The squad is in the Czech Republic for the three-match tournament, which will also see them take on the hosts and the USA over the course of the next four days, having travelled on Sunday.

Despite the strong score-line, today was a tough test for the side, as Belgium were on the front foot from the kick-off.

However, an excellent performance from goalkeeper Emma Ring and her defence, saw them shut Belgium out despite them looking the stronger side.

And two goals from Ellen Molloy in the 24th and 39th minutes saw Ireland in front at the break - the young Thomastown United player took advantage of a free-kick and an opposition mistake to bag her goals.

Not long after the restart, Erin McLaughlin put Ireland 3-0 up on the 49th minute, and Kerryanne Brown got number four on the 80th minute, having had a few chances to get on the scoresheet.

In line with the rules of the UEFA Development Tournaments, all 20 squad members got a chance to play in the tie, with preparing players ready for competitive international football being the main aim of the fixtures.

Under-16s manager Sue Ronan explained that it was a very challenging game for the players, despite what the score-line might suggest.

“I’m really delighted with the result. We were under a lot of pressure in periods of the game, particularly the first 15 to 20 minutes. They looked very fast and fit and we knew we were up against a good side. But we stuck at it and defended very well and they didn’t manage to take advantage. Our goalkeeper, Emma Ring also made some excellent saves, she had a great game,” said Ronan.

Ronan added that the tournament is of huge benefit to the players and that could be seen in the game by the way they reacted to being involved in such a tough test.

She said: “From our solid defensive start, we grew in confidence and got two goals before the break. They were always dangerous going forward and we were out of position for much of the game, so we are really happy that we got the result we did, adding to those two first half goals with two more in the second half. It’s a quick turnaround now before the next game, which is in 48 hours, so we’ll move on to preparing for that straight away.”

Starting 11: Emma Ring (Peamount United), Shauna Brennan (Galway WFC) (pictured), Jessica Stapleton (Cherry Orchard), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick), Teegan Lynch (Sion Swifts), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Emer O'Neill (Sligo Rovers), Aoife Horgan (Limerick), Anna Fahey (Galway WFC).

Substitutes: Rugile Askalnyte (Bohemians), Therese Kinnevey (Galway WFC), Chellene Trill (Galway WFC), Kate O'Dowd (Sligo Rovers), Muireann Devaney (Sligo Rovers), Erin McLaughlin (Sea Rovers), Zoe Leonard (Shelbourne), Hazel Cawley (Peamount United), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts).

UEFA Women's Under-16 Development Tournament
May 21, Republic of Ireland 4-0 Belgium 13:30 CET, Pratelstvi Stadium
May 23, Republic of Ireland  v USA 13:00 CET, Pratelstvi Stadium
May 25, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland 11:00 CET, Rosického Stadium

Theo Collomb’s strike on 70 minutes settled the tie in favour of the home side who repelled a number of Irish chances in the second half.
 
The first half was limited to very few opportunities of a goal as the French sat deep and choked the Irish possession in the final third. Aaron Dobbs did force an opening but could not steer his right-footed effort inside the post.
 
Despite a flurry of changes in the opening quarter of the second half, Ireland did start the brighter and David Hurley was unlucky to see his header loop on top of the French net. However, it was France who took the initiative within the game with 20 minutes remaining when Antoine Fischer blocked down Joe Manley’s attempted pass forward into the path of Teiva Blanchet who slid the ball across to Collomb who coolly finished past Paul Martin.
 
Ireland did push for an equaliser in the last quarter with Alan O’Sullivan stinging the gloves of Tanguy Seznec with Antoine Lizard’s outstretched leg preventing Simon Falvey from poking home the rebound. Sean McSweeney also dragged his shot wide of the post from 10 yards out.
 
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Greg Yelverton couldn’t fault his side’s performance during the game but was disappointed that they could not convert their chances. He said “I thought the boys' possession-based football was good to watch, we kept it a lot, but the chances we created we didn’t really take. The French have a style of play that we are well used to that makes them hard to break down which taught our guys a lot, but overall the performance was good and we’re quite pleased with that.”
 
Focus will now centre upon the opening game of the 2019 Summer Universiade which takes place on July 5th when Team Ireland face South Korea in Casoria.
 
Republic of Ireland: Coffey (Martin 65), Walker (Hollywood 55), Slevin (Walsh 63), Manley, Young (Noack-Hofmann 55), Phillips, Kelly, Hurley, Scott (Falvey 63), Duffy (McSweeney HT), Dobbs (O’Sullivan HT)
 
France: Printant (Seznec HT), Couteau (Liard HT), Tourtelot (Daniel HT), Corneillie (Ozee HT), Roux (Pinol HT), Valerio (Fischer HT), Craman (Blanchet HT), Boumejjane (Collomb HT), Clement-Triaut (Peyrat HT), Cicutta, Mayer.

The game, which kicked-off at 12noon Irish time in Pratelstvi Stadium in the Czech Republic, ended in a 4-0 win for the USA side.

Irish squad manager Sue Ronan made five changes to the squad that started Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Belgium in the first game of the friendly tournament.

As with that fixture, all 20 players in the squad took part in the game, in line with the rules of the tournament.  

Speaking after the game, Ronan explained that the USA have an extremely strong side, with a lot of quality players.

She said: “They are a very good side, they are powerful, strong, fit – everything you are looking for in a squad. It also took us a while to get into the game, there was an element of fatigue in our side from the first match.

“We just didn’t weather the storm properly the way we did against Belgium. But the players aren’t used to these sorts of situations, that’s the main aim of this tournament and they will be learning all the time.”

And Ronan added that there were encouraging signs for the young Irish side.

“There were positives for us, they dug deep and never gave up. The possession stats were positive for us, they were about 50 to 40 per cent. We now have the Czech Republic on Saturday and we’ll be looking forward to that game,” explained Ronan.

Republic of Ireland: Rugile Askalnyte, Therese Kinnevey, Shauna Brennan, Jessica Stapleton, Della Doherty (pictured), Aoibheann Clancy, Kerryanne Brown, Erin McLaughlin, Ellen Molloy, Rebecca Watkins, Muireann Devaney.

Substitutes: Emma Ring, Chellene Trill, Kate O'Dowd, Zoe Leonard, Hazel Cawley, Teegan Lynch, Emer O'Neill, Aoife Horgan, Anna Fahey.

USA: Jordyn Gunnarson, Macy Blackburn, Maddie Mooney, Korbin Albert, Gio Costa, Layne St. George, Josie Master, Phoenix-Dawn Miranda, Emily Colton, Karlie Lema, Bella Sember.

Substitutes: Carolyn Calzada, Aidan McConnell, Simi Awujo, Sophie Fisher, Riley Gleason, Makhiya McDonald, Haley Craig, Carina Lageyre, Summer Denigan. 

UEFA Women's Under-16 Development Tournament
May 21, Republic of Ireland 4-0 Belgium 13:30 CET, Pratelstvi Stadium
May 23, Republic of Ireland  0-4 USA 13:00 CET, Pratelstvi Stadium
May 25, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland 11:00 CET, Rosického Stadium

John Moore’s side were 7-0 up by half time against their Austrian opponents before netting a solitary goal in the second half to make it eight.

The win was made all the more impressive as the team had put aside their defeat against Denmark earlier in the day. The Danes scored two goals in the opening minutes of that game and Ireland were unable to recover.

In their second match of the day, Head Coach John Moore opted to take a more attacking approach which worked to Ireland’s advantage as they took the lead inside the first minute. Ireland’s confidence grew and it was 7-0  before half time, this included a hat-trick each for Thomas Donogher and Naglis Montvillas, as well as a goal from Conor Troy on his competitive debut -  30 seconds after his introduction. 

And it was Troy who completed the scoring to give Ireland confidence heading into games against world champions France and neighbours Northern Ireland on Friday.

Speaking after the games John Moore said: “We started slow against Denmark and we didn’t seem to recover. We couldn’t get our passing or game plan going and it was only late in the game that we showed what we could do. 

“I wanted to go more attacking against Austria, so I made a couple of changes and I was delighted that the team responded so well. Our passing and positioning was brilliant and it sets us up perfectly for two games against France and Northern Ireland.”

Ireland v Denmark line-up: Patrick Flanagan (GK), Aoife McNicholl, Emer O'Sullivan (C), Thomas Donogher. 
Subs: Sean Donogher, Naglis Montvillas, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters. 

Ireland v Austria line-up: Sean Donogher (GK), Thomas Donogher, Emer O'Sullivan (C), Naglis Montvillas. 
Subs: Aoife McNicholl, Patrick Flanagan, Thomas Winters, Conor Troy. 

EPFA Nations Cup - Results
23/5: Ireland 0-2 Denmark
23/5: Austria 0-8 Ireland 

EPFA Nations Cup - Fixtures
24/5: Ireland v France
24/5: Northern Ireland v Ireland
25/5: Ireland v Finland
25/5: England v Ireland

Travers suffered a hand injury and, after undergoing medical treatment and having an x-ray, it was decided that the AFC Bournemouth player should be released in order to let it heal.

"It is an injury that Alan Kelly [goalkeeping coach] and the Doc [Alan Byrne] has never seen...he's got a displaced fracture of his thumb," McCarthy told FAI TV.

"It's really sad for us because he's a great lad to have around the place and a good goalkeeper, but he's got to go back and get it repaired if he wants to be ready for the start of the [Premier League] season."

Stephen Kenny's side are set to travel to Provence, France in June to take part in the tournament for the first time since 2002, with the first match on Monday, June 3 against China. 

FreeSports, a free-to-air digital channel, will show every Republic of Ireland match at the Toulon Tournament exclusively live on their channel. The channel is available on Sky TV in the Republic of Ireland on Channel 429 and also available in the UK on other platforms.

The Ireland U-21 squad was announced this week ahead of the tournament with the squad set to link up on Tuesday, May 28 ahead of flying out to France on Saturday, June 1. 

Barnet midfielder Jack Taylor received his first international call-up whilst Aaron Connolly, Canice Carroll, Stephen Mallon, Jason Knight and Tyreke Wilson received their first call-up to the U-21 squad. 

Ireland will play three Group C fixtures where the group-winners and best runners-up will qualify for the semi-finals stage of the competition, whilst the other teams will play another game to determine their final ranking in the competition.

2019 Maurice Revello Toulon Tournament - Republic of Ireland Fixtures

03/06 - China v Republic of Ireland, 2.30pm
06/06 - Republic of Ireland v Mexico, 6.30pm
09/06 - Bahrain v Republic of Ireland, 2pm

John Moore’s team lost 10-0 to a talented French side before going on to beat Northern Ireland 5-0. It now means should Ireland draw with hosts Finland and results go in their favour, they will make the semi-finals and automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Ireland’s first game of the day saw them pitched against France with John Moore opting to go on the attack against the world champions. Despite their efforts they were down five by half time and conceded a further five in the second half.

This meant their game against Northern Ireland was even more crucial and the team responded in superb fashion with a second hat-trick of the tournament from Naglis Montvillas and goals from captain Emer O’Sullivan and Tom Donogher completing a 5-0 win. That victory now means they are on course to feature in Sunday’s semi-final.

Head Coach John More said: “We saw a lot of teams playing defensive against France but we wanted to have a go. We wanted to cause them a few problems and go attacking against them but France are the world champions for a reason and they are a different class. It looked a heavy loss but I was very proud of the team.

“In the Northern Ireland game we were back to our best. We were brilliant from start to finish and had a few chances even before our first goal. The feeling amongst the squad is excellent, they’re in high spirits and they’re looking forward to the next set of games.”

Ireland line-up versus France: Sean Donogher (GK), Patrick Flanagan, Thomas Donogher (C), Naglis Montvillas.
Substitutes: Aoife McNicholl, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters, Emer O'Sullivan

Ireland line-up versus Northern Ireland: Sean Donogher (GK), Thomas Donogher, Emer O'Sullivan (C), Naglis Montvillas. 
Substitutes: Aoife McNicholl, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters, Patrick Flanagan 

EPFA Nations Cup Results
23/5: Ireland 0-2 Denmark
23/5: Austria 0-8 Ireland  
24/5: Ireland 0 -10 France
24/5: Northern Ireland 0-5 Ireland

EPFA Nations Cup Fixtures
25/5: Ireland v Finland
25/5: England v Ireland

Sue Ronan’s side played their third game in the tournament against the hosts in the Rošického Stadium in Prague.

Limerick’s Aoife Horgan put Ireland in front in the 20th minute, while just four minutes later Teegan Lynch doubled their lead to make it 2-0 at half-time. 

And while the Czech Republic managed to pull one back through an Irish error in the second half, Kerryanne Brown’s and Erin McLaughlin’s goals on the 47th and 71st minutes respectively saw Ireland secure a deserved victory.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Sue Ronan outlined that the game was a real example of what the Development Tournaments are all about.

Ronan said: “We’re very pleased with the game today, both the result and the performance. It was probably the best football that we played in the tournament. The girls obviously had a disappointment in the game against the USA on Thursday, so they did really well to put that behind them and do so well today.”

And Ronan was keen to express that the 20-player squad – all of whom took part in every game – will have learned a lot from the week and that it will play a key role in their development.

She said: “The girls are just fantastic. They have done us proud all week and they very much deserved the win today. Again, we made a number of changes to the team and everyone was able to adapt and go on and play very well.

“The goals were top-drawer too. The one goal we conceded was due to a mistake by us, but they will learn from that. The whole week has been a learning opportunity for them and they will definitely develop from here. I can see quite a few of them taking a step up to the next level very soon.”

This game followed a 4-0 win against Belgium on Tuesday afternoon and a 4-0 defeat to the USA on Thursday.

Republic of Ireland: Emma Ring (Peamount United), Jessica Stapleton (Cherry Orchard), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts), Teegan Lynch (Sion Swifts), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Aoife Horgan (Limerick), Hazel Cawley (Peamount United), Chellene Trill (Galway WFC), Anna Fahey (Galway WFC), Muireann Devaney (Sligo Rovers), Kate O'Dowd (Sligo Rovers).

Substitutes: Rugile Askalnyte (Bohemians), Therese Kinnevey (Galway WFC), Erin McLaughlin (Sea Rovers), Zoe Leonard (Shelbourne), Shauna Brennan (Galway WFC) (pictured), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United), Emer O'Neill (Sligo Rovers).

Following an injury to Mark Travers, there was a need to add a third goalkeeper to the squad to join Darren Randolph and Sean McDermott for the training camp in Portugal that will run until Tuesday, May 28.

Bristol City stopper O'Leary, 22, who qualifies for Ireland through his Kerry-born grandfather, has joined up with the squad and underwent his first training session on Saturday afternoon.

O'Leary is currently going through the process of becoming eligible for competitive games, so he will not be available for the EURO 2020 qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar.

"Max is in the process of getting his passport, so that is taking its time. But this is a good opportunity to have a look at him and for him to meet up with the lads," said McCarthy.

"He's had a very good season with Bristol City and was very keen to do what he needed to become eligible for us, so we will take a close look at him in training and leave the process of getting its passport up to our International Department.

"Max will give us another option at goalkeeper and he gets the chance to train alongside Darren [Randolph] and Sean [McDermott], and work with our goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, for a few days in a great complex in Portugal."

McCarthy has also handed a first senior call-up to Bohemians keeper Talbot, who has been outstanding so far in his debut season in the SSE Airtricity League.

Talbot will check into Ireland camp on Tuesday, May 28 when the squad returns to Dublin and will be part of the match-day squads for the games against Denmark (June 7) and Gibraltar (June 10).

However, the 22-year-old will be released for his club games against Finn Harps (Friday, May 31) and UCD (Saturday, June 8) before linking back in with the Ireland set-up.

"We've had a couple of injuries to goalkeepers and Caoimhin Kelleher is going to the Toulon Tournament with the Under-21s, so we've brought in James Talbot due to his recent form with Bohemians," said McCarthy.

"Our goalkeeping coach, Alan Kelly, had been keeping an eye on the lad and he has done very well. We are happy to release him to play for his club. I've spoken to Keith Long and he's been very supportive. And he's delighted for James.

"We understand it's an important time for Bohemians but equally this is a great opportunity for James to come in with us." 

The 24-year-old from Cork has been released by manager Mick McCarthy after picking up a calf injury in training.

The decision was taken following a scan in Portugal where the Irish team are currently training at The Campus at Quinta Do Lago.

Browne will begin his recovery programme in camp and will fly home from the Algarve with the Irish squad on Tuesday.

“Alan has been very unlucky with injuries this season,” said McCarthy. “An ankle injury kept him out of the two games in March and now this calf problem has ruled him out of the matches against Gibraltar and Denmark.”

McCarthy has confirmed to FAI.ie that he has no plans to add to his squad after the injury blow to the Preston North End midfielder.

John Moore’s side had been losing 1-0 to the Danes but equalised in the last minute through Thomas Donogher. But with the game seemingly heading to penalties, Donogher scored his second of the match in the final seconds of extra-time to win it 2-1 for Ireland.

The Irish side had earlier suffered a 6-0 defeat against France in the semi-final and were left to fight it out for third place. On Saturday, they secured their spot in the last-four with a 5-0 victory over hosts Finland and with it, qualified for the World Cup in Australia in 2021. 

Speaking after the game Head Coach John Moore said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the players and the staff to finish in third place. We had played Denmark earlier in the tournament and lost but I always felt we were capable of winning. I’ve only been in charge for five months and I have worked with my assistant coach Robert De Courcy on our set pieces and we scored both goals from set plays so we’re really happy everyone’s hard work has paid off.”

Attention will turn to Australia where the team can showcase their talents on the world stage, Moore added: “It is an amazing opportunity for this team to go out to Australia for a World cup and show even more people what they can do. We had drilled into them that they must show self-belief and they have done everything we’ve asked of them. The spirit in the squad has been excellent all week and even though we lost in the Semi-Final they always remained positive.”

Ireland Powerchair squad: Sean Donogher (GK), Thomas Donogher, Emer O'Sullivan (C), Naglis Montvillas, Aoife McNicholl, Conor Troy, Thomas Winters, Patrick Flanagan.

EPFA Nations Cup Results
23/5: Ireland 0-2 Denmark
23/5: Austria 0-8 Ireland  
24/5: Ireland 0 -10 France
24/5: Northern Ireland 0 -5 Ireland
25/5: Ireland 5-0 Finland
25/5: England 5-0 Ireland

Semi-Final
26/5: France 6-0 Ireland

Third-Place Play-Off
26/5: Denmark 1-2 Ireland

Gerry Davis’ side saw off Northern Ireland (3-2), Middlesex Wanderers (2-1) and hosts Jersey FA (2-0) to lift the title at Springfield Stadium, the venue for all the games in the competition which commenced last Thursday.

The Brendan O’Connell-skippered side were hugely impressive in their three games and outgunned semi-professional set-ups to lift the crown, the final game secured with first-half goals from Adam Foley of Glebe North and Enda Curran of Mervue United.

Both were netting their second goals of the tournament with Eoin Hayes of Newmarket Celtic also on the mark against Harry McConkey’s side which featured players who had contested the recent IFA Cup final.

“This was a tremendous success and was a real squad effort along with the backroom staff who put in excellent work to prepare the players to be able to go out and compete against some really top class sides.”

Ireland had kicked off on Friday evening with a hard fought win over Northern Ireland, and Curran and Hayes had pushed the Republic of Ireland side into a two-goal lead before the North pulled a goal back midway through the second period. Davis' side extended their lead when Jordan Buckley of Usher Celtic set up Foley to drill the ball to the roof of the North’s net for a 3-1 advantage. Northern Ireland reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a penalty harshly awarded against Gary Delany of North End United for handball.

Saturday’s match paired Ireland against Middlesex Wanderers – a touring side who are drawn for the Isthmian League with many of their make-up on professional contracts.

The boys in green were quickest out of the blocks and Crumlin United’s Craig Walsh netted twice – the second a sublime strike from a near impossible angle on the end line, cutting across the ball to arc it to the Middlesex net. Middlessex reduced the arrears to 2-1 just short of the interval.

Middlesex huffed and puffed in the second-half but the Irish defended magnificently – a hall mark of the campaign with fullbacks Peter Doherty of Cockhill Celtic and Chris Higgins of St Michael’s along with the central defensive pairing of Sean Guerins (St Michael’s) and Gary Delaney (North End United) dealing with everything that was thrown at them.

Going into the final game against the hosts Jersey FA, a draw was sufficient for the Irish to take the title while nothing but a victory would suffice for the hosts. That prospect soon became a forlorn prospect as Foley rose high to head home early on to forge the Irish ahead and Enda Curran then finished off to the net when Craig Walsh’s free kick was parried by the host keeper with the Mervue United player reacting quickest to rifle the ball to the Jersey net from close in.

Crumlin United’s Thomas Hyland as the base of the diamond for Gerry Davis’s side was excellent throughout and knitted so much of our defensive and offensive work together in a very polished and efficient manner.

Davis can reflect on an excellent few days with sterling displays from those with the Ireland crest on their shirts and that effort culminated with a proud Brendan O’Connell walking up the Springfield Stadium steps to collect the impressive trophy – much to the delight and acclaim of the sizeable Irish support.

“The players have been magnificent and it’s great that we have players from the four provinces representing us here this weekend. We had an interrupted build up with the loss of some players but those who have come in have responded to the challenge superbly and everyone has played their part in this success", Davis said after the tournment

Republic of Ireland Squad
Brendan O Connell (Rockmount), Mark Power (College Corinthians), Dave McGrath (Home Farm), Christopher McCarthy (Mayfield), Gary Delaney (North End United), Sean Guerins (St. Michaels), Peter Doherty (Cockhill Celtic),  Chris Higgins (St. Michaels), Jordan Buckley (Usher Celtic), Adam Foley (Glebe North), Thomas Hyland (Crumlin United), Craig Walsh (Crumlin United), Jimmy Carr (St Michaels), Shane Ryan (St Michaels), Kieran McDaid (Buncrana Hearts), Darren Craven (Malahide United), Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Shane Clarke (Janesboro), Niall Brennan (Carbury), Enda Curran (Mervue United)

Six sections will see the schools divided in Provincial representatives in small, medium and large schools divisions. The girls are encouraged to play with the boys in the SPAR ‘A’ Cup, SPAR ‘B’ Cup and SPAR ‘C’ Cup sections but there is a separate competition for girls only; SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup for small schools, SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup for medium schools and the SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup for large schools.

The event will see 192 children from 24 schools participate in the final stages of competition following four months of fun filled nationwide activity. The qualifying schools have come through their local County events, Regional and/or Provincial qualifiers to reach this stage of the competition with excitement mounting around the local areas

13 counties will be represented in the Aviva with Donegal leading the charge with five representatives. The qualifying schools came through their Ulster showdown in two separate groups with schools progressing from Donegal and Inishowen earlier this month.

Galway have an impressive four schools lining out which is great recognition of the football stronghold with Salthill, Claregalway, Clarinbridge and Knocknacarra all featuring.

Cork and Offaly have three schools each qualified which is a wonderful advertisement for the hard work done in those areas to develop their footballing prowess. Cork’s finalists originate from Beara, Ovens and Rochestown while Offaly’s high flyers scale the likes of Birr, Mucklagh and Edenderry so there will be huge excitement in these regions.

Monaghan, Sligo, Roscommon, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Clare, Limerick and Kerry will each have one representative.

Also of note is that fact that three Gaelscoileanna will be participating out of the 24 schools involved with Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin and Scoil Mhuire Caiseal, Fánaid looking forward to the action which is set to commence at 11.30am with the small schools section in boys and girls kicking us off. Another impressive observation when reading through the line-ups are that out of the 192 players involved, 20 will make a return from last year as five schools make a remarkable comeback at National level.

This year the programme featured an amazing 1,696 schools with a total of 37,448 children participating which is a new record for the 5s programme which has been in existence since the mid-1990s. 

The SPAR ‘A’ Cup has Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo (Connacht), Clonlisk NS, Birr, Offaly, (Leinster), Trafrask NS, Beara, Cork (Munster) and SN Colmcille, Baile na Finne, Dún na nGall (Ulster) all in the driving seat for National honours. Extraordinarily three of the four qualifiers will be returning from last season. Trafrask NS were runners up to eventual winners Latnamard NS of Monaghan in 2018. The Ulster Champions were beaten this season in the Ulster decider as SN Colmcille, Fintown are new to this level of competition. Ardkeeran NS have Jack Tuohy and Niall Kenny back in the team as they enjoyed a fourth place finish twelve months previous. Clonlisk NS will have experienced players to call on, for example, Robert Carney, James Sampson, Liam O’Riordan and Fionn Carney returning to the Aviva. While Trafrask NS have Liam Crowley, Tom O’Connor, Mark Downing and Jack Crowley all relishing more action in the stadium.  Will this trio match the calibre of last year or will new kids on the block SN Colmcille scoop the top spot?

The SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup will have debutants Lisacul NS, Castlerea, Roscommon (Connacht) alongside the experienced St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford (Leinster), Crusheen NS, Clare (Munster), and Scoil Mhuire, Caiseal, Fánaid, Donegal (Ulster) in the melting pot for the small girls schools section. Scoil Mhuire will be in familiar territory. Principal Gráinne Bn. Uí Dhubhthaigh led the crew to the Aviva back in 2017 when the team came a gallant fourth in the same division that they’re competing in this week. We also have the deadly duo from Mayglass and Crusheen making an astonishing appearance again following on from last season’s debut. The St. Fintan’s squad came fourth while Crusheen came third in 2018. The Wexford team have five players all back in contention with goalkeeper Jenna Ryan, Clara Kelly, Tara Cullen, Aoibheann Rankin and Ciara Murphy excited for a return to the Dublin venue. Meanwhile Aimee Colleran, Caoilfhionn Perill, Grace Gleeson and Sarah O’Donnell will be looking forward to a rematch against their Leinster counterparts.  Former Chairman of FAI Schools, Seán Carr will have a keen interest in this division as his former primary school, Scoil Mhuire, Caiseal, Fánaid will be in action for the Ulster kingpins.

The SPAR ‘B’ Cup will see a broad geographic remit covered as Cregmore NS, Claregalway, Galway (Connacht), Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin, Cill Mhantáin (Leinster), Lisnagry NS, Limerick (Munster) and St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Donegal (Ulster) try to make a top of the table finish. Under the stewardship of Kathryn Doherty and Shaun McLaughlin, the pair guided the boys from St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Buncrana, Donegal to third place in the SPAR ‘B’ Cup last year. Previous to that the Donegal outfit have made an outstanding eight appearances at the National Finals. The school were finalists as far back as 2000 in the Girls ‘B’ Cup division and then again in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 claiming third that season and 2008 with a runners up medal for the boys in the ‘B’ Cup when Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town FC hosted the Nationals. Another familiar name included in proceedings will be Lisnagry as they featured in this contest in 2015 claiming National honours in the ‘B’ Cup. Can they replicate such success stories in 2019?

Scoil Mhuire, Clarinbridge, Galway (Connacht), St. Colman’s NS, Mucklagh, Offaly (Leinster), Faha NS, Kerry (Munster) and Glenswilly NS, Donegal (Ulster) make the cut for the medium schools in the SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup. It’s fantastic to see more new schools progressing to this level and the players will savour the opportunity afforded to them in Faha and Glenswilly respectively. The quartet will be a thrilling division if the provincial deciders are anything to go by with some excellent football demonstrated at County and Provincial contests. St. Colman’s made an appearance in 2016 flying the flag for the County with a third place finish in the Girls ‘B’ Cup. Whilst Scoil Mhuire have displayed their skills in this competition on three previous occasions in the Girls ‘A’ Cup in 2007 with a gold medal to their credit. Their first National title was then followed up in the Girls ‘B’ Cup category with a third place spot in 2009 and most recently the Girls ‘B’ Cup gold medal went to the school in 2010 making it two National titles for the school in two different divisions. 

An array of talent will be on display in the SPAR ‘C’ Cup for large schools. All four teams will be at full strength for the final showdown. St. John the Apostle NS, Knocknacarra, Galway (Connacht), Scoil Muire Banríon, Edenderry, Offaly (Leinster), Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Rochestown, Cork (Munster), St. Joseph’s BNS, Carrickmacross, Monaghan (Ulster) will take to the field with an even contest in store. 2014 saw teachers Jimmy Lacey and Paul Fitzpatrick make the trip to Dublin as St. Joseph’s BNS, Carrickmacross played in the SPAR ‘C’ Cup which merited a fourth place medal. While their 2017 appearance brought the same result. This time out Jimmy will be accompanied by James Conlon. Can the duo improve on this medal tally? The Edenderry contingency are back following a four year absence which saw the lads claim a bronze with third in 2015 in the ‘C’ Cup.

Scoil Íde, Salthill, Galway (Connacht), St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins, Kildare (Leinster), Ovens NS, Cork (Munster) and Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Donegal (Ulster) are in the final select for the girls large schools division, SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup. We welcome back some familiar faces to the Aviva, namely; the Buncrana scholars under the managerial eye of Conor Delap and Mary Loughrey. The side are delighted to make the cut having fought hard in their provincial showcase to progress to this stage. The School were merited with a third place finish three seasons ago at Nationals as well as coming into Wednesday’s showpiece as defending National Champions having secured the elusive gold last season.  Teacher Delap will have the girls well drilled ahead of their encounter. Can our Cork, Kildare and Galway crews upset the odds against the Donegal charges

The day promises to be fun filled and action packed as the future starlets entertain the crowds in the Aviva as the final curtain comes down on the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme for 2019. The event will be a family fun day focusing on providing participants and spectators alike with huge excitement and entertainment, making it a day to remember for all involved.

All 192 players will receive a medal, the six winning teams will be crowned SPAR Champions for 2019 as well as a SPAR Player of the Tournament accolade in each division to be awarded.  Students will also be in with a chance of securing an epic prize in the Future Sports Journalist competition which is open to all participating schools.
 
LIST OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
SPAR ‘A’ Cup (small schools)                    
Connacht                                             Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo  
Leinster                                                ClonlisK NS, Birr, Offaly
Munster                                               Trafrask NS, Beara, Cork
Ulster                                                    SN Colmcille, Baile na Finne, Dún na nGall

SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup (small schools)          
Connacht                                             Lisacul NS, Castlerea, Roscommon 
Leinster                                                St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford
Munster                                               Crusheen NS, Clare
Ulster                                                    Scoil Mhuire Caiseal, Dún na nGall            

SPAR ‘B’ Cup (medium schools)
Connacht                                             Cregmore NS, Claregalway, Galway  
Leinster                                                Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin, Cill Mhantáin
Munster                                               Lisnagry NS, Limerick     
Ulster                                                    St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Buncrana, Donegal           

SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup (medium schools)     
Connacht                                             Scoil Mhuire, Clarinbridge, Galway
Leinster                                                St. Colman’s NS, Mucklagh, Offaly
Munster                                               Faha NS, Kerry  
Ulster                                                    Glenswilly NS, Donegal

SPAR ‘C’ Cup (large schools)                      
Connacht                                             St. John the Apostle NS, Knocknacarra, Galway  
Leinster                                                Scoil Muire Banríon, Edenderry, Offaly
Munster                                              Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Rochestown, Cork
Ulster                                                    St. Joseph’s BNS, Carrickmacross, Monaghan

SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup (large schools)            
Connacht                                             Scoil Íde, Salthill, Galway
Leinster                                                St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins, Kildare
Munster                                               Ovens NS, Cork
Ulster                                                    Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Donegal         

The 20-year old suffered a hamstring injury in UCD AFC's 1-0 defeat to Waterford on Friday at the Regional Sports Centre and has now been ruled out of the competition.

Reading winger Josh Barrett has been called into the squad to replace Farrugia, who last made an Ireland U-21 appearance against Slovakia in March 2016. 

The Oxford-born winger has previously been capped at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 level and trained with the squad at Johnstown House Hotel earlier today. 

Stephen Kenny's will train in Ireland before flying out to the Toulon Tournament on Saturday, June 1 ahead of their first match against China U-22 on Monday, June 3. 

The event saw 192 children from 24 schools, in 13 separate counties participate in the final stages of the competition following four months of fun filled nationwide activity.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy joined SPAR Ambassadors Keith Andrews and Ireland WNT star Megan Campbell at the event that crowned six national champions.

Trafask NS were the first winners of the day. The Cork school won the SPAR ‘A’ Cup winning two games and drawing their third on the way to the National Title.

There was more success for Munster in the SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup, as Clare’s Crusheen NS won all three matches to top their group.

In the SPAR ‘B’ Cup, Donegal’s St. Oran’s were crowned Champions after winning all three games.

Mucklagh NS were the first Leinster winners of the day, in the SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup. The Offaly school won all three games, and finished six points clear of their opposition.

Offaly success continued in the SPAR ‘C’ Cup as Scoil Muire Banrion from Edenderry won the title for large schools.

The final title went to a Kildare school, as St. Laurence’s NS from Sallins were crowned champions.

Six Players of the Tournament were also named from each of the competitions.

SPAR Players of the Tournament
SPAR ‘A’ Cup  – Niall Kenny (Ardkeeran NS)
SPAR Girls ‘A’ Cup – Grace Gleeson (Crusheen NS)
SPAR ‘B’ Cup – Luke O’Donnell (St. Oran’s NS)
SPAR Girls ‘B’ Cup – Ellen Dolan (Mucklagh NS)
SPAR ‘C’ Cup – Declan Osagie (Scoil Muire Banrion)
SPAR Girls ‘C’ Cup – Clodagh Fitzgerald (Ovens NS)

SPAR ‘A’ Cup     
Winners: Trafask NS, Beara, Cork
Runners-Up: Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo
Third: Clonisk NS, Birr, Offaly
Fourth: SN Colmcille, Baile na Finne, Dun na nGall

SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup  
Winners: Crusheen NS, Clare
Runners-Up: Scoil Mhuire Caiseal, Dun na nGall
Third: St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford
Fourth: Lisacul, Castlerea, Roscommon

SPAR ‘B’ Cup 
Winners: St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Donegal
Runners-Up: Cregmore NS, Claregalway, Galway
Third: Lisnagry NS, Limerick
Fourth: Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain, Cill Mhaintain

SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup  
Winners: Mucklagh NS, Offaly
Runners-Up: Clarinbridge NS, Galway
Third: Faha NS, Kerry
Fourth: Glenswilly NS, Donegal

SPAR ‘C’ Cup 
Winners: Scoil Muire Banrion, Edenderry, Offaly
Runners-Up: St. John the Apostle, Knocknacarra, Galway
Third: Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown, Cork
Fourth: St. Joseph’s BNS, Carrickmacross, Monaghan                 

SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup 
Winners: St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins
Runners-Up: Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana, Donegal
Third: Ovens NS, Cork
Fourth: Scoil Ide, Salthill, Galway

RESULTS
SPAR ‘A’ Cup         
SN Colmcille 0-2 Trafrask NS
Clonlisk NS 2-5 Ardkeeran NS
SN Colmcille 1-5 Clonlisk NS
Trafrask NS 3-2 Ardkeeran NS
SN Colmcille 4-6 Ardkeeran NS
Trafrask NS 3-3 Clonlisk NS

SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup           
Lisacul NS 1-9 St. Fintan’s NS
Crusheen NS 3-0 Scoil Mhuire Caiseal
Lisacul NS 0-11 Crusheen NS
St. Fintan’s NS 2-5 Scoil Mhuire Caiseal
Lisacul NS 1-10 Scoil Mhuire Caiseal
St. Fintan’s NS 1-3 Crusheen NS         

SPAR ‘B’ Cup
Lisnagry NS 3-4 Cregmore NS
St. Oran’s NS 3-2 Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain
Lisnagry NS 1-4 St. Oran’s NS
Cregmore NS 3-1 Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain
Lisnagry NS 1-0 Gaelscoil Chill Mhaintain
Cregmore NS 1-6 St. Oran’s NS   

SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup    
Mucklagh NS 3-1 Glenswilly NS
Clarinbridge NS 2-3 Faha NS
Mucklagh NS 3-0 Glenswilly NS
Clarinbridge NS 5-3 Faha NS
Mucklagh NS 3-2 Faha NS
Glenswilly NS 1-0 Clarinbridge NS

SPAR ‘C’ Cup                      
Scoil Muire Banrion 3-2 St. Joseph’s BNS
Knocknacarra NS 7-5 Scoil Phadraig Naofa
Scoil Muire Banrion 3-2 Knocknacarra NS
St. Joseph’s BNS 3-6 Scoil Phadraig Naofa
Scoil Muire Banrion 0-0 Scoil Phadraig Naofa
St. Joseph’s BNS 1-7 Knocknacarra NS

SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup          
Ovens NS 2-1 Scoil Ide
Scoil Iosagain 4-5 St. Laurence’s NS
Ovens NS 1-4 Scoil Iosagain
Scoil Ide 0-5 St. Laurence’s NS
Ovens NS 1-4 St. Laurence’s NS
Scoil Ide 0-5 Scoil Iosagain

The girls were from the 11 teams that were drawn from 100 football clubs who participated in this year’s Aviva Soccer Sisters camps during the Easter mid-term break.

Some 7,000 footballers took part in the free camps aimed at encouraging young girls to get involved in playing football.

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team player and Aviva Soccer Sisters ambassador Izzy Atkinson was there on the day to meet the young players. 

Speaking at the event, Atkinson said it was the opportunity of a life-time for the girls.

She said: “It’s just such a wonderful experience for the girls to get to play out there today. I would have been over the moon to get this experience when I was their age and I’m sure they’ll always remember it.

“It was great to hear about the big increase in the number of girls taking part in the camps, and I’m sure this will just encourage them all to come back next year. It’s all about encouraging as many girls as possible to play football and seeing them all out there enjoying themselves is just great.”

Players from the Under-17 Só Hotels Women’s National League also took part in the Dream Camp by coaching the girls and refereeing the games. 

2019 AVIVA Soccer Sister Dream Camp winners
Clonmel Town FC, Tipperary
Midleton FC, Cork
Ballyduff FC, Waterford
Templeogue Utd, Dublin
Arthur Griffith Park FC, Dublin
Glebe North FC, Dublin
Yeats United, Sligo
Oughterard AFC, Galway
Ballyjamesduff AFC, Cavan
Blayney Rovers, Monaghan
Mulroy Academy, Donegal