The Kildare native enjoyed an extraordinary career, where she won every trophy available during her time with Arsenal and also raised the profile of women's football by consistently producing top-class performances for Ireland.

Byrne ended up with 134 senior caps, from making her senior debut in 1996 through to her final game in 2017. During that period, she was also captain for four years and led by example on the pitch.

The Football Association of Ireland recently dedicated a tribute alcove to Byrne in their Headquarters on the National Sports Campus and this Hall of Fame award follows on from that in recognition of her fantastic career.

FAI Board Member & Chairperson of the Women's Football Committee, Niamh O'Donoghue said: "From the time that she first burst onto the underage international stage at age 14, Emma was a fantastic servant to the women's game, representing her country at every age level and winning multiple honours at club level.

"She was a tremendous role model for young girls around the country and I've no doubt that she inspired an entire generation of girls to follow their dreams of becoming a professional footballer. 

"The tribute alcove in FAI Headquarters is fantastic to see and anyone who visits the offices will be able to see just what she achieved. However, becoming the first women's player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is historic and well deserved."

FAI CEO John Delaney said: "To pull on the Ireland jersey is a special thing, but to do it on 134 occasions is quite remarkable. Emma has earned her right to be described as an Irish legend.

"Emma was a fantastic goalkeeper and ambassador for the women's game. She deserves to have her name in the Hall of Fame, alongside some of the best players ever to represent Ireland."

Byrne will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame at the '3' FAI International Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 17 in RTE Studios. The programme will be broadcast live on RTE2.

The full list of nominees for the '3' FAI International Awards will be revealed later this week.

Hall of Fame Recipients
2017: Damien Duff
2016: Robbie Keane
2015: Tony Cascarino
2014: Andy Townsend
2013: Ronnie Whelan
2012: Kevin Sheedy
2011: Ray Houghton
2010: Frank Stapleton
2009: Ray Treacy
2008: Arthur Fitzsimons
2007: Paddy Mulligan
2006: Don Givens
2005: Mick Martin
2004: Gerry Daly
2002: Liam Tuohy
2001: Liam Brady
2000: Joe Haverty
1999: 1949 Ireland team v England
1998: Shay Brennan / Tony Dunne
1997: Kevin O’Flanagan

Goals from Amos Sholanke, Tyrick Reilly and two from Josh Ojelabi gave the boys in green a 4-1 win at Reading's Academy in west London, played in front of several interested club scouts.

Manager Gerry Davis was delighted with his sides win; "It was a great performance today as we were struggling a little with a couple of injuries but we asked everyone for a big performance and I think we got that."

The Erasmus+ trip to the UK has ended with the FAI/ETB squad unbeaten in their four games. Manager Gerry Davis was delighted with how the tour went.

"This has been the first Erasmus+ trip for players in FAI/ETB courses and has been a fantastic experience both on and off the pitch for everyone involved. The FAI have worked really hard behind the scenes to make this happen and it has been a great success."

With a full schedule of events planned it was a busy two weeks for the FAI/ETB trainees from eight different courses around the country. Visits to Premier league games, a Wembley Stadium tour, and four games against academies sides from Fulham, Crawley Town, Reading and Isthmian league semi-professional side Dorking Wanderers kept them busy. However it was the visit to Brighton’s impressive academy which proved the most interesting according to Davis.

“We had a tour of their excellent facility which included a presentation from Academy manager John Morling, outlining Brighton’s player development and recruitment strategies. John specified what attributes they look for in players when recruiting and how they monitor them their development. Brighton’s Irish underage internationals Warren O'Hora and Jayson Molumby also answered questions in relation to being an player at the academy which our players found fascinating especially as O’Hora had been previously been a trainee at the FAI/ETB course in Cabra.”

"We would like to thank John as he has been a great help with the planning of the trip and also organizing the visit to Brighton."

The Erasmus+ trip for FAI/ETB players has been a resounding success and plans are in place for future trips for next intake of trainees in September 2019.

is the first time that the tournament will be hosted in Northern Ireland and there is a strong possibility of a first winner from the North as the hosts Ulster University will look to lift the Kelly Cup in Seaview on Wednesday evening.

It has been a mixed season for Ulster, having looked a dominant force by reaching the Kelly Cup Semi-Finals and CUFL Women’s Premier Division Final with a 100% record last season. However, it was at this stage where the wheels began to come off and they were defeated 2-0 by University College Cork. UCC stand opposite them again and it will be a small revenge for UU if they can maximise the use of home advantage and send Cork crashing out.

Thirteen days on from their CUFL Premier Division Final clash, IT Carlow and Maynooth University will meet again to decide who will face the winners of Ulster University and UCC in Wednesday’s Kelly Cup Final. It is currently 2-0 to Maynooth based on the matches between both sides so far this season. In the game in Athlone, IT Carlow finished the stronger team and were left to rue the many opportunities they wasted against James O’Callaghan’s side. If they can find the clinical edge in today’s game, the possibility is strong that they will have the opportunity to retain the cup they won last year with a last-minute extra time goal against UCC.

In the Lydon Cup, Waterford IT will take on University of Limerick, and Letterkenny IT will face NUI Galway. Waterford will be hoping to use their Premier Division status to their advantage against UL in the hope they can round off a below-par season with silverware. During parts of the season, Letterkenny IT appeared to be the team to beat before their young-side were put to the sword by the experience of both IT Carlow and UCC in League and Cup. They will hope to round off their season with another Intervarsity success at Galway’s expense who will be feared with the likes of Senior International Aislinn Meaney and U19s Sadhbh Doyle among their ranks.

In the O’Regan Cup, Mary Immaculate College will hope to pull off a giant-killing when they face IT Sligo in their semi-final today. The winners of the tie will face TU Dublin Blanchardstown on Wednesday morning.

Fixtures

Tuesday 12th March
All games hosted at Ulster University Jordanstown Campus

RUSTLERS WSCAI Kelly Cup Semi-Finals
University College Cork v Ulster University, 3.30pm
IT Carlow v Maynooth University, 3.30pm

RUSTLERS WSCAI Lydon Cup Semi-Finals
Waterford IT v University of Limerick, 3.30pm
NUI Galway v Letterkenny IT, 3.30pm

RUSTLERS WSCAI O’Regan Cup Semi-Final
IT Sligo v Mary Immaculate College, 12.30pm

UEFA is pushing the boundaries for UEFA EURO 2020, with the finals taking place in 12 host cities across the continent. Now, with the release of the official Your Move teaser trailer, European football's governing body is signalling its intention to reinvent the traditional tournament mascot, with a nod to freestyle and street football culture.

While fans of the time-honoured, life-sized mascot will not be disappointed, the teaser video shows a sequence of awe-inspiring skills and tricks executed by a squad of freestyle, street and panna players. It points to a spectacular launch event scheduled for when the European Qualifiers kick off later this month. All will be revealed at an epic live event under the lights at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, in the build-up to Netherlands v Germany on Sunday 24 March.

Mascots have become an integral part of the European Championship since Pinocchio made his debut at the 1980 finals in Italy. For UEFA EURO 2020, UEFA is planning something unique and interactive, to reflect younger fans' passion for freestyling, street football and panna as well as the 11-a-side game.

The decision to launch the mascot campaign at the Johan Cruijff ArenA was taken in honour of one of the most skilful players to illuminate the game, and UEFA EURO 2020 promises to bring football and freestyle cultures together in celebration.

UEFA is pleased to announce the completion of the top- tier of the UEFA National Team Football sponsorship programme 2018–2022. This highest level of partnership includes rights to the 2019 and 2021 European Qualifiers, the 2019 and 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals, the 2019 and 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championships, UEFA Futsal EURO 2022 and the flagship UEFA EURO 2020™.

With Volkswagen, booking.com, Hisense, Alipay and Socar already confirmed, one other global partnership will be announced shortly ahead of the opening round of European Qualifier matches in March 2019.

UEFA EURO 2020™ is a unique tournament, taking place in 12 different countries to celebrate the UEFA European Football Championship’s’ 60th anniversary, bringing the UEFA EURO to more people than ever before.

These UEFA EURO 2020™ partnership opportunities are generally available with global marketing rights but, in a select group of product/service categories, rights will be available on a national basis in each of the respective host countries.

As such, UEFA is today announcing that it is inviting expressions of interest from suitable brands from the following product/service categories for UEFA EURO 2020™ National Sponsorship rights:

• Banking
• Insurance
• Telecommunications services and systems 
• Human Resources / Recruitment services
• Rail
• Airlines

From the six product/service categories referred to above, a maximum of two National Sponsorship packages are available in each of the 12 markets. Prospective bidders may, however, also submit offers for one or more of the 12 host countries.

The bidding processes for these six product/service categories will formally open on 27 March, with expressions of interest required before this date. All offers must be submitted by no later than 10 May 2019.

The bid documentation and/or any information regarding this UEFA EURO 2020™ National Sponsorship bidding process can be requested at the following e-mail address: sponsorship@caa11.com. In order to receive the bid documentation, prospective bidders are requested to include the following initial information in their e-mail:

• Company name and brand name on behalf of which the company wishes to bid
• Product category for which the company wishes to bid
• Host Country(ies) for which the company wishes to bid
• Details of current similar contracts held by the company / brand.

Brands from any product/service category other than those referred to above that are looking for UEFA EURO 2020™ global or national partnership opportunities should contact CAA11 for more information at sponsorship@caa11.com.

Finally, UEFA will also open a bidding process shortly for a beer catagory in order to identify a UEFA EURO 2020™ beer partner for each host country.

The worldwide sales of all men’s UEFA National Team Football competitions during the period 2018–2022 are being carried out exclusively by CAA11 on UEFA’s behalf.

IT Carlow and Maynooth University who were playing in a repeat of the recent CUFL Women's Premier Division Final could not be separated and with neither side able to break the deadlock the game went to penalties and it was Maynooth who came out on top winning 7-6 in a thrilling shoot out.

The 2017 winners will be dreaming of a second Kelly Cup title but 5 times winners UCC will stand in their way and will be buoyed by their semi final victory over Ulster University. UCC took an early lead through Christina Dring but their joy was short lived as Chloe Orr equalised within a minute, Ciara McNamara's free kick gave UCC a half time lead but Chloe McCarron's goal early in the second half levelled the scores for the second time. When Ali McMaster put UU 3-2 in front it seemed as though Danielle McDowell's side were heading for a home final but Vanessa Ogbonna's late equaliser forced penalty kicks and the visitors held their nerve to win 3-1.

Waterford IT secured their spot in the Lydon Cup Final after a late comeback against UL who had taken the lead through an Eleanor Stafford penalty but 3 goals in the final 25 minutes from Orla Hickey, Mycella Farrell and Aoife Prendergast was enough for WIT to take victory and they will now face NUI Galway who had an impressive 5-1 victory over Letterkenny IT. Aislinn Meaney was in inspired form scoring a hat trick and further goals from Alison McGonagle and Elle O'Flaherty meant that Zoe Green's goal was little consolation for the Donegal outfit.

IT Sligo will face TU Dublin Blanchardstown in the O'Regan Cup Final after a 3-0 victory over Mary Immaculate College in the opening game yesterday. The Limerick college had the better of the early chances and should really have been in front before Orla Devaney and Amy Boyle Carr scored within 3 minutes of each other to give IT Sligo a 2-0 lead at HT. The score was harsh on Mary I and as they battled to find a route back into the game they conceded a third to Katie Melly and the tie was over. TU Dublin Blanchardstown reach the final after a walkover against Limerick IT.

Results, Tuesday, March 12:
O'Regan Cup
TU Dublin Blanchardstown w/o Limerick IT
IT Sligo 3 (Orla Devaney 30, Amy Boyle Carr 33, Katie Melly 73) Mary Immaculate College 0

Lydon Cup
NUI Galway 5 (Alison McGonagle 15, Aislinn Meaney 17 (pen), 48, 71, Elle O'Flaherty 42) Letterkenny IT (Zoe Green 61)
Waterford IT 3 (Orla Hickey 65, Mycella Farrell 75, Aoife Pendergast 80) University of Limerick (Eleanor Stafford 54 (pen))

Kelly Cup
UCC 3 (Christina Dring 20, Ciara McNamara 32, Vanessa Ogbonna 88) Ulster University (Chloe Orr 21, Chloe McCarron 47, Ali McMaster 62) (3-1 on pens)
IT Carlow 0 Maynooth University 0 (6-7 on pens)

Fixtures, Wednesday, March 13:
O'Regan Cup
TU Dublin Blanchardstown v IT Sligo (Final) 11:30

Lydon Cup
NUI Galway v Waterford IT (Final) 12:15
Letterkenny IT v University of Limerick (3rd/4th Place Playoff) 10:30

Kelly Cup
UCC v Maynooth University (Final) 15:30
Ulster University v IT Carlow (3rd/4th Place Playoff) 10:30

IT Carlow and Maynooth University who were playing in a repeat of the recent CUFL Women's Premier Division Final could not be separated and with neither side able to break the deadlock the game went to penalties and it was Maynooth who came out on top winning 7-6 in a thrilling shoot out.

The 2017 winners will be dreaming of a second Kelly Cup title but 5 times winners UCC will stand in their way and will be buoyed by their semi final victory over Ulster University. UCC took an early lead through Christina Dring but their joy was short lived as Chloe Orr equalised within a minute, Ciara McNamara's free kick gave UCC a half time lead but Chloe McCarron's goal early in the second half

levelled the scores for the second time. When Ali McMaster put UU 3-2 in front it seemed as though Danielle McDowell's side were heading for a home final but Vanessa Ogbonna's late equaliser forced penalty kicks and the visitors held their nerve to win 3-1.

UCC v Maynooth University will be live streamed on the FAI Third Level Football YouTube channel today with kick off from Seaview at 3:30pm.

Waterford IT secured their spot in the Lydon Cup Final after a late comeback against UL who had taken the lead through an Eleanor Stafford penalty but 3 goals in the final 25 minutes from Orla Hickey, Mycella Farrell and Aoife Prendergast was enough for WIT to take victory and they will now face NUI Galway who had an impressive 5-1 victory over Letterkenny IT. Aislinn Meaney was in inspired form scoring a hat trick and further goals from Alison McGonagle and Elle O'Flaherty meant that Zoe Green's goal was little consolation for the Donegal outfit.

IT Sligo will face TU Dublin Blanchardstown in the O'Regan Cup Final after a 3-0 victory over Mary Immaculate College in the opening game yesterday. The Limerick college had the better of the early chances and should really have been in front before Orla Devaney and Amy Boyle Carr scored within 3 minutes of each other to give IT Sligo a 2-0 lead at HT. The score was harsh on Mary I and as they battled to find a route back into the game they conceded a third to Katie Melly and the tie was over. TU Dublin Blanchardstown reach the final after a walkover against Limerick IT.

Results, Tuesday, March 12:

O'Regan Cup
TU Dublin Blanchardstown w/o Limerick IT
IT Sligo 3 (Orla Devaney 30, Amy Boyle Carr 33, Katie Melly 73) Mary Immaculate College 0

Lydon Cup
NUI Galway 5 (Alison McGonagle 15, Aislinn Meaney 17 (pen), 48, 71, Elle O'Flaherty 42) Letterkenny IT (Zoe Green 61)
Waterford IT 3 (Orla Hickey 65, Mycella Farrell 75, Aoife Pendergast 80) University of Limerick (Eleanor Stafford 54 (pen))

Kelly Cup
UCC 3 (Christina Dring 20, Ciara McNamara 32, Vanessa Ogbonna 88) Ulster University (Chloe Orr 21, Chloe McCarron 47, Ali McMaster 62) (3-1 on pens)
IT Carlow 0 Maynooth University 0 (6-7 on pens)

Fixtures, Wednesday, March 13:

O'Regan Cup
TU Dublin Blanchardstown v IT Sligo (Final) 11:30

Lydon Cup
NUI Galway v Waterford IT (Final) 12:15
Letterkenny IT v University of Limerick (3rd/4th Place Playoff) 10:30

Kelly Cup
UCC v Maynooth University (Final) 15:30
Ulster University v IT Carlow (3rd/4th Place Playoff) 10:30

Ireland are set to face Luxembourg in their first game of the campaign at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, March 24 with kick-off at 5pm. Tickets for the match are currently on sale at just €5 for adults and FREE for U18s, FAI Season Ticket Holders and Shamrock Rovers Season Ticket Holders. 

Kenny has named a 23-man squad which includes eight players from the SSE Airtricity League. Darragh Leahy and Dan Mandroiu of Bohemians, Liam Scales and Neil Farrugia of UCD AFC, Waterford's Zach Elbouzedi and Aaron Drinan, Shamrock Rovers' Trevor Clarke and St. Patrick's Athletic midfielder Jamie Lennon have all been named. 

Liverpool duo Caoimhin Kelleher and Conor Masterson, Manchester United's Lee O'Connor, Manchester City's Gavin Bazunu and Tottenham Hotspur's Troy Parrott have also received call-ups to the U-21 squad. 

Simon Power, currently on loan at Dutch second tier side FC Dordrecht from Norwich City, and Connor Ronan, who plays for Slovakian side FC DAC 1904 on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, will also report for the squad on Monday, March 18.

The squad announcement follows the news from the UEFA Executive Committee that the UEFA U21 European Championships finals tournament will expend from 12 teams to 16 teams. The finals, which are set to take place in Hungary and Slovakia in June 2021, will now have four further teams in the finals competition. 

Tickets for the qualifier are currently available via Ticketmaster HERE

Republic of Ireland U21 squad v Luxembourg

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)

Defenders: Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Dara O'Shea (Exeter City, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Barry Cotter (Ipswich Town), Corey Ndaba (Ipswich Town), Conor Masterson (Liverpool), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Liam Scales (UCD AFC)

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Jake Doyle Hayes (Cambridge United, on loan from Aston Villa), Connor Ronan (FC DAC 1904, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jamie Lennon (St. Patrick's Athletic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians) 

Attackers: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Neil Farrugia (UCD AFC), Zach Elbouzedi (Waterford), Michael O'Connor (Linfield), Simon Power (FC Dordrecht, on loan from Norwich City), Aaron Drinan (Waterford, on loan from Ipswich Town)

UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifiers - Fixture

24/03 - Republic of Ireland v Luxembourg, Tallaght Stadium, 5pm

It has been an excellent campaign for intervarsity football and sport overall in UCC with the Women’s success adding to the Collingwood Cup, Sigerson Cup and Fitzgibbon Cup victories.

With Storm Gareth playing havoc with the weather conditions, both teams struggled to create chances throughout the game with fatigue showing from their semi-final exertions the previous day.

Sophie Lenehan was called into action early on in the second half when she prevented Emilie Mesec tapping in Christina Dring’s cross at point-blank range.

The game looked like to be ebbing towards extra time before a long ball from captain Ciara McNamara left the Maynooth defence flat footed and Player of the Match Dring stole in behind to lift the ball over Lenehan with only three minutes of normal time remaining.

Seeing their chance to complete the League and Cup double slipping away, Maynooth equalised in extraordinary circumstances almost immediately after. With Kate Connors giving away a free kick just inside her own half, Maynooth piled the bodies forward hoping to flick on Sarah McKevitt’s free kick. An extra touch wasn’t required as the ball was allowed to bounce in the UCC box and with gale force winds behind it, the ball spun into the top corner to force extra time.

Both teams found it difficult to create chances in the additional periods and a shoot-out was necessary to settle matters. Both teams scored their first four attempts before McKevitt’s day turned upside down when Clodagh Walsh kept out her spotkick. It was left to Vanessa Ogbonna to take the crucial kick and she nonchalantly sent Lenehan the wrong way to seal a sixth cup success for Cork.

UCC: Walsh, Coffey, Connors, McNamara, Looby, Brady, Mesec (Aherne 108), Bourke, Dring, Moore, Ogbonna.

Maynooth University: Lenehan, Lafferty, Berry (Keeler 89), Carroll, Byrne, McKevitt, Kealy, Dunne, Kelly, Walsh, Flatley (Owens 61)

Having initially named a provisional panel, McCarthy has whittled down the roster ahead of the players meeting up on Sunday, March 17 for the '3' FAI International Awards - which will be broadcast live on RTE2 from 20:30.

The squad will begin preparations for their opening Group D games on Monday, March 18 at FAI National Training Centre.

Tickets are still on sale for Mick McCarthy's first home game in his second spell as Ireland manager as Georgia come to visit on March 26. 

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City)
Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town)

*Indicates player is on loan 

EURO 2020 Qualifiers
March 23: Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland
March 26: Republic of Ireland v Georgia
June 7: Denmark v Republic of Ireland
June 10: Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar
September 5: Republic of Ireland v Switzerland
October 12: Georgia v Republic of Ireland
October 15: Switzerland v Republic of Ireland
November 18: Republic of Ireland v Denmark 

Tickets for Ireland v Georgia at Aviva Stadium on March 26 are on sale now. Click here to secure tickets

The two-year-deal will see SportPesa, licensed in Ireland, become the FAI’s latest commercial partner.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference at Aviva Stadium, which was addressed by Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and SportPesa’s Head of Marketing Shaun Simmonds.

The deal sees the FAI join the SportPesa sponsorship stable that includes Cork City and English club sides Everton, Arsenal, Hull City, and Southampton.

Kenyan-based SportPesa is also the gaming partner for the Guinness Pro14 Rugby Championship and title partner of the SportPesa Racing Point Formula One team.

As part of their new sponsorship deal, SportPesa will partner with the FAI on a Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

Speaking ahead of the launch, SportPesa Head of Marketing Shaun Simmonds said: “We are delighted to announce this ground-breaking partnership with the FAI. This is an incredibly exciting time for football in Ireland with the country set to host some key matches during next year’s European Championships.

“As with our other partnerships in sport - we are looking forward to playing a key role in the FAI’s ongoing CSR, programmes and initiatives.

“This follows on from our sponsorship deal with Cork City. The Cork City partnership was the first move we ever made in Ireland. The partnership is in its second season and was signed back in February 2018. We're the club's official betting partner, with the usual digital rights and some branding down at Turner's Cross.”

FAI Commercial Director Mark Russell said: “I am delighted to welcome SportPesa as a new and key commercial partner of the FAI ahead of the start of our EURO 2020 qualifying campaign.

“The strength of the game in Ireland is reflected in the range of high quality brands which have invested in football and who see football as their preferred sport.”

About SportPesa
SportPesa is a growing global technology and entertainment company that is focused on sports and entertainment news. As such, our platforms immediately update sport scores and, in certain markets, offer fully licensed, real money gaming services. We are a brand committed to responsibly delivering our services and investing in the development of sports and our communities. We use the power of sport to unify people everywhere; connecting customers with excitement, sports clubs with funding and society with opportunities.

For more information on SportPesa please see FAQ’s link: http://bit.ly/2JdGvUv

Any queries, contact SportPesa Head of Marketing Shaun Simmonds - shaun.simmonds@sportpesa.com 

For more information about exclusive offers, content and events follow SportPesa’s digital channels:

Website: www.sportpesa.org
Twitter: @SportPesa_IE
Facebook: @SportPesaIreland
Instagram: @sportpesa_ie
YouTube: @sportpesa

The Dubliner made his debut against Northern Ireland in 2011 - and scored in the same game - before going on to become a key player at two UEFA European Championships (2012, 2016).

The Burnley defender, who has just worked his way back from injury, felt that it was the right time to call a halt to representing Ireland after becoming the 40th different men's senior player to earn 50 caps.

"It’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from international football. To represent my country has been a dream come true and the biggest honour I could have had," said Ward.

"To play in a couple of major championships has been the highlight and the night we beat Italy at the 2016 EUROs will live with me for the rest of my life.

"I have been very proud to have played a part in those achievements and I feel this is a good time to move on. There are a lot of good young players and new talent coming through and I wish all of them, Mick [McCarthy] and the staff all the best for the future.

"I’d like to thank everyone – managers, players, backroom staff I’ve worked with and the supporters – and say it was a pleasure to work with each and every one of them."

Ward started 49 of his 50 games - coming on as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Oman in 2016 - and 33 of his appearances came in competitive games.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy had included Ward in his provisional squad for the EURO 2020 qualifiers for Gibraltar and Georgia, but following a conversation the long-serving player opted to step aside for someone else to get an opportunity.

"I signed Stephen [Ward] first from Bohemians and worked with him at Wolves, and I'm kind of sad that I don't get to work with him with Ireland but he's made his decision and I can understand it," said McCarthy.

"He has had 50 caps and he can retire being proud of that achievement. I'm really proud to have worked with him because he was a really good player for me and for Ireland.

"Even though we bought Wardy as a striker, I remember the day that I put him at left-back, at Charlton Athletic, and he was outstanding, and I kept picking him there after that. He's had a really good career there and I'm sad to see him go but he wanted to be fair to me, fair to the other players, and fair to himself."

Now 33, Ward is still very much part of Burnley's first-team squad having joined the club in 2014. He previously lined out for Bohemians, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Stephen Ward International Career
Caps: 50
Goals: 3
Debut: v Northern Ireland, Aviva Stadium, May 24, 2011
First Goal: v Northern Ireland, Aviva Stadium, May 24, 2011

List of Games Played
24/05/2011: Ireland 5-0 Northern Ireland, Aviva Stadium
29/05/2011: Ireland 1-0 Scotland, Aviva Stadium
07/06/2011: Ireland 2-0 Italy, Liege
10/08/2011: Ireland 0-0 Croatia, Aviva Stadium
02/09/2011: Ireland 0-0 Slovakia, Aviva Stadium
06/09/2011: Russia 0-0 Ireland, Moscow
07/10/2011: Andorra 0-2 Ireland, Andorra la Velle
11/11/2011: Estonia 0-4 Ireland, Tallinn
15/11/2011: Ireland 1-1 Estonia, Aviva Stadium
29/02/2012: Ireland 1-1 Czech Republic, Aviva Stadium
26/05/2012: Ireland 1-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina, Aviva Stadium
04/06/2012: Hungary 0-0 Ireland, Budapest
10/06/2012: Ireland 1-3 Croatia, Poznan
14/06/2012: Ireland 0-4 Spain, Gdansk
18/06/2012: Ireland 0-2 Italy, Poznan
07/09/2012: Kazakhstan 1-2 Ireland, Astana
12/10/2012: Ireland 1-6 Germany, Aviva Stadium
14/11/2012: Ireland 0-1 Greece, Aviva Stadium
15/11/2013: Ireland 3-0 Latvia, Aviva Stadium
19/11/2013: Poland 0-0 Ireland, Poznan
05/03/2014: Ireland 1-2 Serbia, Aviva Stadium
25/05/2014: Ireland 1-2 Turkey, Aviva Stadium
31/05/2014: Ireland 0-0 Italy, Craven Cottage
10/06/2014: Ireland 1-5 Portugal, New Jersey
03/09/2014: Ireland 2-0 Oman, Aviva Stadium
07/09/2014: Georgia 1-2 Ireland, Tbilisi
11/10/2014: Ireland 7-0 Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium
14/10/2014: Germany 1-1 Ireland, Gelsenkirchen
14/11/2014: Scotland 1-0 Ireland, Celtic Park
08/10/2015: Ireland 1-0 Germany, Aviva Stadium
13/11/2015: Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 Ireland, Zenica
29/03/2016: Ireland 2-2 Slovakia, Aviva Stadium
31/05/2016: Ireland 1-2 Belarus, Turner's Cross
18/06/2016: Ireland 0-3 Belgium, Bordeaux
22/06/2016: Ireland 1-0 Italy, Lille
26/06/2016: France 2-1 Ireland, Lyon
31/08/2016: Ireland 4-0 Oman, Aviva Stadium
05/09/2016: Serbia 2-2 Ireland, Belgrade
06/10/2016: Ireland 1-0 Georgia, Aviva Stadium
09/10/2016: Moldova 1-3 Ireland, Chisinau
24/03/2017: Ireland 0-0 Wales, Aviva Stadium
04/06/2017: Ireland 3-1 Uruguay, Aviva Stadium
11/06/2017: Ireland 1-1 Austria, Aviva Stadium
02/09/2017: Georgia 1-1 Ireland, Tbilisi
05/09/2017: Ireland 0-1 Serbia, Aviva Stadium
06/10/2017: Ireland 2-0 Moldova, Aviva Stadium
09/10/2017: Wales 0-1 Ireland, Cardiff
11/11/2017: Denmark 0-0 Ireland, Copenhagen
14/11/2017: Ireland 1-5 Denmark, Aviva Stadium
06/09/2018: Wales 4-1 Ireland, Cardiff

List of Goals Scored
24/05/2011: Ireland 5-0 Northern Ireland, Aviva Stadium
15/11/2011: Ireland 1-1 Estonia, Aviva Stadium
31/05/2016: Ireland 1-2 Belarus, Turner's Cross

The WU17 squad travel to Edinburgh, Scotland on Saturday, March 16 to face the hosts, Germany and Norway as they bid to qualify for the finals tournament in Bulgaria in May. 

Colin Bell's side are in one of the toughest Elite Round groups as they face Germany, finalists in the competition last year, with just the top-placed team set to qualify for the finals. 

There have only been two changes to the squad which travelled to Iceland for a friendly double-header in February. Shelbourne midfielder Taylor White and Cork City defender Zara Foley have come into the squad for the three elite round fixtures. 

Ireland are set to face Norway on Wednesday, March 20, Germany on Saturday, March 23 and hosts Scotland on Tuesday, March 26. 

"I'm delighted to welcome back Zara Foley into the squad after her injury, she's a crucial member of the team and it's great to have her available for the Elite Round," said WU17 Head Coach Colin Bell.

"Taylor White has been in great form for Shelbourne and she was a key member of the squad for last year's Elite Round so we're also delighted to welcome her back.

"It's going to be a difficult round of fixtures but we've got to be confident in our style of play and the work we've done over the course of the year. I've seen fantastic levels of improvement from the players and we need to be confident going into the elite round. 

"We've got a number of players in the squad who've recently spent time with the Women's National Team in Spain; Jessica Ziu, Emily Whelan and Eabha O'Mahony. Hopefully they can bring their experience into the three games as we look to qualify for the finals." 

Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17 squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Maguire (Shelbourne), Maeve Williams (Wexford Youths).

Defenders: Therese Kinnevey (Galway Women's), Eabha O'Mahony (Cork City), Ellie Ferguson (Shelbourne), Shauna Brennan (Galway Women's), Mia Dodd (Shelbourne), Zara Foley (Cork City).

Midfielders: Rebecca Cooke (Shelbourne), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick), Orla Prendergast (Peamount United), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Erin McLaughlin (Sea Rovers FC), Taylor White (Shelbourne).

Attackers: Lauren Egbuloniu (Cork City), Sophie Liston (Limerick), Emily Whelan (Shelbourne), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne), Blessing Kingsley (Wexford Youths), Emily Kraft (FFC Frankfurt).

Fixtures - UEFA Elite Round - Group Four

20/03 - Republic of Ireland v Norway, 5.30pm, National Performance Centre, Edinburgh
23/03 - Germany v Republic of Ireland, 12pm, National Performance Centre, Edinburgh
26/03 - Scotland v Republic of Ireland, 2.30pm, Ainslie Park, Edinburgh

Local contributors, including Eddie Foley, the first Irish referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup in 1998, Cork Historian Plunket Carter, the Munster Football Association and local clubs were all in attendance. Local collector Denis Forde also brought along the match ball from the 1926 Free State Cup Final between Fordsons and Shamrock Rovers.

The event was opened by Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork City Council, Councillor Thomas Maloney who said: "Having the Exhibition here at St. Peter’s in the heart of the city makes it so accessible for everybody in the city and county of Cork. We are hoping that everybody from all over Cork will come in, look at all the memorabilia on show. It is fantastic to have it in the heart of the city."

Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council, Councillor Joe Harris spoke about his love of football and its impact in Cork.

FAI CEO John Delaney thanked Cork City Council for making funding available for two new Football in the Community Development Officers in the City and Cork County Council for their continued support of the Centre of Excellence in Glanmire with Cork City and the FORAS Trust. Delaney also thanked the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport, Dublin City Council and the Local Organising Structure for their support in making the Exhibition a reality.

Republic of Ireland legend Ray Houghton was in attendance and spoke glowingly of his time in Cork and love for the European Championships. Houghton, who attended the Exhibition in Dublin last December, was delighted to see it with some added Cork flavour in the local zone.

"Coming back to visit in Cork really brings home the nationwide element of the National Football Exhibition. It is fantastic to see so many young people in attendance and it is so important for them to learn about the game and tournaments of old. Having four European Championship final games in Dublin is a great way to showcase the country and hospitality we are so well recognised for," said Houghton.

The Exhibition remains open in Cork until March 24 and has already welcomed almost 1,000 visitors including schools and local clubs. More information is available in the National Football Exhibition App which is available to download now.

Reid's side travel to Turkey on Monday afternoon, with the former Republic of Ireland midfielder picking 18 players in his first international squad.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Istanbul, Reid said he is looking forward to working with the players in his new role.

"I'm delighted with the squad we have been able to assemble. There's a good mix of players in the group, and there is plenty for us to work on ahead of what will be two tough games in Turkey," said Reid.

Reid hopes some of his players will be able to force their way into future Under-19 squads and he expects positive performances from the players.

"I'll be in close contact with [Under-19 Head Coach] Tom Mohan throughout the trip. It's an opportunity for the players to catch my eye. I'd love to be able to be in a position to recommend players that would be beneficial to Tom's squad," Reid concluded.

Ireland's Under-18s play their first match against Turkey on Thursday morning.

Republic of Ireland Under-18 Squad
Goalkeepers: Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Bobby Jones (Wigan Athletic)
Defenders: Eiran Cashin (Derby County), Jaden Charles (Derby County), Shadrach Ogie (Leyton Orient), Andrew Spain (Shamrock Rovers), Max Murphy (Stoke City), Ray O'Sullivan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reece Staunton (Bradford City)
Midfielders: Sean Brennan (Longford Town), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Donal Higgins (Galway United), Adam O'Reilly (Preston North End), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ross Tierney (Bohemians), Louie Watson (West Ham United)
Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Watford), George Nunn (Chelsea)

Republic of Ireland Fixtures
March 21: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)
March 23: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)

Awaiting Tom Mohan's squad, who are top seeds in this Elite Round, are Azerbaijan, Romania, and Russia, with the latter acting as hosts for these three games in Krasnodar.

Mohan has handed first call-ups to Sligo Rovers' Niall Morahan, Arsenal's Mark McGuinness, Bolton Wanderers' Luca Connell, Derby County's Festy Ebosele, and Aston Villa's Tyriek Wright (pictured above), while Stoke City defender Nathan Collins is ruled out due to injury.

The quartet of Lee O'Connor, Conor Coventry, Troy Parrott and Adam Idah have been promoted to the Under-21 squad.

"As a group of players and staff, we are really looking forward to represent our country at the Elite Round in Krasnodar. This will be our first time to be involved in a UEFA tournament in Russia and our squad are really looking forward to training at the very impressive Krasnodar Academy," said Mohan.

"I expect all three games will be very tough against very strong opponents who have all performed really well to qualify from their respective groups. From our own perspective, we were delighted to have qualified for the Elite Round and we aim to build on the positives from our team's performances in the Qualifying Round.

"This Elite Round tournament will be of great benefit to the development of our players as they will experience playing in high intensity competitive games against quality opponents with all teams competing strongly to top the group and qualify for the finals. Our players will also experience a different culture which is also very important from an educational point of view and one that we are going to embrace."

The seven group winners in the Elite Round will qualify to join hosts Armenia in the finals, which will be played from July 14-27.

Ireland last qualified for the Under-19 finals tournament in 2011 - when they reached the semi-finals - while they won the competition outright in 1998 after overcoming Germany in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic), George McMahon (Burnley)
Defenders: Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Tom Gaston (Bordeaux), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Jack James (Luton Town), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton)
Midfielders: Niall Morahan (Sligo Rovers), Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Jason Knight (Derby County), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Conor Grant (Sheffield Wednesday), Richie O'Farrell (UCD)
Forwards: Ali Reghba (Bohemians), Will Ferry (Southampton), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Tyriek Wright (Aston Villa), Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton)

2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship - Elite Round Qualifiers
March 20: Republic of Ireland v Romania, Kuban Stadium, Krasnodar, KO 12:00 (9:00 Irish Time)
March 23: Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Kuban Stadium, Krasnodar, KO 12:00 (9:00 Irish Time)
March 26: Republic of Ireland v Russia, FC Krasnodar Academy Stadium, KO 17:00 (14:00 Irish Time)

Cullen has been called into the Ireland senior squad for the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia after impressing against Portsmouth and Burton Albion.

The West Ham midfielder, on loan at Charlton Athletic, is included alongside Burnley defender Kevin Long in place of the injured duo of Ronan Curtis and Alan Browne.

And Byrne is on McCarthy’s list of potential call-ups in the future after the 22-year-old impressed for Rovers in the Tallaght Stadium win over Sligo Rovers last Friday night.

Former Ireland Under-21 captain Cullen, also 22, linked up with the Ireland squad at their team base on Sunday afternoon.

He will train with the senior squad for the first time on Monday morning and McCarthy said: “I watched Portsmouth’s Ronan Curtis against Charlton and Josh [Cullen] really grabbed my attention which was a bonus.

“He was so good that afternoon that I deliberately went to have a look at him against when Charlton played Burton on the Tuesday night. He didn’t disappoint.

“Josh is a busy midfield player. He gets around the field, he can pass the ball and he likes to have a shot. He could have scored against Burton but his own player blocked it!

“Alan Browne had a real chance of playing against Gibraltar because he’s in form and scoring goals so I’m disappointed to lose him but I had no hesitation calling Josh in after those two games.”

Former Manchester City youngster Byrne is making a name for himself in the SSE Airtricity League after moving back home and his wonder goal against Sligo capped a Man of the Match display.

Ireland manager McCarthy was at the game alongside his assistant coaches Terry Connor and Robbie Keane, as well as Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny and Under-19 Head Coach Tom Mohan.

“Jack was the star of the show in Tallaght,” said McCarthy. “He was the best player by a distance in a good team performance by Rovers and his goal was the icing on the cake.

“I was impressed with his vision, his range of passing and his passion. Robbie has trained with Jack with the senior team before and speaks highly of him so I wasn’t surprised by his contribution.

“He will definitely come into consideration for the squad in the near future. Well done to him.”

Currently awaiting an assessment of Callum O’Dowda’s knee ligament injury - the Ireland medical staff are analysing scans - McCarthy will finalise his 23-man squad on Monday morning ahead of training at the FAI National Training Centre.

Midfielder Conor Hourihane will arrives in on Monday following the birth of his daughter, along with defender Richard Keogh and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

“I am looking forward to getting back onto the training ground,” said McCarthy. “It’s almost a year since I left Ipswich and I have missed it.

“The honeymoon has been great since I got the Ireland job again and I have enjoyed the positivity and the support of the Irish fans everywhere I’ve gone.

“But we’re here to win matches and get Ireland to the EURO 2020 finals. That work starts on the training ground on Monday. I can’t wait.”  

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy watched the Dubliner produce a Man-of-the-Match performance in Rovers' 3-0 victory over Sligo Rovers last Friday and was suitably impressed by the 22-year-old.

The manager has now decided to bring Byrne into the squad ahead of training on Monday morning at FAI National Training Centre after Callum O'Dowda was ruled out due to a knee injury, after flying into Dublin to be assessed by FAI medical staff.

O'Dowda joins Alan Browne and Ronan Curtis on the list of injured players who have dropped out from the original squad, while Kevin Long and Josh Cullen have reported for duty at the team base.

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, defender Richard Keogh and midfielder Conor Hourihane will miss training on Monday due to being afforded extra time before reporting in but all are expected to feature on Tuesday.

Tickets are still on sale for Mick McCarthy's first home game in his second spell as Ireland manager as Georgia come to visit on March 26. 

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), James McClean (Stoke City)
Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town)

*Indicates player is on loan 

EURO 2020 Qualifiers
March 23: Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland
March 26: Republic of Ireland v Georgia
June 7: Denmark v Republic of Ireland
June 10: Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar
September 5: Republic of Ireland v Switzerland
October 12: Georgia v Republic of Ireland
October 15: Switzerland v Republic of Ireland
November 18: Republic of Ireland v Denmark 

Tickets for Ireland v Georgia at Aviva Stadium on March 26 are on sale now. Click here to secure tickets

The ceremony, which was broadcast live on RTÉ2, saw Duffy win the Men's Senior Player of the Year for the second year in succession, while Kiernan was named as the Senior Women's Player of the Year following a stellar year in 2018.

Emma Byrne (pictured above) became the first women's player to be inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame and former Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne was also honoured in the same category.

Aiden O'Brien won the 'Three' Goal of the Year for his debut header against Poland. The striker was voted ahead of both Troy Parrott (Men's Under-17s v Bosnia & Herzegovina) and Ronan Curtis (Men's Under-21s v Kosovo).

Dundalk midfielder Chris Shields fended off competition from club-mates Pat Hoban and Michael Duffy to collect the SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year.

There was a domestic theme to the Special Merit Award as all-time record goalscorer Brendan Bradley was recognised for his fantastic career that saw him score 235 League goals.

29th 'Three' FAI International Awards

Senior Men's International
Shane Duffy

Senior Women’s International
Leanne Kiernan

Young International
Declan Rice

Goal Of The Year
Aiden O’Brien (Men’s Senior v Poland)

Men’s Under-21s
Ronan Curtis

Men’s Under-19s
Lee O’Connor

Women’s Under-19s
Niamh Farrelly

Men’s Under-18s
Brian Maher

Men’s Under-17s
Adam Idah

Women’s Under-17s
Emily Whelan

Men’s Under-16s
Troy Parrott

Women’s Under-16s
Jessica Ziu

Men’s Under-15s
Anselmo Garcia McNulty

Junior International
Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic)

Intermediate Player
Darragh Reynor (Maynooth University Town)

Football For All
Nathalie O’Brien (Irish Women’s Deaf Futsal)

Colleges & Universities
Daire O’Connor

Schools
Ali Regbha (Chanel College, Coolock, Dublin)

SSE Airtricity League
Chris Shields (Dundalk)

Hall of Fame
Richard Dunne / Emma Byrne

International Personality
Kakha Kaladze

Special Merit
Brendan Bradley

Head Coach Colin O'Brien has seen goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and forward Festy Ebosele promoted to the Under-21 and Under-19 squads respectively, while he has called in Manchester United duo Charlie McCann and Ademipo Odubeko for the first time.

The Ireland squad will stay at CityWest Hotel, Dublin because that will be the base for all teams competing in this summer's finals tournament - which runs from May 3-19 - and they will travel to Waterford and Tallaght Stadium for these friendly games, just like they will for tournament games in the summer.

Under-17 Head Coach Colin O'Brien is looking forward to getting the players into camp for what will be the final time before tournament preparations begin next month.

"It's another opportunity for us to do some preparation with the players. All the players are looking forward to coming into camp.

"All the work we have done this year has been to mirror the tournament scenarios. We're looking to acclimatise the players as best as possible."

Waterford FC and Shamrock Rovers Season Ticket holders get free access to the respective games and O'Brien hopes to see both fanbases back the team against Finland.

"The fans will see a group of players that will give all for their country. These matches will be the first competitive games the players will have played on home-soil, in May. The fans in Waterford and Dublin will be the chance to see that" 

This will be the third straight year that O'Brien will lead an Under-17s squad to the finals tournament following experiences in Croatia (2017) and England (2018), where they reached the quarter-finals on both occasions.

Republic of Ireland Under-17 Squad
Goalkeepers: Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Harry Halwax (Derby County)
Defenders: James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers), Anselmo Garcia McNulty (Real Betis), Luke Turner (Aberdeen), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Sean McEvoy (Ballinmallard United), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City), Ademipo Odubeko (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Charlie McCann (Manchester United), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Brandon Holt (St Patrick's Athletic), Seamas Keogh (Southampton), Toby Owens (Shamrock Rovers), Ronan McKinley (Derry City)
Forwards: Sean Kennedy (Sunderland), Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joshua Giurgi (Norwich City)

International Friendly Games
March 22: Republic of Ireland v Finland, RSC, Waterford, KO 19:00
March 25: Republic of Ireland v Finland, Tallaght Stadium, KO 13:00