The Irish men have won the Celtic Cup — even though they sent a fringe squad to the series in Edinburgh.

Craig Fulton and his players had plenty to celebrate after yesterday’s 3-3 draw with hosts Scotland which left them top of the table following the 3-1 win over France on Friday and Saturday’s 3-2 win over Wales.

The regular senior players were rested ahead of the World Series Tournament, the Champions Challenge II, which starts in Dublin next Monday, and now national coach Paul Revington knows he has strength in depth for a busy year which also takes in the Eurohockey Nations Trophy and a World Cup Qualifier.

Ulster players featured strongly in the Celtic Cup success, with eight from the province in the 18 strong squad. They also were very much in the scoring charts, with Chris Cargo (Reading) and Paul Gleghorne (Loughborough) on the mark in the 3-1 win over France, Simon Todd (Mossley) and David Ames (Cookstown) converting in the 3-2 win over Wales. Dubliners Gareth Watkins (2) and Brian Doherty — who scored in each of the three games — were the marksmen against Scotland.

Ulster’s John Jackson (Loughborough) captained the team and was named man of the tournament, while Bruce McCandless (Banbridge), Peter Caruth (Annadale) and Keith Black (Cookstown) the other Ulster players involved.

Revington has already named 17 of his squad for the Champions Challenge and will select the final player early this week.