The #MakeTheMatch App provides:

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#MakeTheMatch App is available now with daily live updates from the manager and the team camp leading up to the Ireland v Scotland match on Saturday, June 13, 2015

The #MakeTheMatch is now available to download for IOS at iTunes and for Android at the Google Playstore and Amazon App Store. .

The App can also be downloaded at http://fai.mygigapp.com

Kennedy Cup Final: Kerry 1-0 DDSL

The Munster outfit triumphed thanks to a first-half strike from Dylan Murphy in front of a large crowd in the UL Bowl, which capped off a fantastic week of underage action.

DDSL, who have won the competition more than any other team, created the bulk of the chances early on with Malahide United youngster Jack Moylan impressing with his clever touches and accurate passing.

The first chance on goal fell to DDSL attacker Callum Thompson, but Kerry goalkeeper Alex O’Connor, who had stay alert throughout the game, did well to save his shot.

DDSL continued to attack and saw Conor Grant and Moylan both go close with efforts before Thompson had another opportunity to break the deadlock fail to materialize.

Kerry made it difficult for their opponents, but they could only watch when DDSL left-back Kameron Ledwidge smashed a long-range shot against the woodwork. The Cup holders were getting closer to a goal.

Yet, it was Kerry who went in front. Just before half-time, Murphy turned inside the penalty area to connect with a corner kick and fire a shot in via the underside of the crossbar.

Instead of simply holding onto that lead, Kerry pushed forward in the second half in search of a second goal. They were the one’s applying most of the pressure during that period.

Although, DDSL – to their credit – never gave up and fought right until the final whistle to get back on level terms. It never happened though and Kerry hung on to claim a memorable victory.

KERRY: O’Connor, O’Shea, Rusk, Dineen, Lenihan; O’Sullivan, O’Neill, D’Arcy (Rogers 59), Murphy (Kelleher 61), Lyne, O’Rourke (Ryan 69).

DDSL: K Clarke, Madden, Collins, O’Sullivan, Ledwidge, J Clarke (Troy 52), Knight, McGrath, Grant (Devoy 57), Moylan (O’Reilly 40), Thompson.

The SSE Airtricity League Mid-Season Break will take place from Saturday, June 13 to Thursday, June 25 (inclusive) and there will be no fixtures during this period. The SSE Airtricity League will resume on Friday, June 26.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Euro 2016 Qualifying Round Group D

Republic of Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, 17:00 (Live on RTE2)

MONDAY, JUNE 22

UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Finals Group B

Republic of Ireland v France, Kópavogsvöllur Stadium, Kopavogur (ISL), 14:00 (Irish Time)

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Finals Group B

Republic of Ireland v Switzerland, Víkingsvöllur, Reykjavik (ISL), 14:00 (Irish Time)

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

UEFA Regions Cup Finals

Group A

South Moravia v Tuzla, UCD Bowl, Dublin, 15:00

Eastern Region IRL v Ankara, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, 19:00

Group B

Zagreb v Dolnoslaski, Carlisle Grounds, Bray, 15:00

Eastern Region NIR v Wurttemberg, Home Farm FC, Dublin, 19:00

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Bohemians v Drogheda United, Dalymount Park, 19:45

Derry City v Cork City, Brandywell Stadium, 19:45

Dundalk v Limerick, Oriel Park, 19:45

Galway United v Shamrock Rovers, Eamonn Deacy Park, 19:45

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Longford Town, Richmond Park, 20:00 (Live on Setanta Ireland)

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Cabinteely v Wexford Youths, Stradbrook, 19:45

Shelbourne v Finn Harps, Tolka Park, 19:45

Waterford United v Athlone Town, RSC, 19:45

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers, Carlisle Grounds, 17:45

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Cobh Ramblers v UCD, St. Colman’s Park, 19:45

Having fought back to draw with Poland in their previous qualifier, Martin O’Neill went into the game hoping to secure their third victory of the campaign. And they looked to be heading that way when Jonathan Walters put them in front.

Pouncing on a save from Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall on 38 minutes, the Stoke City attacker fired in after Daryl Murphy originally met Robbie Brady’s corner kick and forced the ball to drop kindly for Walters.

By that stage, Ireland were largely dictating the tempo and pushing their visitors onto the back foot. Clever play by Wes Hoolahan allowed the home team to stretch their opponents and open up space, yet few chances fell their way.

Glenn Whelan registered their first shot on goal on 16 minutes when his piledriver flew just wide. That was in response to a chance from Scotland’s Steven Naismith, while Steven Fletcher forced goalkeeper Shay Given into a finger-tipped save.

Up the other end, Ireland continued to press forward with Murphy’s looping header testing the alertness of Marshall, who tipped the ball over his crossbar to concede the corner kick that Walters would score from.

After the break, Scotland came flying out with a shot from Shaun Maloney taking an unfortunate deflection off captain John O’Shea and spinning into the net past Given. It was a cruel goal to concede for O’Neill’s men.

Yet, Ireland never gave up. Murphy, who got the nod to start the game, was terrific and he almost fired Ireland back in front when he broke free on the left side but Marshall pulled off a superb save with his feet.

Record goalscorer Robbie Keane was sprung from the substitutes’ bench and he nearly weaved some magic within minutes as his shot from distance was straight on goal, but again Marshall was alive to the danger.

Ireland piled on the pressure late on in search of a winner and looked the most likely team to get the next goal, but it never arrived. They had to settle for a point, which leaves them on nine points after six qualifiers with four games remaining.

Republic of Ireland: Given; Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady; Walters, Whelan (McClean 68), McCarthy, Hendrick; Hoolahan (Keane 73); Murphy (Long 80).

Scotland: Marshall; Hutton, Martin, Mulgrew, Forsyth; Brown (McArthur 85), Morrison; Ritchie (Anya h-t), Maloney, Naismith (Berra 90+2); Fletcher.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli.

As a way to reward coaches involved in the Future Football Programme for their hard work within clubs in developing young players, they attended an evening with speakers sharing their wealth of experience - covering topics such as Player Development; Team-building and Motivation; The Role of the Coach and much more.

Before things got underway, everyone was taken on a quick tour of the new development at Abbotstown, the FAI’s new high performance and development facility. Six new pitches have been completed – five grass and one full size artificial grass surface, and by the end of the summer a conference, coach education and changing facility will have been finished. All international teams will use this as their training ground from this year onwards, including the senior team.

After a quick welcome message from FAI CEO John Delaney, the first presentation came from Ruud Dokter, current FAI Technical Director and formerly with the Dutch Football Association where he fulfilled a large variety of senior coaching positions at men's U21, U18, U17, U16 and U15 level as well as the senior women's team and has built up a wealth of experience in delivering the world famous Dutch model of player development.

Ruud spoke about the FAI Player Development Plan, and the role of coaches in helping deliver this on the ground to provide a uniform approach to playing the game in Ireland, and fielded some questions from the floor.

Tom Mohan, a former Finn Harps, Longford Town, Portadown, Omagh Town and Derry City midfielder, and now current Ireland Under-17 Head Coach was next up, and spoke to coaches about the recent experience of bringing his young team to the UEFA European Under-17 Championships in Bulgaria. There, they went toe to toe against the very best in Holland, Italy and England – being very unlucky for results not to go their way.

After a short break, Amir Afsar took to the floor. Amir worked his way up from being a part-time employee to the position of Head of Operations for McDonalds Ireland, and in this position helped open 37 restaurants in the North and South of Ireland. Amir had the responsibility for the day to day operations of five departments, and spoke to coaches about the similarities in Team Building and Motivation between the worlds of business and sport.

The keynote speaker was Craig Brown from Scotland, a former professional football player and manager, and currently a director of Aberdeen FC. Brown was manager of Scotland from 1993 to 2001, the longest and most successful tenure for any Scotland manager.

Under Brown, Scotland qualified for both Euro '96 in England and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Previous to this he brought the Scottish Under-16s to brink of glory in the Final of the 1989 FIFA U16 World Championship, and the Under 21’s to the Semi Final of the 1992 UEFA U21 Championship. He has also managed Aberdeen, Motherwell, Preston North End and Clyde.

Craig was able to look back upon 38 years as a coach and reflect on some of his favourite experiences, as well as his views on how football is currently developing, and the new Player Development Plan that was presented to attendees earlier in the evening. Craig’s lighthearted approach to speaking to the coaches present brought lots of laughs as he told stories about working with the likes of Alex Ferguson, Billy Davies and Archie Knox amongst others.

Those in attendance went away with a great insight into different levels of football coaching, all the way from youth football to the very highest professional level, as well as some very valuable information that they can apply back in their local clubs. They were also given packs containing tactics boards, coaching journals and other items that will no doubt provide useful on the training ground. Also some of Craig’s jokes that those in their clubs can expect to hear over the coming weeks!

The Eastern Region, managed by Gerry Smith, go into the tournament as the topped ranked side. The teams and officials will all be based in the City West Complex for what promises to be a very competitive tournament.

Match details – Eastern Region (Ireland)

• Fri June 26: Eastern Region (Irl) v Ankara Turkey. KO 19.00hrs Tallaght Stadium
• Sat June 28: Eastern Region (Irl) v South Moravia (CZE). KO 15-00hrs Tallaght Stadium
• Wed July 1: Tuzla Canton (BIH) v Eastern Region (IRE) KO 19-00hrs. Venue TBC following European draws

This is the Republic’s fifth time to qualify, having narrowly missed out on winning the tournament in 2011 after being beaten 2-1 by the hosts, Portugal. The draw held in the Aviva on the 30th of March was favourable when we were drawn in Group A along with teams from the Czech Republic, Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina. Group B contains our near neighbours Northern Ireland, Germany, Croatia and Poland.

Gerry Smith’s side have already started their preparations with a warm weather training camp. In the coming days we will be providing updates from Gerry and squad members as they prepare for what promises to be a very memorable occasion for Irish Junior football.

The Russian side put in a hugely impressive performance and looked every bit the tournament favourites on this performance playing at a relentless intensity and phenomenal pace. Ireland’s only goal of the game was scored inside the first ten minutes by Gary Messett, who has competed at two previous Paralympic Games.

As second seeds in their group Ireland will look to move on from this tough opener when they face Australia in their second group game at 1pm on Thursday (18th June). These World Championships are the only chance the Irish team have to secure a precious qualifying spot at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Should the Irish team reach the quarter-finals they can be almost certain of a qualification place.

Speaking after the game Irish team manager Barry Ferguson said; “We always knew this was going to be a huge test as it proved to be. They’re the number one seed in the group, and in the tournament. Obviously no one likes to concede as many as we did today but there were positives we’ll take away. They are a fantastic team and they are at the level we strive to reach. We are really looking forward to the challenge Australia will bring on Thursday."

The Russians got off to the perfect start with the opening goal after only a couple of minutes. The Irish side responded in fine style with an unbelievable strike from two time Paralympian Gary Messett. However almost midway through the first half the Russians regained the lead going 2-1 up, making it three a minute later. The Irish had their best spell of that half approaching the 25 minute mark where they held plenty of the possession and Daragh Snell was unlucky not to get on the end of a ball on the back post.

The opening period of the second half saw almost fifteen minutes of sustained pressure from the Russians which the Irish defended solidly until the breakthrough came on 44 minutes as they went 4-1 up. With Irish captain Luke Evans and goalscorer Gary Messett having been replaced at the start of the half the Irish team endured a tough closing period to the game seeing Russia score another four before the final whistle.

The opening ten minutes saw both sides try and gain control of the match with the Danes just edging possession.  Ireland, in the 5th minute, through Leanne Kiernan, tried to cross the ball into the box but the wind taking her cross behind. Two minutes later, Ireland had a corner but again the wind took the ball and swerved it out for a goal kick.

In the 13th minute, the Danes were looking dangerous, Caroline Jacobsen, passed the ball from the centre midfield area out wide to her right, winger Frida Petersen, then ran with the ball and tried to pick out centre forward, Maria Hovmark, but the pass was over hit and went behind for a goal kick.  Two minutes later, the Ireland left back was caught in possession and Petersen was able to run down the wing but her cross was over hit and came to nothing.  In the 19th minute, Ireland, from their right hand side, attempted to cross the ball into the opposition box, but again the wind saw the ball behind for a goal kick.

The Danish wide players were finding themselves in space with a lot of their play going down their flanks.  However, it was their centre midfielder, Laerke Sondergaard, who, in the 31st minute, found Hovmark with a through ball, which left her through on the Irish keeper, Josephine Madsen, who was happy to see Hovmark pull her shot wide.  In the 33rd minute the Danes were at it again, this time Hovmark turning provider who nearly picked out Petersen with a through ball of her own.  Nearly half time now and the Danes looking more likely to score.  Ireland finding it hard to create any real chances.

As the half were coming to an end, the lively Petersen was forced off the pitch with a bloody nose but Ireland couldn’t take advantage of the extra player and the half-finished. Denamrk 0-0 Republic of Ireland.  Petersen returned to the pitch moments before the half time whistle blew.

The second half started lively for the Danes, as Hovmark rattled the crossbar with a shot from outside the box.  The following minutes saw the game get a little bit scrappy with the increasing strength of the wind not helping matters.  In the 52nd minute, the Irish No.10, Rachel Baynes, picked out Heather Payne with a nice pass.  Payne’s resulting shot, however, never really troubled the Danish keeper.  The Irish would rue that miss, as moments later the Danes got the ball out wide and swept the ball into the Irish six yard box.  The Irish keeper came to collect but could not keep a hold of it and the ball landed to substitute, Signe Andersen, who was able to tap the ball into the Irish net.  Denmark 1, Republic of Ireland 0.

In the 55th minute, Ireland were again caught in possession.  Danish player, Sofie Svava, winning the ball for her team, passed to Hovmark, whose long range effort went wide.  The strong wind making it difficult for Ireland to get distance on their clearances for which the Danes were using to their advantage.  This was evident in the 66th minute when, following Danish pressure, Ireland gave away a corner.  The resulting ball into the box was never fully dealt with.  A rebounded shot from the Irish keeper let in Signe Andersen, who was able to get her second of the match.  Denmark 2, Republic of Ireland 0.

In the 72nd minute, Ireland couldn’t deal with the Danish attack.  The wind making it increasingly difficult to clear the ball and out of scrappy play, the Danish captain Sondergaard, who was the main creator for the Danes, had a curling effort from the edge of the box bounce back of the crossbar. 

Ireland, throughout, found it difficult to create any clear cut chances.  Leanne Kiernan looking the most likely to threaten the Danish defence.  The wind, especially in the second half, did Ireland no favours.  The Danes exploiting this to their advantage and despite a brave effort from the Irish players, the Danes came out victorious.  Full time, Denmark 2, Republic of Ireland 0.

DENMARK: Josephine Madsen, Olivia Drost, Caroline Jacobsen, Laerke Sondergaard, Maria Hovmark, Sara Holmgaard, Benedikte Schroder, Karen Holmgaard, Maiken Hansen, Agnete Nielsen, Frida Petersen.  Subs: Silke Seland for Schrober 40, Kamilla Karlsen for Karen Holmgaard 40, Sofie Svava for Sara Holmgaard 40, Signe Andersen for Nielsen 40, Rebecca Dall for Drost 40, Therese Ibsen for Hansen 57, Solveig Andersen for Hovmark 57,  Alberte Hallgren for Petersen 67.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Aoife McColgan, Jade Reddy, Isobel Finnegan, Alexandra Kavanagh, Heather Payne, Leah Reybet-Degat, Rachel Baynes, Leanne Kiernan, Lauren Kelly, Danielle Burke, Zoe Green.  Subs: Chloe Connolly for Reybet-Degat 23, Niamh Sheehan for Kelly 29, Tara O’Gorman for Connolly 50, Nicole Plunkett for Alexandra Kavanagh 63, Naoisha McAloon for McColgan 74.

Ireland 4-1 Australia

Following an opening defeat to tournament favourites Russia this was a game Ireland needed to win to ensure their tournament stayed on course.

After two rounds in Group B Russia have two wins, Ireland and Australia one win and loss each with Portugal yet to get any points on the board. The Irish team have just forty eight hours to rest and recover before their final group game against Portugal on Saturday, at 1pm, while Russia take on Australia.

The top two teams in each of the four groups reach the quarter-finals. These World Championships are the only chance the Irish team have to secure a precious qualifying spot at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Should the Irish team reach the quarter-finals they can be almost certain of a qualification place.

Speaking immediately after the game Irish captain Luke Evans said; “It was just so important to get the job done today; the result was all that mattered. Not for a second did we underestimate the Australians. After their win over Portugal in the first game this was like a cup game, they needed to win just as much as we did. They gave it everything, you can’t underestimate that will. It’s just great to get the three points and now we can focus on the next game on Saturday.”

Bray midfielder Gary Messett opened the scoring for the Irish on eight minutes with his second goal of the tournament. The Irish side consistently put the Australians under pressure for the remainder of the half with several chances, notably from Messett, Jason Moran and Dillon Sheridan who was making an impression down the right. Dublin teenager Carl McKee winning only his fourth cap looked assured and comfortable in defence alongside captain Luke Evans.

Almost ten minutes into the second half Ballyfermot United’s Sheridan secured reward for his hard work with a low strike from distance to make it 2-0. The breakthrough for the Australians came midway through the half when they were awarded a penalty for an innocuous enough challenge by Irish captain Luke Evans which they converted to pull the deficit back to a single goal. Gerard Glynn’s Irish side responded impressively with sub Eric O’Flaherty hitting the crossbar with a tremendous strike before converting a great ball from Messett to push Ireland to a 3-1 lead.  Sheridan closed out the game for the Irish in the final minute with a great individual goal to secure the 4-1 win.
 

Drawn into Group B alongside France, Switzerland, and Norway, Connell's side will be based in Reykjavik as they attempt to secure passage through to the final and then become just the fourth different team to win the tournament.

Unbeaten in six qualifying games, Ireland booked their place in the tournament after finishing as the best runners-up -- scoring seven goals and recording five clean sheets -- and they possess a talented group of players with huge potential.

Connell has included two uncapped players -- defender Jessica Nolan and forward Heather Payne -- in his squad following a number of thorough training camps in preparation for Iceland.

"This has probably been the toughest squad that I've ever had to pick," said Connell. "There were basically nine players in contention for the remaining spots, so it was a difficult decision to make and obviously the girls missing out will be disappointed, but two of those are eligible for the Under 17s again next year."

Connell is moving back into familiar territory having guided the Women's Under 19 team to the semi-finals of last year's UEFA European Championships in Norway, so he knows exactly what to expect at the elite level of women's underage football.

Only the second Ireland Women's U17 team to qualify for the prestigious tournament -- following Noel King's squad who finished as runners-up in 2010 -- this group will go into next week's first game ready to make the most of their experience.

"It is a huge challenge for us, but we thrive on those challenges and we are looking forward to our first game against France," said Connell about the task ahead as they depart for Iceland on Saturday.

"We're hoping to surprise a few people -- similar to what we did last year with the Under 19s when we upset some of the favourites and proved that we had a really good team that was worthy of competing at that level.

"We're hoping that Roma (McLaughlin) and Amanda (McQuillan) can bring their experience of the Under 19s to this tournament, while we've had a lot of girls feature in the Continental Tyres Women's National League. Now, it's all about dealing with the different scenarios and pressures that come with playing in the finals.

"We're really looking forward to the tournament and hopefully we can emulate the 2010 squad who reached the final and then go one step further by winning it. If we can do that it would be the perfect ending to what has been a long journey but we're ready for it."

Known as the 'Ice Queens', this team will be aiming to get off to the best possible start in their opening game with France and progress through to the knockout round.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND WOMEN'S UNDER 17 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Amanda McQuillan (Raheny United), Nadine Maher (Shelbourne)

Defenders: Fiona Donnelly (Shelbourne), Jamie Finn (Raheny United), Chloe Maloney (Connolly Celtic), Niamh Prior (UCD Waves), Courtney Higgins (Shelbourne), Jessica Nolan (Castlebar Celtic)

Midfielders: Roma McLaughlin (Greencastle), Evelyn Daly (Lakewood), Saoirse Noonan (Douglas Hall), Sophie Watters (Shelbourne), Lucy McCartan (Peamount United, Aislinn Meaney (Lifford)

Forwards: Eleanor Ryan Doyle (Peamount United), Sarah McKevitt (Peakville), Dearbhaile Beirne (Shelbourne), Heather Payne (Salthill Devon)

FIXTURES

UEFA European Championship Finals

22/06/2015: Republic of Ireland v France (Korinn, Kopavogur, Iceland; KO 2pm Irish Time)

25/06/2015: Republic of Ireland v Switzerland (Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik, Iceland; KO 2pm Irish Time)

28/06/2015: Norway v Republic of Ireland (Korinn, Kopavogur, Iceland; KO 2pm Irish Time) 

The match began at 3pm Irish time and was live streamed through German website www.EuroDeaf2015.eu with Irish fans both at home and abroad tuning in to watch Ireland’s impressive victory.

The final score of the match was 6-0 to Ireland, with Jason Maguire hailed as player of the match following a hat trick at 77 minutes.

The whole team played as a strong, united force, with the first goal scored just nine minutes in as Watson and Maher play a move finished by Maguire.

As the scores grew, so too did the confidence of the Irish players, with the Polish team getting few chances to try and shoot.  Goalkeeper Walsh stopped short an attempt by Poland at 66 minutes.

At the 45 minute mark, Sinclair took a free kick, making it 2-0 to Ireland, at 70 minutes, Byrne got a top corner goal, bringing Ireland up to 3 goals and from there on in, the goals began to mount; at 72 and 75 minutes, Maguire scored again, before Dudley landed another goal at 81 minutes.

Poland were feeling the pressure as the match drew to a close, at 90 minutes, with four added on for Injury time, Poland tried to score but were blocked by Lowney, who kept the 6-0 victory for Ireland.

The team are now in training for their second match (Thursday 18th June) against the Ukraine.

A spokesman for Raheny United Women’s National League Section said: “Raheny United Women's National League Section has, after very careful consideration and deliberation, agreed a merger with Shelbourne Ladies FC. This decision has been taken after long and protracted discussions over the last two years. Both parties see this merger as a consolidation of the most successful Senior and Junior clubs in women’s football over the last number of seasons. We believe this merger will continue to develop an already extremely successful WNL outfit with some of the best up and coming, young and vibrant, talent in women’s football. This amalgamation of two giants of Irish women’s football will in no doubt be a major force in the future. It is a very exciting venture for all concerned and one we are all looking forward to.”

A spokesman for Shelbourne Ladies FC said:  “We at Shelbourne are delighted with the merger with former National League side Raheny United and we would like to give a warm welcome to all the players and officials making the transition from Raheny to our newly formed club. We have worked closely together over the last two years to develop this merger and in the last 12 months we have supplied players to Raheny’s National League team from our youth section. We can now at Shelbourne offer our young players a completed pathway in which they can develop and progress from underage football right through to the top tier of women’s football in a safe and secure environment where players can happily mature at their own pace. We are currently the biggest girls’ football club in the country with over 150 girls playing and training every week and this merger of two of the biggest clubs in women’s football can only improve standards across the board. We see this as a major development in women’s football in Ireland and there is in no doubt very exciting times ahead for us all.

Fran Gavin, Director of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League said: “I would like to welcome the merger between Raheny United and Shelbourne Ladies. The amalgamation of one of the country’s top senior women’s clubs with one of the top junior and under-age clubs is a positive development as it will give young players a clear and structured pathway into elite football and ultimately assist the development of women’s football in Ireland.”

Raheny United have been one of the most successful clubs in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League since its formation in 2011 winning two league titles, two FAI Cups and the League Cup in that time as well as reaching the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League last season after becoming the first Irish side to win a qualifying round group.

Shelbourne Ladies, who field teams in the Metropolitan Girls League, the Dublin Women’s League and Leinster Leagues, have also been extremely successful in recent years winning leagues and cups at domestic, provincial and national levels at all age groups. The club has also produced large numbers of girls for the Metro League Academy and has a number of international players at each age group.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Finals Group B

Republic of Ireland v France, Kópavogsvöllur Stadium, Kopavogur (ISL), 14:00 (Irish Time)

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Finals Group B

Republic of Ireland v Switzerland, Víkingsvöllur, Reykjavik (ISL), 14:00 (Irish Time)

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Waterford United v Athlone Town, RSC, 19:45

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

UEFA Regions Cup Finals

Group A

South Moravia v Tuzla, UCD Bowl, Dublin, 15:00

Eastern Region IRL v Ankara, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, 19:00

Group B

Zagreb v Dolnoslaski, Carlisle Grounds, Bray, 15:00

Eastern Region NIR v Wurttemberg, Home Farm FC, Dublin, 19:00

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Bohemians v Drogheda United, Dalymount Park, 19:45

Derry City v Cork City, Brandywell Stadium, 19:45

Dundalk v Limerick, Oriel Park, 19:45

Galway United v Shamrock Rovers, Eamonn Deacy Park, 19:45

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Longford Town, Richmond Park, 20:00 (Live on Setanta Ireland)

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Cabinteely v Wexford Youths, Stradbrook, 19:45

Shelbourne v Finn Harps, Tolka Park, 19:45

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers, Carlisle Grounds, 17:45

SSE Airtricity League First Division

Cobh Ramblers v UCD, St. Colman’s Park, 19:45

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship Finals Group B

Norway v Republic of Ireland, Kópavogsvöllur Stadium, Kopavogur (ISL), 14:00 (Irish Time).

UEFA Regions Cup Finals

Group B

Zagreb v Eastern Region (NIR), Richmond Park, 12:00

Dolnośląski v Württemberg, Home Farm FC, 12:00

Group A

Eastern Region (IRL) v South Moravia, Tallaght  Stadium, 15:00.

Ankara  v Tuzla, The UCD Bowl, 15:00.

At the World Championships at St. George’s Park in England this afternoon, the Irish team knew that victory over the Portguese team coupled with a favourable result in the other match in the pool would secure the precious Rio spot for Barry Ferguson’s side.   The Irish delivered a comprehensive 8:0 victory over the Portuguese while the Russian Team secured top place in the group with a 5:0 win over Australia.

Following the win, Team Manager Barry Ferguson expressed his delight with the team’s performance: “The team played with real confidence today despite the natural anxiety the enormity of the occasion would bring.  It was their best performance of the tournament so far.  With Rio, our ultimate goal, now in the bag we can look forward to the quarter-finals with confidence and secure as high a final placing as possible over the next few games.”

I’d like to commend all the players, coaching and support staff for their commitment over the last few months to ensure we reached our goal today.”

Team Captain, Luke Evans was thrilled with the result: “The primary goal this tournament was to secure Rio qualification.  Having been to Beijing 2008, missing London 2012 really hurt me and the senior players.  We’ve put that right today and can look forward with confidence to the rest of the World Championships and then make a real effort to perform at the highest level in Rio next year. Words can’t describe how good this feels.”

The Irish team made an explosive start with Bray’s Gary Messett taking it to the Portuguese from the first whistle.  His influence was immediate when he scored the opening goal within the first minute.  He followed with a sweet strike three minutes later to make it 2:0 with Dillon Sheridan opening his account from the restart leaving Ireland with an unassailable 3:0 lead after only four minutes. 

Somewhat overawed by the dynamic Irish blitz the Portuguese played their way into the game carving out a number of half chances with one drawing a superb point blank save low to his left from the Irish keeper Simon L’Estrange.   The Irish displayed a fast paced and crisp passing game with further goals inevitable.  Dillon Sheridan from Ballyfermot United secured his hat-trick with two further strikes in the 10th and 12th minutes putting the Irish 5:0 ahead. 

With the outcome of the game decided and the Russian team leading comfortably against Australia the Irish continued with some neat interplay and assured passing movements.  Before the end of the half, one of Ireland’s finest team moves was put home by a close range header from Daragh Snell.  On the stroke of half-time man-of-the-match Dillon Sheridan popped up with his 4th goal to end the half 7:0 ahead.

With the result secured and the focus shifting to Wednesday’s quarter-final, the relentless pace of the first half subsided somewhat, nevertheless the Irish continued to create numerous chances particularly with the trickery of half time substitute Ryan Nolan.  The team drove forward but struggled to get past the Portuguese keeper.  Eventually the pressure told with the Irish securing a penalty for a handball in the area.  Team Captain Luke Evans stepped up and converted the rebound from a fine save to complete the 8:0 victory for the boys in green.

With today’s games completing Group B, Ireland finished in second place behind the Russians.  Ireland will play the winners of tonight’s match between Ukraine and England in the quarter-finals at 7pm on the 24th June.

Barring a highly unlikely series of results for the remainder of this tournament and at the Para Panamerican Games in Toronto in August, the Irish Team have secured their place at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.