Ireland played its first game in 2001 during a qualification game against Luxembourg for participation in Division III of the 2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The game was held in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, with Ireland losing 10–0. The game was part of a three team qualification tournament which included Iceland, Ireland and Luxembourg. The tournament was won by Iceland who won both of their games, including the 20–1 win over Ireland which was recorded as Ireland's worst ever loss, and gained promotion to the 2002 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Ireland who lost both of their games failed to qualify.