings by the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine, as well as the Mittal Family Trusts.

Bezos’ involvement comes via K5 Sports and it is his first foray into sports ownership, although he will not have a seat on the board. Bryan Baum from K5 Sports and Elaine Saverin will join Bhatia on the board.

As part of the transaction between FSG and 1892 Holdings, the Boston-based company will continue to be majority shareholders and are retaining operational control of the club.

“The strategic investment supports Liverpool FC’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology and investment,” FSG’s statement, released on Friday, read.

“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch. FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool FC.”

In the same statement, Bhatia, speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, said: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield.

“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”