Having lead for a lot of the match, they were beaten by the narrowest of margins.
Ireland are already on the back foot as they look to qualify for October’s World Cup finals.
Adam Griggs’ side were beaten 8-7 by Spain in Parma.
Kilcormac lock Nichola Fryday was in the starting 15 for the opening round tie.
Earlier today, tournament hosts Italy ran in six tries as they beat Scotland 38-points to 13.
Only the group winners qualify for New Zealand, and Ireland face Italy on Sunday.
Shane Lowry Leading The Way At The Irish Open
The Offaly man has enjoyed an impressive start to the tournament.
Alex Dunne Secures Front Row Start For F2 Feature Race In Madrid
Dunne is currently fourth in the standings.
Offaly SFC: Semi-Final Spots Up For Grabs
Shamrocks, Clara, Ballycommon and Tullamore are all battling for wins this weekend.
Former Golf Coach Stunned With Stuart Grehan Not Competing At Irish Open
The Tullamore man has enjoyed a successful 2026.
Treaty United The Next Test For Athlone Town
Lily Agg's side are pushing to win the Women's Premier Division title.
Mark McHugh To Remain In Charge Of Westmeath Footballers
McHugh led Westmeath provincial success this season.
Cannonball 2026 Heading For Offaly Today
Cannonball has raised €2,281,871 for Irish Children’s Charities.
Westmeath SFC: St Loman's Mullingar Aiming To Push Forward
The semi-final places will be confirmed this weekend.
Laois SFC: Places In The Semi-Finals Up For Grabs
Four quarter-finals take place this weekend.
Shane Lowry Aims To Win Second Irish Open
The Offaly man tees off at 1:45pm this afternoon.
Laois Soccer Club Plans New Clubhouse And Changing Facilities
Arlington Football Club are making plans to redevelop their club grounds.
Westmeath SFC: Tyrrellspass Secure Survival
They defeated Tang to preserve their status.
Shane Lowry Learns Tee Off Time Ahead Of Irish Open
Lowry has been paired alongside Patrick Reed and Jon Rahm.
Walker Cup Victory Loudest Roar I've Ever Experienced - Stuart Grehan
Stuart Grehan helped Great Britian & Ireland secure Walker Cup success last weekend.
GAA ‘Not Ready’ For Proposed Integration With LGFA And Camogie Association
Mary McAleese resigned as chair of the Gaelic Games Integration Steering Group.
Westmeath SFC: The Down's And Coralstown Kinnegad Secure Semi-Final Places
The quarter-finals will take place this weekend.
Offaly SHC: It's Great To Be Back In The Semi-Finals - Brian Duignan
Ballinamere defeated Belmont on Sunday.
Athlone Town Take Big Leap Towards Defending League Title
Town came from behind to beat Waterford.
Laois SHC: Clough Ballacolla And Camross Book Semi-Finals
The quarter-final line up is complete.
Westmeath Photographer Captures Katie Taylor’s Retirement Fight At Croke Park
The Bray fighter fought Flora Pili on Saturday night.
