2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championships

This was Colin O'Brien's first tournament as Under-17 Head Coach having beaten Andorra, Kazakhstan, Greece, Faroe Islands, Slovakia, and Cyprus in qualifying.

It appeared that everything was falling nicely into place for the team ahead of the tournament with Aaron Connolly topping the goalscoring charts with seven goals and several players showing tremendous promise.

However, both Conor Coventry and Glen McAuley were unavailable for selection, plus they were paired with Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany and Serbia in a tough Group C for the tournament taking place in Croatia.

A late goal dashed their hopes of overcoming Serbia in the first game, but they bounced back against Bosnia & Herzegovina with Rowan Roache and Adam Idah on target in a 2-1 victory.

An extremely powerful German side showed them little mercy in a one-sided encounter, but Ireland had done enough to progress through to the knock-out phase.

In the quarter-finals, they came up against England, who had future stars in Manchester City's Phil Foden, Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho - with the latter scoring the only goal of the game.

It was a decent effort by O'Brien's squad and they can look back knowing that there was still more to give but a quarter-final finish wasn't too bad.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic), Kian Clarke (Bohemians), Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Luke Nolan (St Patrick's Athletic), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rowan Roache (Blackpool), Adam Idah (College Corinthians), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Brandon Kavanagh (Bohemians), Daryl Walsh (Waterford), Richard O'Farrell (St Patrick's Athletic), Joe Redmond (Birmingham City), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Tyreik Wright (Lakewood AFC)

Results
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Serbia
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Republic of Ireland 0-7 Germany
Republic of Ireland 0-1 England

Secure your tickets for the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championships with Under-16s going FREE and adult prices only €5

Ireland saw off hosts Israel 2-1 on Monday and followed it with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Fiji on Wednesday to claim back-to-back victories. They go into the game against Ukraine knowing at least a draw will see Paul Osam’s side win the tournament.

Barlow, who netted his first international goal against the Fijians, said there’s a great atmosphere amongst the squad ahead of the Ukraine game. He said: “The mood in the camp has been amazing all week and confidence is high. You can see it after each game that everyone is buzzing and we want to finish the tournament in the best possible way.

“The coaches give the players the freedom to identify ways we can make the most of our strengths which helps with our understanding so when we get onto the pitch we all know what our jobs are.

“We sit down as a squad and look at each of our opponents and focus on how we can exploit their weaknesses. We did this with Israel and Fiji and we’ve already identified ways we can take advantage of Ukraine’s flaws - we feel with the formation they play there’s an opportunity for our wide players to get in between the lines.  Hopefully we can work this to our advantage, get the win and win the tournament."

The 15-year-old Sligo Rovers youth also spoke about scoring his first goal on the international stage. He said: “It was the best moment of my life. It’s not just big for me but for my family and for my club. I was pushed into midfield and I’ve been trying to get into the box and get on the end of crosses and I’m so happy I managed to do that and get a goal - I was delighted.”

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament - Results
29/4: Israel 1-2 Republic of Ireland, Shefayim
1/5: Fiji 0-3 Republic of Ireland, Shefayim

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament - Fixtures
3/5: Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, Shefayim, 9.30am (7.30am Irish time)

Goalkeepers: Josh Keeley (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Daniel Rose (Everton),

Defenders: Kailin Barlow (Sligo Rovers), Fionnan Coyle (Finn Harps), Oisin Hand (Shamrock Rovers), Gavin O'Brien (Bohemians), Kevin Platon (Shamrock Rovers), Daragh Reilly (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Adam Wells (Shamrock Rovers) 

Midfielders: Colin Conroy (Bohemians), Oran Crowe (Cork City), Jamie Doyle (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Kyle Martin-Conway (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Ben McCormack (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Andrew Moran (Bray Wanderers), Glory Nzingo (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (Shamrock Rovers), Evan Ferguson (Bohemians), Calum Kavanagh (Middlesbrough), Robbie Mahon (Bohemians)

2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championships

A second successive year in this tournament for Colin O'Brien achieved the same result - a quarter-final finish - but they did push the eventual champions, Netherlands, all the way in a penalty shoot-out.

Ireland started the campaign in Bulgaria as their Qualifying Round games saw them beat Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine - scoring 12 goals and only conceding once - to top Group 11.

The Elite Round brought them to Poland, where Adam Idah continued his goalscoring heroics (he scored eight overall in qualifying) to over North Macedonia in their opener before also beating Georgia and Poland.

Passage through to the finals tournament in England was secured. However, it wasn't a great start in Loughborough University Stadium as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.

Ireland needed to respond and they did exactly that with a Troy Parrott goal edging them past Denmark in a fiesty encounter. They had several chances to increase their lead but the one goal proved to be enouugh.

Then, for a second year in a row, Ireland recorded a group win over Bosnia & Herzegovina with goals from Parrott and Idah sealing three much-needed points. They were through to the quarter-finals.

A stern test with Netherlands was always expected, but Ireland matched them for physicality, effort and technique in an entertaining first half. After the break, the Dutch took the lead before Parrott hit back two minutes later to send the game into a penalty shoot-out.

Idah failed to convert his spot-kick, while Parrott, Max Murphy, Jason Knight, and Callum Thompson all scored but goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran was harshly dismissed as Ireland bowed out.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Kian Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard), Max Murphy (Stoke City), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Jason Knight (Derby County), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Sean Brennan (Southampton), Marc Walsh (Swansea City), Ray O'Sullivan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Adam O'Reilly (Preston North End), Jordan McEneff (Arsenal), Tyriek Wright (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Ryan Cassidy (Watford), Conor Grant (Sheffield Wednesday)

Results
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Belgium
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Denmark
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Netherlands (4-5 pens)

Secure your tickets for the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championships with Under-16s going FREE and adult prices only €5

The first game in this year's tournament will actually take place at 12:00 with Czech Republic facing Belgium in Tolka Park, although the official opening ceremony will be in Tallaght Stadium ahead of Ireland's fixture at 19:00.

There has been a lot of promotion for the tournament over the last number of months, but Ireland simply want to focus on the football having spent a week fine-tuning their preparations at the FAI National Training Centre.

This is the third straight year that Ireland Head Coach Colin O'Brien has led a team into this tournament and his record to date is impressive with two quarter-final finishes. But the Cork native will be hoping that his players can make the most of their home advantage.

Sixteen teams will compete in this year's tournament, which switches to a 90-minute format having previously been played over 80 minutes. Five substitutions will be permitted per team and the top five teams will qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. 

TEAM NEWS
There are no injury concerns for Ireland but goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran is suspended after being sent off in their last competitive game - in the 2018 EURO quarter-final loss to Netherlands.

QUOTES
Republic of Ireland Head Coach Colin O'Brien
"We are excited about this challenge. It has been on our minds for two years ever since we knew that Ireland would be hosting this tournament and now it is here we want to embrace it.

"The squad has been training and preparing well for our game against Greece. It is important that we begin as we mean to go on with a positive approach and a belief that we can go far in this tournament once we trust in our ability and bond as a team.

"Even though we didn't go through the qualifying rounds, we have used the last year to prepare as best as possible for this tournament and our staff has remained consistent, which is an important part of keeping the players focused on what they need to do."

SQUAD LISTS
Republic of Ireland
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City), Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Harry Halwax (Derby County)
Defenders: Sean McEvoy (Ballinmallard United), Anselmo Garcia McNulty (Real Betis), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Charlie McCann (Manchester United), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Brandon Holt (St Patrick's Athletic), Seamas Keogh (Southampton), Ronan McKinley (Derry City), Sean Kennedy (Sunderland), Festy Ebsoele (Derby County), Roland Idowu (Southampton)
Forwards: Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joshua Giurgi (Norwich City)

Greece
Goalkeepers: Tzolakis Konstantinos (Olympiacos), Balomenos Konstantinos (PAOK)
Defenders: Aventisian Aventis (PAOK), Lazaridis Konstantinos (Panathinaikos), Manisoglou Georgios (Xanti AO), Tsavos Angelos (Olympiacos), Aslanidis Kyriakos (Olympiacos), Panagiotou Panagiotis (PAOK)
Midfielders: Grosdanis Pavlos (Pas Giannina), Grosdis Vasileios (PAOK), Karamperis Thomas (PAOK), Karakoutis Ioannis (PAOK), Pavlidis Vasileios (Schalke 04), Siatounis Antonios (Sampdoria), Arsenidis Dimitrios (Olympiacos), Liatsos Christos (Olympiacos)
Forwards: Tzolis Christos (PAOK), Belevonis Christos (Panetolikos), Sourlis Vasileios (Olympiacos), Kotopoulos Nektarios (Xanthi AO)

KEY STATS
- Ireland and Greece have met seven times in qualifiers at Under-17 level, with Greece winning three, Ireland winning twice, and two draws

- Ireland qualified automatically as host nation, but have played international friendly games against Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, England, Belgium, Poland, and Finland over the last year

- Greece finished second behind Belgium in their Qualifying Round with one win, one loss, and one draw. In the Elite Round, they lost to Spain but beat both Ukraine and Kosovo

- This is Ireland's 12th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as champions in 1998 (when it was graded at Under-16 level)

- This is Greece's 13th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as runners-up in 1985 (when it was graded at Under-16 level)

MATCH DETAILS
Republic of Ireland v Greece
Friday, May 3
Group A
Tallaght Stadium
Kick-Off: 19:00
Live on TV: RTÉ2
Referee: Jorgen Burchardt (Denmark)

SOCIAL MEDIA
Game Hashtag: #IRLGRE
Tournament Hashtag: #U17EURO
Ireland Team Hashtag: #IRLU17

TICKET NEWS
- Tickets will be available at Tallaght Stadium from 17:00, priced at €5 for adults and free for Under-16s

- Tickets are still available online via Ticketmaster.ie

Evan Ferguson’s opener was cancelled out by two quick-fire goals from Shakthar Donetsk pair Mykyda Makhynia and Denys Shostak in an action-packed first half.

The result meant that Ireland missed out on top spot by goal difference. Ireland knew at least a draw would see them all-out winners of the tournament and went into the game full of confidence off the back of two wins out of two. 

They started the brighter of the teams taking the lead on 25 minutes through Bohemians’ Ferguson. A quick free-kick was played down the line and Robbie Mahon crossed for his fellow Bohs' man to score at the back post with a powerful header - his second goal of the tournament.

Ukraine fought back with two goals to turn the game on its head. First, Makhynia equalised on 30 minutes and two minutes later his club team mate Shostak put the Ukrainians in front.

Ireland came out in the second-half in search of the equaliser forcing Ukraine goalkeeper Oleksii Drui into a number of saves. Ukraine failed to record a shot on goal in the second half and despite the efforts of Paul Osam’s side their opponents held firm for the win.

Ireland Under-16s Head Coach Paul Osam reflected on the game and the tournament as a whole. He said: “I think perhaps we showed Ukraine a little bit too much respect in the first half but we took the lead with a great goal. After that, there was a 10-minute spell where we couldn’t cope with them and it was during that period they scored their two goals. 

“In the second half the lads were magnificent and we created a lot of chances but we didn’t convert them into goals and was unlucky not to get an equaliser. When you go up the levels being clinical makes all the difference.

“I think one of the takeaways from this week is that as a side we must be more clinical but it has been a fantastic tournament for the boys. The players and staff have been first class and in terms of preparations everything went to plan.

"Ukraine and Israel are two very good sides and there were lessons learned from the Fiji match. The tournament has been a great opportunity to come away and see how the players are able to test themselves against quality opposition and I know we’ll sit down and see what we’ve learned and what we can improve on.”

Republic of Ireland: Daniel Rose (GK) (Josh Keeley 40), Gavin O'Brien (C), Oisin Hand, Adam Wells, Colin Conroy, Sinclair Armstrong, (Kailin Barlow 60), Ben McCormack (Kyle Conway 40), Daragh Reilly, Evan Ferguson, Jamie Doyle, Robbie Mahon (Oran Crowe 60).

Subs: Josh Keeley (GK), Kevin Platon, Oran Crowe, Andrew Moran, Fionnan Coyle, Glory Nzingo.

Ukraine: Oleksii Drui (GK), Hlib Savchuk, Eduard Kozik, Mark Mampasi (C ), Vitali Roman, Oleksandr Kilyk, Mykyda Makhynia, Denys Shostak, Daniel Lyapin, Myktya Kononov, Maksym Bomashchuk.

Subs: Tymur Puzankov, Volodymyr Malenkov, Maksym Khlan, Nazary Dovhan, Bohdan Popov, Daniel Joulani, Yehor Hrybov, Marko Sapuha, Maksym Antoniuk.

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament - Results
29/4: Israel 1-2 Republic of Ireland, Shefayim
1/5: Fiji 0-3 Republic of Ireland, Shefayim
3/5: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Ukraine, Shefayim

Republic of Ireland Under-16 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Josh Keeley (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Daniel Rose (Everton)

Defenders: Kailin Barlow (Sligo Rovers), Fionnan Coyle (Finn Harps), Oisin Hand (Shamrock Rovers), Gavin O'Brien (Bohemians), Kevin Platon (Shamrock Rovers), Daragh Reilly (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Adam Wells (Shamrock Rovers) 

Midfielders: Colin Conroy (Bohemians), Oran Crowe (Cork City), Jamie Doyle (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Kyle Martin-Conway (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Ben McCormack (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Andrew Moran (Bray Wanderers), Glory Nzingo (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (Shamrock Rovers), Evan Ferguson (Bohemians), Calum Kavanagh (Middlesbrough), Robbie Mahon (Bohemians)

Colin O'Brien's turned on the style in the first half with chances falling to Charlie McCann, Timi Sobowale, and Joe Hodge, but they could not find the breakthrough that their positive play deserved.

Ireland relented and continued to push Greece back inside their own penalty area. And on 58 minutes, Matt Everitt broke the deadlock bu firing in from close range following an inswinging corner kick from James Furlong.

The home side moved the ball well, connected their passes, and unloaded eight attempts at a goal in a game that they largely dominated. The work done on the training ground by O'Brien and his staff - which includes Ian Hill, Kevin Doyle, and Josh Moran - is clearly having on impact on this squad.

In the opening 35 minutes, it was all one-way traffic with Ireland pressing high and creating some eye-catching passages of play. Greece struggled to deal with the directness of Festy Ebosele and the trickery of Everitt, while Hodge and Seamas Keogh were excellent in the middle of the pitch.

The backline looked rarely troubled, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was not really called on to contribute. Still, it took time for Ireland to get the first goal and when it arrived there was a feeling that the three points were secured.

It certainly looked to be that way as the clock ticked into the fifth minute of added time, but substitute Dimitris Arsenidis took advantage of a loose ball to fire into the back of the net.

It was cruel blow for O'Brien's team who deserved to celebrate a victory in front of a large crowd, although they can take many positives into their next game against Czech Republic in Waterford on Monday, May 6.

After one game played each it is all square in Group A as Czech Republic drew 1-1 with Belgium in an earlier game. So it's all to play for!

Republic of Ireland: Bazunu; McEvoy, Omobamidele, Sobowale (Garcia McNulty 66), Furlong; Hodge, Keogh; Everitt (Kennedy 90), McCann (McKinley 80), Ebosele; McCarty.

Greece: Tzolakis; Tsavos, Panagiotou (Aslanidis 84), Pavlidis, Aventisian; Karamperis, Siatounis (Liatsos 66); Sourlis (Belevonis 85), Grosdis (Arsendis 84), Karakoutis (Kotopoulos 73); Tzolis.

Referee: Jorgen Burchardt (Denmark).

The Group has written to AGM Members of the FAI, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland and FAI sponsors and has invited them to share their views on FAI governance reform via email to governance@fai.ie

Members of the public are also invited to make submissions. All submissions should clearly identify the person making the submission and their role in football.

The invitation from the Governance Review Group invites stakeholders to contribute to the debate on the future shape of the FAI in key areas.

Recipients have been asked what are the skills, knowledge, experience, attributes, expertise and backgrounds that they would like to see represented on the FAI Board in terms of structures to govern anmanage the business of the Association.

They have also been asked what skills, knowledge, experience, attributes and expertise and backgrounds they would like to see represented on the FAI Council.

Stakeholders are asked for any views on areas that should be specifically dealt with by the Committee structure and if there are any other matters that the Governance Review Group should consider. The closing date for submissions to the Group is May 20th.

A draft report from the Group is expected by early June to facilitate rule changes ahead of the Association’s AGM in Trim at the end of July. 

Ireland drew their first game in Group A following the concession of a late equaliser to Greece, but their overall performance - in front of 4,265 spectators in Tallaght Stadium - has given them the belief that they can advance in this competition.

Training has gone well with a few players recovering from slight knocks, while Head Coach Colin O'Brien is keen for his squad to embrace the opportunity of featuring in this tournament on home soil as they set about taking on Czech Republic.

TEAM NEWS
Ireland have a full squad to choose from with goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran available after serving a ban for the draw with Greece.

QUOTES
Republic of Ireland Head Coach Colin O'Brien
"We are in good shape and ready for our second game of the tournament. The players are upbeat and they know what is at stake with everything to play for in Group A after all four teams drew in the opening round.

"We have always received a great welcome in Waterford and the energy from the crowd will be important, as it gave our players a boost in Tallaght Stadium last Friday. We hope that they can experience the same again in the RSC on Monday night.

"There were a lot of good points to take from our performance against Greece, especially some of our patterns of play, our pressing, and our counter-attacking. Now, we have an opportunity to take those positives into our next game and add even more to them in order to secure victory."

SQUAD LISTS
Republic of Ireland
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City), Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Harry Halwax (Derby County)
Defenders: Sean McEvoy (Ballinmallard United), Anselmo Garcia McNulty (Real Betis), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Charlie McCann (Manchester United), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Brandon Holt (St Patrick's Athletic), Seamas Keogh (Southampton), Ronan McKinley (Derry City), Sean Kennedy (Sunderland), Festy Ebsoele (Derby County), Roland Idowu (Southampton)
Forwards: Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joshua Giurgi (Norwich City)

Czech Republic
Goalkeepers: Lukáš Horníček (FK Pardubice), Adam Stejskal (FC Red Bull Salzburg/Rak.)
Defenders: Jan Hellebrand (FC Fastav Zlín), Josef Koželuh (FC Viktoria Plzeň), Petr Kurka (FK Pardubice), František Matys (SK Slavia Praha), Štepán Starý (SK Slavia Praha), Martin Šimek (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Midfielders: Filip Gedeon (AC Sparta Praha), Tomáš Hájek (SK Slavia Praha), Lukáš Hroník (SK Slavia Praha), Petr Nováček (SK Sigma Olomouc), David Pech (FK Mladá Boleslav), Adam Ritter (FC Vysočina Jihlava), Filip Šilhart (AC Sparta Praha), Samuel Šimek (FK Pardubice), Jáchym Šíp (SK Sigma Olomouc), Vojtěch Wojatschke (FC Baník Ostrava)
Forwards: Václav Sejk (AC Sparta Praha), Adam Toula (SK Slavia Praha)

KEY STATS
- Ireland and Czech Republic have met twice in this tournament, with the Czechs winning both times - scoring three goals and conceding just one

- Ireland qualified automatically as host nation, but have played international friendly games against Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, England, Belgium, Poland, and Finland over the last year

- Runners-up to Netherlands in the Elite Round after beating Israel and Northern Ireland, Czech Republic started their campaign with three wins in the Qualifying Round, scoring nine goals and not letting any in

- This is Ireland's 12th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as champions in 1998 (when it was graded at Under-16 level)

- This is Czech Republic's 11th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as champions in 1990 (when it was graded at Under-16 level)

PREVIOUS RESULTS
Friday, May 3: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Greece (Tallaght Stadium)
Friday, May 3: Czech Republic 1-1 Belgium (Tolka Park)

MATCH DETAILS
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic
Monday, May 6
Group A
RSC, Waterford
Kick-Off: 19:00
Live on TV: RTÉ2
Referee: Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia)

SOCIAL MEDIA
Game Hashtag: #IRLCZE
Tournament Hashtag: #U17EURO
Ireland Team Hashtag: #IRLU17

TICKET NEWS
- Tickets will be available at the RSC from 17:00, priced at €5 for adults and free for Under-16s

- Tickets are still available online via www.fai.ie/tickets

The Ireland boss was contacted by Sky Sports pundit Alan McInally ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Dean Court.

McCarthy explained: “Alan [McInally] is an old mate of mine and a thorough professional. When he knew Mark [Travers] was going to start the game, Alan rang for my opinion as part of his homework for the game.

“I gave Mark a glowing reference. He was brilliant when he came into the squad for the games against Gibraltar and Georgia in March, on and off the pitch.

“Mark’s attitude around the camp impressed everyone and on the training ground he was different class with the way he trained and applied himself.

“I told Alan I think he’s top class so I wasn’t surprised Mark got the Man of the Match award against Spurs. Mark is only 19 but that’s not a problem for me – I gave Shay Given his debut at 19 and Robbie Keane was first capped at 18.

“Mark more than justified his inclusion in the squad back in March and he will be in Portugal for our training camp in a couple of weeks.”

McCarthy will name his provisional squad on Tuesday, May 7 for the training camp in Portugal and the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifiers against Denmark, in Copenhagen on June 7, and Gibraltar at Aviva Stadium on June 10.

Midfielder Danny Crowley will not be in the squad – and he didn’t get the chance to make much of an impression on his prospective boss in Sunday’s Dutch Cup final.

Willem II lost 4-0 to Ajax in the Rotterdam decider – and Crowley started the game on the bench.

“It was unfortunate because Danny had played so many games in the Willem midfield all season and the world and his mother expected him to start the game,” added McCarthy.

“If there was any doubt he wouldn’t start then I wouldn’t have travelled. That said, I did enjoy the Ajax performance, the atmosphere was electric and their second goal was something else.”

Set to name a provisional squad in Trim on Tuesday, McCarthy will wait on the English Championship and League One Play-Offs before finalising his final travelling party for the game in Denmark.

“Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan, Richard Keogh, Josh Cullen and Ronan Curtis are all in Play-Off semi-finals with their clubs so we will wait to see how they get on before making a final decision on the squad for Denmark and Gibraltar,” concluded the Ireland manager.

Two games down, two games on the board for the Republic of Ireland Under-17s in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championships after they drew with Czech Republic in the RSC, Waterford.

Similar to their previous game in Group A - a 1-1 draw with Greece last Friday - Ireland started brightly with Matt Everitt and Festy Ebosele again proving to be constant attacking threats.

Both players registered shots at goal inside the first period, while Conor Carty had a great opportunity to open the scoring but the Wolverhampton Wanderers player fired wide.

The positive play from Colin O'Brien's team kept Czech Republic on the blackfoot and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had little to do. Yet that opening goal evaded the boys in green when their attacking prowess deserved it.

When the first goal did arrive, it was for the Czechs with substitute Vaclav Sejk scoring with his first touch of the game as he blasted in from close range. It was totally against the run of play.

With Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, Under-21 manager Stephen Kenny, Under-19 Head Coach Tom Mohan, and tournament ambassador John O'Shea amongst the 2,613 spectators in attendance, it was Ireland who looked the more likely to score next.

They had to wait for it, but Omobamidele made no mistake when converting from inside the penalty area after another set-piece from the training ground paid off for O'Brien's side.

Ebosele was harshly given a second yellow card, and ultimately sent off, but the battling spirit shown by Ireland ensured that they got another point ahead of Thursday's decider with Belgium.

O'Brien will be hoping that a large crowd turns out in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday - just like they did for the Greece game - as they aim to secure passage through to the quarter-finals.

Republic of Ireland: Bazunu; McEvoy, Omobamidele, MacNulty, Furlong; Hodge, Keogh (Holt 68); Ebosele, McCann (Kennedy 85), Carty (Giurgi 75); Everitt.

Czech Republic: Stejskal; Kozeluh, Stary, Hellebrand, Kurka; Hronik, Hajek; Pech, Ritter (Gedeon 85), Wojatschke (Silhart 84); Toula (Sejk 63).

Referee: Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia).

Robinson returns after injury ruled him out of the March wins against Gibraltar and Georgia while Hogan makes the full squad after featuring in the provisional listing last time out.

Shane Long’s recent goalscoring form for Southampton has also given manager McCarthy more options up front after injury forced the Tipperary native to withdraw from the last squad.

Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne features under McCarthy for the first time with Manchester United goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara, fresh from a successful loan spell at Macclesfield Town, and Cardiff City defender Greg Cunningham also named in a 30-man provisional squad.

McCarthy will review his options after the final series of English Premier League games on Sunday and the Championship and League One play-off semi-finals, which feature Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan, Richard Keogh, Josh Cullen and Ronan Curtis.

The Ireland squad will train for a week at the Campus sports complex in Quinta Do Lago from May 21 before moving base to the FAI National Training Centre ahead of the trip to Denmark and the home game with Gibraltar at the start of June.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Kieran O’Hara (Manchester United), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kevin Long (Burnley), John Egan (Sheffield United), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Cardiff City*), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), James McClean (Stoke City), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City)
Forwards: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Sheffield United*), James Collins (Luton Town), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall), Callum Robinson (Preston North End)

*Indicates player is on loan

The Royal County will host both events for the first time at the end of July, culminating with the Association’s AGM at the popular Knightsbrook hotel on Saturday, July 27th.

All 38 clubs in Meath will receive visits from FAI management, former internationals and coaching staff during the week long festivities.

Clubs will also benefit from financial aid and coaching assistance as Meath becomes the 13th host of the Festival of Football which launched in 2007.

This year’s Festival is supported by Meath County Council and the Meath Local Sports Partnership.

Speaking at today’s launch in Trim, County Council Chairman Tom Kelly said: “It promises to be a fantastic week of football and I’m delighted that Meath has been chosen to host the 2019 FAI AGM and the Festival of Football. It is a great opportunity for young people in the county to be among people from international football and to feel inspired to take part in the sport.”

Ireland managers Mick McCarthy and Colin Bell also spoke to media and the football family at the launch.

McCarthy said: “This is my second reign as Ireland boss and my first time to be involved with the Festival of Football. I am very much looking forward to returning to Meath at the end of July and promoting our sport in the county.”

Bell told the launch: “Football is growing across Ireland and the Festival of Football is a huge part of that growth. I have enjoyed being part of the Festival since I started work with the FAI and I know I will enjoy this year’s event in Meath.”

Former Ireland Under 21 international Barry Ferguson has worked as Regional Football Development Officer in Meath since 2015, a position jointly funded by Meath County Council and the FAI.

“The support I receive from the 38 clubs spread across the county of Meath has been phenomenal,” said Ferguson.

“I know how much hard work they put in to grow the game and how excited they are to host the Festival of Football and the AGM in Meath in July. It promises to be a very special week for football in the area.”

NOTES RE 2019 FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL VISIT TO MEATH

• This is the first time Meath has hosted the FAI AGM and Festival of Football

• 38 Club visits planned by former Republic of Ireland senior men’s and women players

• International team managers Mick McCarthy and Colin Bell will also visit clubs

• All clubs visited will receive financial aid and club assistance as Meath hosts the 2019 AGM

• FAI Festival of Football Fun Days will take place at four clubs across the county during the week 

• Sports Direct FAI Summer Soccer Schools will take place in four clubs during the Festival of Football

• Mick McCarthy and Colin Bell will be Guests of Honour at the FAI Delegates Dinner

• National Football Awards will be presented at the Delegates Dinner in the Knightsbrook Hotel

• Over 250 delegates from every League and Divisional Association will attend the AGM

• The FAI Festival of Football was launched in 2007

• The FAI Festival of Football has visited Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan, Wexford, Clare, Donegal, Wicklow, Westmeath,     Sligo/Leitrim, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Cork

• The Mid-Meath League was founded in 1980

• The League became the Meath and District League in 1984

• The North East Football League, incorporating the Meath and District League, was formed in 2014

• The Meath Schoolboys League was founded in 1985

• The North East Counties Schoolboy/Girl League, incorporating the Meath Schoolboys League was formed in 1991

• There are currently 38 football clubs in Meath with some teams playing in Dublin leagues

• Meath County Council have joint-funded a Development Officer for the county with the FAI since 2008

• Barry Ferguson, a former Ireland under 21 international and Bettystown resident, has been the Development Officer for Meath since 2015

• Dunboyne native Darragh Lenihan became the first Meath player to be capped by the Irish senior men’s team when he made his debut against the USA in 2018

• Bohermeen native and Dundalk star Gary Rogers is on course to break the record for the most League of Ireland appearances by a goalkeeper

Looking at society at large, migrant and ethnic minority women and girls are belonging to the most excluded and vulnerable groups. Across Europe women athletes and players with a migrant or minority background are underrepresented in organised sport and their contribution to sport is often invisible. 

Against this backdrop the SPIN network developed the project “Sport Inclusion of Migrant and Minority Women” (SPIN Women), which was selected as one of the successful ERASMUS+ Collaborative Partnership projects. SPIN Women aims to encourage social inclusion and equal opportunities of women and girls with an immigrant or ethnic minority background through increased participation in sports. 

Ethnic Minority Women in Sport 
The seven partner organisations met on earlier this year in Budapest to kick-off the new initiative. The meeting at the Budapest Sport Union Auditorium was hosted by the Hungarian partner Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Organisation (MGHRO). 

An inspiring input was provided by Balog Gyongyi, a PE teacher and activist with Roma background. She gave a presentation about the current plight of Roma in Hungary. A low education level, lack of job opportunities, low social status and no proper access to health would result in a vicious circle for poverty and segregation. For Balog, education and sport are ways to break out from this.

To involve Roma girls in sport would be easy at a primary level, but increasingly difficult when they grow older, since teenager would have to perform adult roles in the community. 

Barriers to proceed
Another focus of discussions was around understanding of the barriers that newly-arrived migrants such as asylum seekers and refugees face when they try to access sport. David Lenane, the FAI National Coordinator Women's Football presented the results of a survey in Ireland on the barriers for female coaches to proceed to the next levels of the coach education in Ireland.

“The most common reason given was the lack of time to complete the coaching education, so we need more online elements. And there is a lack of role models, we have only two female pro license coaches, so there is hardly anyone to inspire!” 

A key aim of SPIN Women is to capacity-build, empower and increase qualification of female sport actors and multipliers (coaches, administrators, referees) with migrant or minority background. 

SPIN Women: Partners, Methods and Activities 
The Erasmus+ project “Sport Inclusion of Migrant and Minority Women: Promoting sports participation and leadership capacities (SPIN Women)” is be coordinated by the fairplay initiative at the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation VIDC. Partners are the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the Portuguese Professional Players Union (SJPF), Camino (Germany), Unione Italiana Sport per Tutti (UISP), Liikkukaa – Sport for all (Finland) and MGHRO (Hungary). 

The SPIN Women project is designed to address the needs of by enhancing the participation of migrant and minority women and girls in sport and recreational physical activities. It aims to show the different perspectives of migrant and ethnic minority women and to develop strategies to increase their involvement in sports. This includes capacity-building and empowerment components which increases the qualification and skills of female sport actors and multipliers. Furthermore, the project is conceived to raises awareness and to advocate for policy change within public authorities and sport governing bodies. 

With two games played so far in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championships, Colin O'Brien's squad have collected two points following draws with Greece and Czech Republic. And the team's chances of making it through to the quarter-finals are very much alive.

The positive play from Ireland has been one of the highlights of the tournament to date, along with the big crowds, where over 6,500 spectators have already come out in support of the boys in green. Another bumper attendance is expected for this crunch clash.

A win would put Ireland into the quarter-finals for a third straight year, but all four teams in Group A can still qualify for the knock-out stages with Greece v Czech Republic kicking off at the same time on Thursday - albeit their game will be played in the Carlisle Grounds.

TEAM NEWS
Both Festy Ebosele and Conor Carty are suspended for Ireland, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and midfielder Joe Hodge sat out training on Wednesday as precautions following two games in a week.

QUOTES
Republic of Ireland Head Coach Colin O'Brien
"This game against Belgium presents a massive opportunity for our players - who have showed great spirit to secure two points already in this tournament - to secure a place in the quarter-finals. 

"We are still bitterly disappointed with what happened in our last game against Czech Republic. This tournament is meant to be about the development of young players, so surely that means enabling them to play as many games as possible. If that is the case then why should a young player suffer because of an opponent cheating and an official being misled? Our player, and our team, suffers because of an injustice. 

"After the game in Waterford, I was fired up and spoke about appealing the decision. Of course, I knew the rules but what I was referring to was appealing against the Czech player cheating and the referee being conned. We have to stand up and fight against this, especially in an elite tournament where the focus should be on developing players for the future. And part of that should be stamping out cheating.

"Our players have not dwelled on that decision, they have switched their focus to the Belgium game, which we know will be a tough test. There is a resilience and togetherness in this group of players, which gives us a great chance of being one of the two teams to make it out of Group A. 

"We have had fantastic support in our two games so far and we hope that Tallaght Stadium will be rocking on Thursday night. These players deserve to have a strong support behind them and I'm sure that they will respond by giving it everything in what is a huge game. 

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

Belgium
Goalkeepers: Maarten Vandevoordt (KRC Genk), Senne Lammens (Club Brugge)
Defenders: Ynus Bahadir (KRC Genk), Rob Nizet (Anderlecht), Killian Sardella (Anderlecht), Hugo Siquet (Standard), Tibo Persyn (Inter Milan)
Midfielders: Ameen Al Dakhil (Standard de Liège), Samuel Asoma (Club Brugge), Mathias De Wolf (Club Brugge), Anouar Ait Ek Hadj (Anderlecht), Wouter George (AA Gent), Marco Kana (Anderlecht), Jérémy Landu (Standard de Liège)
Forwards: Thibo Baeten (Club Brugge), Jeremy Doku (Anderlecht), Franck Idumbo-Muzambo (AA Gent), Chris Kalulika (Anderlecht), Francois-Xavier Engolo (Anderlecht)

KEY STATS
- Ireland and Belgium have met three times in this tournament, with the Belgians winning twice and Ireland claiming one victory

- Ireland qualified automatically as host nation, but have played international friendly games against Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, England, Belgium, Poland, and Finland over the last year

- Yet to reach a final in this tournament, Belgium were in the semi-finals as recent as last year. They conquered their Qualifying Round with three wins before repeating that feat in the Elite Round

- This is Ireland's 12th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as champions in 1998 (when it was graded at Under-16 level)

- This is Belgium's 14th appearance in this finals tournament with their best finish coming as semi-finalists in 2007, 2015 & 2018

PREVIOUS RESULTS
Friday, May 3: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Greece (Tallaght Stadium)
Friday, May 3: Czech Republic 1-1 Belgium (Tolka Park)
Monday, May 6: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Czech Republic (RSC, Waterford)
Monday, May 6: Belgium 3-0 Greece (City Calling Stadium, Longford)

MATCH DETAILS
Belgium v Republic of Ireland
Thursday, May 9
Group A
Tallaght Stadium
Kick-Off: 19:00
Live on TV: RTÉ2
Referee: Krzysztof Jakubik (Poland)

SOCIAL MEDIA
Game Hashtag: #BELIRL
Tournament Hashtag: #U17EURO
Ireland Team Hashtag: #IRLU17

TICKET NEWS
- Tickets will be available at Tallaght Stadium from 17:00, priced at €5 for adults and free for Under-16s

- Tickets are still available online via www.fai.ie/tickets

A penalty early in the second half proved to be the winner for the visitors in a fiercely contested game at the home of St Patrick’s Athletic.

The match, which is part of the Irish team’s build-up to the CISM Military World Games in China in October, saw the Armed Forces take the lead through an own goal before the Defence Forces hit back with a David O’Riordan penalty on 40 minutes. A Sam Atkinson spot-kick two minutes into the second half proved to be the winner for the away team.

The Defence Forces started the game the brighter of the two sides and could have been ahead in the opening two minutes only for Paul Sheehan’s finish to be ruled offside. Three minutes later Sheehan threatened the Armed Forces’ goal again this time with a glancing header that struck the post – Ben O’Donoughue’s follow-up was smartly saved by Luke Cairney in the opposition goal.

But it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play midway through the first half. A break down the right saw a cross squared into the box and the Defence Forces’ Aidan Friel turned the ball into his own net.

The home side responded positively drawing a save from Cairney who managed to stop a close-range attempt on his goal line and O’Riordan fired just wide after a smart move opened up the Armed Forces’ defence.

Barber’s side got the goal their play deserved on 40 minutes. Derek Walsh was brought down by keeper Cairney and O’Riordan slotted the penalty home for the equaliser.

The sides went into the break all square however the Armed Forces regained the lead early in the second half through the game’s second penalty. Alan Todd was fouled in the area and Atkinson stepped up to put his team 2-1 in front.

The Defence Forces had much more of the possession in the second half but the Armed Forces’ backline proved resolute and, despite the effort, the home side couldn’t find their second equaliser of the match.

Speaking after the game Defence Forces manager Richie Barber said: "I’m devastated, I felt we should have had the game won by half-time and our performance in that half was exceptional. But we didn’t take our chances and that’s what it comes down to. They had one chance in the first half and they took it - they forced us into the mistake for the own goal. We got the penalty and I thought we’d kick on from there but it wasn’t to be. 

"The lads gave everything on the pitch and I couldn’t be prouder of them. We’ll go away, iron out the mistakes and learn that you should be winning those games where you’re playing better - that’s going to be the biggest lesson we take forward."

Irish Defence Forces: Gavin Mulreaney (Ken Deegan 75), Aidan Friel, David Long, Scott Delaney (Craig Doran 26), Lee Delaney, Chris Kenny, Ben O’Donoughue (Stephen Fisher 75), Dave O’Riordan, (Tony Smith 80), Paul Sheehan, Adrian Rafferty, Derek Walsh (Ray McCann 60).

Substitutes: Craig Doran, Jody Dillon, Ross McCarthy, Joe Breslin, Gavin Dillon, Shane O’Doherty, Lee Scanlon.

United Kingdom Armed Forces: Luke Cairney (GK), Michael Cushion, Sam Rawlings, Sam Atkinson, Carl Evans, Ryan Paddock, Daniel Earl, Alex Woodhouse, Dan Kerr, Andrew Todd, Michael Campbell.

Substitutes: Matthew Cape (GK), Kyle Willis, David Parker, Brodie Gray, Lewis Cooper, Alan Sneddon, Mike Atkinson.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

As beneficiaries of the European Regional Development Fund via the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme 2014-2020, the FAI and Vi-Ability are celebrating Europe day by flying the Irish, Welsh and EU flags at FAI HQ in Dublin.

Europe Day is celebrated every year on 9 May. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French Foreign Minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable.

Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

The final, which was due to take place on Saturday, May 11 between St. Michael's A.F.C. and Sheriff YC, has been postponed on the decision of the FAI Junior Council Key Committee.

Aisling Annacotty have lodged a formal protest against Sheriff YC, following their semi-final defeat on Sunday, May 5.

The FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup final between Avondale United and Crumlin United will go ahead as planned at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 11, with kick-off at 2pm.

The opening Quarter-Final will see France play Czech Republic in Tallaght Stadium at 1pm, while Belgium will meet the Netherlands in Bray's Carlisle Grounds at 7pm on Sunday evening.

The final two Quarter-Finals will be confirmed on Friday evening, after the conclusion of Groups C and D.

UEFA Under-17 European Championship Quarter-Finals
12/5/2019: France v Czech Republic, Tallaght Stadium, 1pm
12/5/2019: Belgium v the Netherlands, Carlisle Grounds, 7pm
13/5/2019: Tolka Park, 4.30pm
13/5/2019: UCD Bowl, 7pm

The adventure ended for Colin O'Brien's team in the same way that it began - with a team refusing to give in or divert away from their measured style of play.

In their three Group A games, Ireland displayed a calmness when in possession of the ball and linked play with their short passing & clever movement. In fact, O'Brien believes that their approach will help to change many people's perception of how Irish underage teams are trying to play.

There was no doubt in this game that Belgium were the better side. They were powerful, technically excellent, and frightening on the break. Still, Ireland matched them in every department and put them on the back foot at times.

Yes, goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran - one of four changes to Ireland's line-up from their previous games with Czech Republic - did have to make some important saves, but equally Matt Everitt and Sean Kennedy caused problems for the Belgian backline.

On 65 minutes, Chris Kaliuka opened the scoring for Belgium with a close range finish but Timi Sobowale pulled one back for Ireland when he cooly slotted in at the back post following an excellent set-piece delivery from James Furlong.

Ireland finished strongly, with Joe Hodge impressing in midfield, but the victory required to reach the quarter-finals was just that too far out of reach.

However, this Ireland team can hold their head up high due to their three performances in this year's tournament. The future is bright for a lot of these players.

Belgium: Vandevoordt; Siquet (Bahadir 89), Landu, Sardella, Nizet; George, Kana, Ait El Hadj (de Wolf 79); Kalulika, Baeten (Engolo 70), Doku.

Republic of Ireland: Corcoran; McEvoy, Sobowale, Omobamidele, Furlong; Keogh (Idowu 85), Hodge; Giurgi (Holt 66), McCann (McKinley 66), Kennedy (McNulty 88); Everitt.

Referee: Krzysztof Jakubik (Poland).

The Ireland squad is set to link up for a training camp in Portugal on May 21 ahead of the matches in Copenhagen on June 7th and at the Aviva Stadium on June 10th.

McCarthy announced a 30-man provisional squad for the camp on Tuesday with many players involved in this weekend’s English Football League Play-Offs. He praised the commitment of his players to meet up at the Campus sports complex in Quinta Do Lag.

Speaking in an FAI TV interview McCarthy said: “I was delighted that Sheffield United won as it means the four players from there can come. There’s a bit of a dilemma of who is going to be there (Portugal) and who is going to be in the Play-Off Final. I’ve spoken to the lads who are taking part in the semi-finals and, not to put a negative on it, I said if you lose are you happy to come to Portugal and be selected and every single one them said ‘absolutely’.

“Winning the two games against Gibraltar and Georgia put us top of the group and has meant players are thinking ‘you know what, we may have a chance here, we may be at Euro 2020’ everyone wants to be involved in that and that’s great for all of us.”