Tom Mohan's team were determined to give it everything that they had against the current holders of the tournament and they did just that. However, Portugal proved to be too strong.

A hat-trick from Goncalo Ramos showcased the deadly side of a Portuguese side made up of quick, technical players and they dominated in key areas despite Ireland's hard graft.

There wasn't much between the teams in the early exchanges until Vitor Ferreira was gifted the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot just past the half hour mark - he did not refuse it.

Ireland attempted to hit back and they almost did just that. Firstly, midfielder Barry Coffey had an effort somehow cleared off the goal line before Mark McGuinness smashed a shot against the crossbar.

Those missed chances hurt Mohan's side as they conceded again, just before the half-time whistle, when Ramos found himself free at the back post to head in.

An injury to Ciaran Brennan forced a slight tactical shift in the second half and Ireland continued to play some good football. But Portugal killed them off with Ramos netting twice to send his team back to the final.

Portugal: Celton Biai; Costinha, Loureiro (Levi Faustino 80), Cardoso, Tavares; Vitor Ferreira (Costa 69), Diogo Capitao, Fabio Vieira; João Mário (Gouveia 69), Ramos, Felix Correia.

Republic of Ireland: Maher; Lyons, McEntee, McGuinness, Ledwidge; Hodge (Omobamidele 81), Coffey (Grant 67); Brennan (Ebosele 42), Kavanagh (James 46), Everitt (Wright 81); Reghba.

Referee: Kristo Tohver (Estonia).

2019 FAI Club of the Year nominee Enfield Celtic were the first stop on Thursday morning, as preparations are finalising at the club before the Club of the Year is announced at Friday's Delegates Dinner.

From there it was onto ParkCeltic Summerhill as Republic of Ireland international Megan Campbell and Ireland legend Richard Dunne handed out certificates to the club players who are part of the local Emerging Talent Programmes for boys and girls.

At Dunboyne AFC, the FAI delegation, including Republic of Ireland Assistant Coach Terry Connor presented medals to the club's Under-11s.

Trim Celtic saw over 140 children take part in the SportsDirect FAI Summer Soccer Schools, before the FAI delegation toured the facilities at nearby Trim Town.

One of Meath's newest clubs Ballivor FC, gave Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy a rapturous welcome, before McCarthy officially opened the new pitch at Athboy Celtic.

Meath County Council granted the FAI a Civic Reception in Navan town, before the evening concluded in Kilmessan where the founders of the the Meath and District League were honoured.

The final FAI Family Fun Day took place in Ashbourne, bringing the total to over 1,000 children taking part in the Fun Days over the space of four days.

The squad travels to California on Monday, July 29, with former Head Coach Colin Bell’s assistant Tom O’Connor managing the team for the game.
 
The tie, which takes place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, will be the USA’s first game since defeating the Netherlands to win the World Cup in early July.
 
There are five changes to the squad that faced Italy in April, with Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Campbell ruled out due to club commitments.
 
Heather Payne comes back into the fold having missed the Italy game to bolster the Under-19 squad in the European Elite Round tournament. 
 
The Só Hotels Women’s National League has a strong representation in the line-up, with eight of the squad playing at home.
 
Interim manager Tom O’Connor said: “It has been a quick turnaround, but the offer to play the World Cup winners at the Rose Bowl was one the association couldn’t turn down. It will be a fantastic opportunity for the players. It’s set to be a great experience for them and one where they can test themselves against the best in the world. The game will also be a good challenge for the squad ahead of opening match of the European Championship qualifiers against Montenegro in September.
 
“It’s a bonus to have the squad back together for an extra game ahead of that important fixture, and to get some extra training sessions in too. It’s all good preparation for the Euro qualifiers.”

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said: “It is very exciting for the players to play the world champions after what was a fantastic and inspiring World Cup. It’s a big opportunity to play in an excellent environment and a great game to be involved in for both players and staff.
 
“Tom O’Connor is taking the team as interim manager and as a coach under the previous manager he knows the team very well. We are in the process of appointing a new manager, which we intend to do very soon. We want to have the new manager in position before the European Championship qualifier in September.”
 
Republic of Ireland WNT squad v USA
 
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (SC Braga), Grace Moloney (Reading)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Claire O'Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Eabha O'Mahony (Cork City), Megan Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths),
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Kildrum Tigers), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United), Jess Gargan (Shelbourne), Claire Walsh (Peamount United)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Köln), Emily Whelan (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne (Florida State University)
 
Fixture - International Friendly
03/08: USA v Republic of Ireland, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, 7pm (3am Irish time)

The Galway club won the prestigious title, beating Enfield Celtic (Meath), Killarney Celtic (Kerry), Midleton FC (Cork), Newbridge Town (Kildare) and Salthil Devon (Galway).

Enfield Celtic were awarded the FAI Club of the Year Merit Award, for the fine work being done at the club.

20 Awards were given out at the FAI Delegates Dinner. The event concluded the FAI's Festival of Football in Co. Meath, where almost 40 grassroots clubs were visited in the four corners of the Royal County.

FAI Club of the Year
Colemanstown United (Galway)

FAI Club of the Year Merit Award
Enfield Celtic (Meath)

John Sherlock Services to Football Awards
Dermot Byrne (Villa Celtic)
PJ O'Neill RIP (Carrick United)
Paddy Carroll, Chris Nestor, Joe Dollard (Portlaoise AFC)
Charlie McCarthy (Fermoy FC)
Larry Kenny (Leixlip United)
Michael Ronan (Kinnegad Juniors)
Tom O'Hara (Wexford Celtic)
Damien Jameson (Ashbourne United)

Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year
Ann Regan (Mervue United)

Jeremy Dee Services to Women's Football Award
Brother Bernard Twomey

FAI Communications Awards - Best Feature
Aaron Gallagher (The42.ie)

FAI Communications Awards - Best Digital Initiative
Eoin Luc O Ceallaigh (The42.ie) 

FAI Communications Awards - Best Photograph
Steve Alfred

FAI Communications Awards - Best Publication
Dundalk Sport (Taking Back The Throne)
Kerry's Eye (2018 Victory Shield Programme)
 

The FAI Board all stepped down, with outgoing FAI President Donal Conway getting re-elected unopposed.

Outgoing FAI Vice President Noel Fitzroy announced his intention to step aside, with Paul Cooke winning the resulting election.

Mr. Cooke defeated Gerry McAnaney by 80 votes to 57, with two spoiled votes.

It was also announced at the Annual General Meeting, that six people have been elected to an Interim FAI Board, by their respective constituencies.

The six elected members are:
National Leagues: 
Martin Heraghty and Dick Shakespeare

Amateur Adult Football:
John Finnegan and Dave Moran

Schoolboys and Schoolgirls:
John Earley

Others and Affiliates:
Joe O’Brien

Four further independent members will be added to the 12-person board in the coming weeks.

The 2019 FAI Annual General Meeting will reconvene later this year at a yet unannounced date, when the annual accounts are published.

Please see below link to the online registration for National Competitions. 

Closing date for registrations is August 18th

To view a full list of competitions available for entry please CLICK HERE

FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup

FAI New Balance Youth Interleague – Eligibility - 2002 or later

FAI New Balance Youth Cup – Eligibility -2002 or later

FAI New Balance U17 Challenge Cup – Eligibility - 2003 or later

Only one team per club is permitted to enter the competition. Clubs are responsible for ensuring the information provided is correct and Club Secretary details must be supplied (team manager details are not sufficient). Competition rules will be sent with the first round draws.

Please contact the FAI's Competitions Administrator Garret Higgins (garret.higgins@fai.ie) over any queries regarding applications.

All dates, kick-off times and locations have now been confirmed for the first round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup first round which will take place across Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11.

Friday, August 9

Cobh Wanderers v Limerick, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Bohemians v Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Cabinteely v Cork City, Stradbrook, 7.45pm
Derry City v Wexford, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Drogheda United v Avondale United, United Park, 7.45pm
St. Patrick’s Athletic v Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
Glebe North v Sligo Rovers, Market Green, Balbriggan 7.45pm
Shamrock Rovers v Finn Harps Tallaght Stadium 8pm

Saturday, August 10

St. Michael’s v Glengad United, Cooke Park, 3pm
Crumlin United v Malahide United, CBS Captains Road, Crumlin, 6pm
Cobh Ramblers v Dundalk, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Longford Town v Athlone Town, City Calling Stadium, 7.30pm

Sunday, August 11

Lucan United v Killester Donnycarney, Celbridge Football Park, 11am
Collinstown v Galway United, Home Farm FC, Whitehall, 2pm
U.C.D. v Letterkenny Rovers, UCD Bowl, 2pm
Maynooth University Town v Waterford, Rathcoffey Road, Maynooth, 3pm

The Dubliner proved to be a key player for Tom Mohan's team in qualifying for Ireland's first finals appearance at this level since 2011 and he was rewarded for that by being named as vice-captain.

Afolabi embraced that responsibility of working hard for the team with the knowledge that he would already be self-motivated to showcase his qualities to any watching scouts or club officials considering he was a free agent.

Having left Southampton, Afolabi knew that performing well in the group games against Norway, France and Czech Republic would help him to secure his future in the professional game.

He didn't disappoint with three superb displays and a memorable solo goal in the final Group B outing that secured a semi-final spot.

"It feels surreal and a huge honour to be included in the Team of the Tournament at the EUROs," said Afolabi.

"As much as it is an individual achievement it is also a team achievement because without the team, and staff members, this wouldn't be possible.

"We had a great campaign all season and done very well to get to the semi-finals but we deserved much more.

"Hopefully this tournament will open up great opportunities for me and it is an experience that I will never forget."

2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament
Goalkeeper: Arnau Tenas (Spain & Barcelona)
Defenders: Víctor Gómez (Spain & Espanyol), Eric García (Spain & Manchester City), Oumar Solet (France & Lyon), Juan Miranda (Spain & Barcelona)
Midfielders: Maxence Caqueret (France & Lyon), Antonio Blanco (Spain & Real Madrid), Fábio Vieira (Portugal & Porto)
Forwards: Ferrán Torres (Spain & Valencia), Jonathan Afolabi (Republic of Ireland & unattached), Félix Correia (Portugal & Sporting CP)

But it is not the chance to play the World Cup winners at the famous Rose Bowl that is the opportunity in the Ireland number one’s eyes, but the extra preparation the team can do ahead of the European Qualifiers kicking-off in just over a month.

It has been a busy time for Hourihan since the WNT squad were last together – she has swapped the English Women’s Super League for the Campeonato Nacional in Portugal.

The move to SC Braga is one Hourihan feels will have a positive impact on her game and will allow her to play at the top level of European women’s football.

“I got presented with the opportunity and in terms of my own career, the opportunity to play in a different country with a different culture and language really intrigued me, but also the chance to play Champions League football again was something I felt I couldn’t turn down; I really want to test myself. So far, I’ve really enjoyed it and I definitely feel it has been the right decision for me,” said Hourihan.

This game is coming at a perfect time for the shot-stopper as she has settled in well to her new club and is fully focused on having a great footballing year, both playing in the Champions League and the European Championship qualifiers.

She said: “It’s been really good to get back together because we were last in camp in April. Obviously with the qualifiers coming up, it’s been really nice to be together as a group and you couldn’t get a much better setting than where we are now here in California and getting ready to play the World Champions, it’s an unbelievable opportunity and everyone is just excited now to play the game and experience the atmosphere at the Rose Bowl.”

The week is also a chance for the team to focus on their immediate ambitions – qualifying for England 2021 and the scale of this game is a great way to focus minds, according to the goalkeeper.

“It reaffirms everyone’s mindsets as to what we want to achieve and ultimately that’s qualifying for England in 2021, and so it’s great for us to get back on the field together and to get a few good training sessions under the belt, work on our systems and styles of play before we come together for that crucial game in September.”

Hourihan has been reflecting on that Italy game and feels the team can learn a lot from the tie.

She said: “We lost the game in April against the Italians but I think on reflection and watching the game back again, and our performance, I think you could see the step that this side has made in terms of the way that we’re playing and the confidence we have in each other; and going forward now we do genuinely believe that we are contenders to go and qualify for a major tournament. We’ve got to use teams like Italy as an example of what we can achieve because the margins between ourselves and Italy were very fine. But we also need to learn the lessons from that game.”

This summer’s World Cup has only increased their ambition and this squad is fully focused on being the first Irish women’s senior team to qualify for a major tournament.

“We know what a great fanbase any Irish team has and with how close the tournament will be, we know that we’d get unbelievable support. We just want to showcase ourselves in that environment and so the really important thing is just getting there and so that’s what we really need to focus on.”

Following on from last Saturday's Annual General Meeting in Trim, at which the President and Vice President were elected and the six football constituency Directors were nominated to an Interim Board, the commitment to add four more independent directors will be aided by a world-leading executive search firm.

The search, conducted by Amrop, will focus on specifically recruiting an independent non-executive chairperson and three additional independent non-executive directors. 

These positions will be publicly advertised in Friday’s Irish Times, the Sunday Business Post and the Sunday Independent over this coming weekend.

Amrop advises the world’s most dynamic organisations on identifying and positioning Leaders For What’s Next – adept at working across borders, in markets around the world. With 76 offices in 49 countries, Amrop is one of the world’s largest executive search firms.

The Boys in Green will play Norway as they look to end their tournament on a high.

They had qualified from the Group 1 phase with victories over the Netherlands, Italy, South Korea and Sweden.

The second group stage of the tournament saw Ireland miss out on qualification losing to two of the tournament favourites Mexico and Chile but sealing a solid win over Hungary 5-4.

Reflecting on the tournament team organiser Sean Kavanagh said: “We started the tournament strongly and have given it our all. In a few of the games that we have lost it has been by the odd goal which shows how close we have been in terms of quality. 

“The aim now is to go out there and hopefully bring a trophy back to Ireland.”

Homeless World Cup Results:

Group 1
Netherlands 2-12 Ireland
South Korea 3-8 Ireland
Ireland 5-3 Italy
Ireland 5-2 Sweden
South Africa 6-5 Ireland

Group 2
Mexico 6-2 Ireland
Hungary 4-5 Ireland
Chile 7-1 Ireland
Ireland 5-6 Ireland
Ireland 5-8 Costa Rica

Fixtures
02/08: Ireland v Norway 
02/08: Semi Final/3rdplace play-off

The Boys in Green will play Norway as they look to end their tournament on a high.

The Irish side had qualified from the Group 1 phase with victories over the Netherlands, Italy, South Korea and Sweden.

The second group stage of the tournament saw Ireland miss out on qualification losing to two of the tournament favourites Mexico and Chile but sealing a solid win over Hungary 5-4.

Speaking about the tournament, Team Organiser Sean Kavanagh said: “We started the tournament strongly and have given it our all. In a few of the games that we have lost it has been by the odd goal which shows how close we have been in terms of quality. 

“The aim now is to go out there and hopefully bring a trophy back to Ireland.”

Homeless World Cup Results:

Group 1
Netherlands 2-12 Ireland
South Korea 3-8 Ireland
Ireland 5-3 Italy
Ireland 5-2 Sweden
South Africa 6-5 Ireland

Group 2
Mexico 6-2 Ireland
Hungary 4-5 Ireland
Chile 7-1 Ireland
Ireland 5-6 Ireland
Ireland 5-8 Costa Rica

Fixtures
02/08: Ireland v Norway 
02/08: Semi Final/3rdplace play-off

Now on its fourth of seven venues, the National Football Exhibition has launched in the South East with Waterford City Hall providing the perfect setting. Waterford follows on from successful stints in Sligo, Cork and Limerick, with Donegal, Dundalk and Galway to come before a return to Dublin. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor John Pratt welcomed the Exhibition to the Viking County ahead of a busy August Bank Holiday Weekend with Spraoi Festival also taking place. Mayor Pratt hopes that was many ‘Waterfordonians’ would come along and see what was on display. 

Noel Mooney, FAI General Manager, spoke about his memories as a goalkeeper in the SSE Airtricity League and was delighted to meet members of Waterford FC including Michael Walsh who has been the clubs kitman for 53 years. Mooney contributed his own performance with assisting native Darryl Murphy in securing a move to England while also sharing memories of Waterford’s leading goalscorer Johnny Matthews, who was in attendance. 

De La Salle’s Gavin Loneragn was presented with the National Football Exhibition’s first ‘Grassroots Hero’ award for his contribution to football locally and was joined by family and friends to celebrate the occasion.

National Football Exhibition Ambassador Ray Houghton then took to the stage and called upon Wexford’s Michelle O’Neill to join proceedings after revealing the latest Exhibition additions with the official Match Jersey from the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup final and signed red and yellow cards from the game.

O’Neill called upon the young people in the crowd to put in the hard work to achieve their dreams as she shared her own path to the world stage. Houghton echoed her words by encouraging parents to facilitate their children to play the game we all love.

Separated into six different zones to represent various parts of Irish & European football, the Exhibition contains rare match programmes, unique match jerseys, treasured memorabilia and an interactive element with a Photo Booth to get your picture taken, a recording booth to practice your commentary skills, and quiz stations to test your footballing knowledge.

The local Waterford zone sees contributions from Waterford FC, the Waterford Junior League and memorabilia from John O’Shea with the centurion named as the Local Waterford Legend.  

Feel free to roam around and discover every part of the Exhibition, or download the National Football Exhibition App and pick up a pair of free headphones at the venue to listen to the audio tour.

Taking place in Waterford City Hall, the free of charge Exhibition will be open to the public until Sunday, August 12. 

Waterford City Hall Opening Times
Monday – Friday 11:00-16:00
Saturday – Sunday 11:00-17:00

Download the National Football Exhibition App from the App Store or Google Play Store for additional information and future venues.

Additional Venues
Donegal – September 2019
Dundalk – February 2020
Galway – March 2020
Dublin – June 2020

The competition, which named after the late Bobby Smith who was a co-ordinator on the first FAI/ETB course in 2004, sees ETB centres from around the country compete against each other.

This year will see finalists from Cork and Dublin go head-to-head in what is the sixth year of the tournament.

Mick Conroy’s Carragaline ETB progressed from the southern section of the tournament with wins against Waterford and Blarney and will be determined to bring silverware home from the capital city.

Their squad boasts two SSE Airtricity League of Ireland players James McSweeney and Matthew Lamb of Cobh Ramblers and a further four players who play at U19 League of Ireland level - Robert Osborne, John Ward, Conor Walsh and Kevin Williams.

Irishtown ETB have a 100 per cent record heading into the final which includes a 3-1 away win away at Castlebar and a 4-3 home win against Clondalkin to secure top spot in their group.

Standout players for Gerry Davis’ team include Paul Fox and Aaron Byrne of Cabinteely and Luke Nolan of Bray Wanderers.

Kick-off: 2pm

Venue: FAI Headquarters, Abbotstown
 

The squad have been in LA since Monday and will take on the World Cup winners on Saturday evening, August 3, at 7.25pm (3.25am Irish time) in the Pasadena venue.
 
Former assistant coach Tom O’Connor is interim manager for the tie, with the FAI currently in the process of recruiting a new Head Coach.
 
Ireland have been training at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of LA Galaxy, all week in preparation for the game.
 
Megan Connolly has been ruled out of the tie due to an injury picked up in her game for Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday - otherwise O’Connor has a full squad to select from for the fixture.
 
Ireland captain Katie McCabe says the squad is “raring to go” and will be seeking to get as much as possible from the playing the World Champions.
 
McCabe said: “Camp has been really good so far. Obviously, there are a few new faces but they have blended in very well. Training has been going well too. Obviously preparing to play the world champions is different, you don’t play the USA every day. But the girls have been great, there’s a real togetherness in the team and we’re just ready to go now for Saturday.”
 
And despite having only a few weeks of pre-season with Arsenal behind her, McCabe said she is feeling well prepared physically for the challenge ahead. 
 
“I’m really looking forward to it, obviously watching them over the summer at the World Cup, you know who you’re going to be up against and preparing for that is good. I feel fit, obviously I’m in pre-season at the moment with Arsenal, but I feel good and raring to go,” added McCabe.
 
And with the first European Championship qualifier only one month away, it is that and not the World Cup winners to the forefront of the players’ minds.
 
McCabe said: “Playing the World Champions is great, but the most important thing for us is that it’s helping us to prepare for the European Championship qualifiers, which start against Montenegro on September 3.”
 
Also speaking ahead of the tie, Ireland defender Louise Quinn agreed that while this game is a fantastic opportunity, it is all about what they can learn from the game.
 
Quinn said: “It's a huge opportunity, they are the best in the world and that’s who you want to be playing against. From our perspective it’s a chance for us as a team to come together, get good training sessions in and get used to being around each other again before we go into the Euro campaign. We’ve got to take in the occasion of course, but not let it get to us, and challenge ourselves and be brave and put ourselves in situations where we feel uncomfortable and that’s only going to better us.”

The game is live in Ireland on eirSport 1 from 3am.
 
Republic of Ireland WNT squad v USA
 
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (SC Braga), Grace Moloney (Reading)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Claire O'Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Eabha O'Mahony (Cork City), Megan Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths),
Midfielders: Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United), Jess Gargan (Shelbourne), Claire Walsh (Peamount United)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Köln), Emily Whelan (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne (Florida State University)
 
Fixture - International Friendly
03/08: USA v Republic of Ireland, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, 7.25pm (3.25am Irish time).

The World Champions won the tie 3-0 after piling the pressure on the Irish team, determined to kick-off their victory tour with a bang in front of 37,040 people at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Tobin Heath, who came into the USA starting line-up at the last minute after Mallory Pugh pulled a muscle in the warm-up, got the opener with 16 minutes on the clock.

Some excellent Irish defending and top-drawer saves from Irish goalkeeper Marie Hourihan managed to keep the USA onslaught at bay for a period until the 31st minute when Lindsey Horan doubled their lead.

And it was 37-year-old, 281 time-capped USA hero Carli Llyod who made it three for the home side 10 minutes later on 41’.

But there were positive glimpses for the Irish women in the first 45 - Amber Barrett came close to levelling the game on 22’, but she curled her shot wide.

After regrouping at the break, Ireland came out fighting and despite the USA introducing household names such as Rose Lavelle and Ali Krieger, the world champions could not add to their tally.

Ireland interim manager Tom O’Connor explained that while he never likes to lose a game, he was delighted with the determination shown by his side. 

“It’s 3-0 and no one likes to lose, but I think you have to put it in context. We’re playing against the world champions in their home match, on their victory tour. Overall, I’m very, very pleased with the performance and the way the girls played tonight,” said O’Connor.

With the USA looking clinical in the first 45, it was the way his team approached the second-half that really pleased O’Connor.

He said: “It was a tough first half, we didn’t see a lot of the ball. But the second half was a different story. After the first 45 minutes and with them three up already, we knew we had to get the shape right and overall I’m delighted with the second half performance.”

And with the opening game of the European Championships against Montenegro on September 3 just under one month away, the interim manager feels the future is bright for the young team.

He said: “To bring a 17-year-old, Eabha O’Mahony, on and for her to do so well was great. We had a few players making their debut or getting their first starts and they did very well, so that bodes well for the team for the future. Niamh Farrelly and Jess Gargan were excellent, they didn’t look out of sync at all. With all that in mind, we’ll look forward to the start of another campaign.”

Republic of Ireland: Marie Hourihan, Claire O'Riordan, Louise Quinn (Claire Walsh), Diane Caldwell, Jess Gargan, Harriet Scott, Niamh Fahey, Niamh Farrelly, Amber Barrett (Rianna Jarrett), Heather Payne (Eabha O’Mahony), Katie McCabe.

USA: Alyssa Naeher (Ashlyn Harris), Tobin Heath (Jessica McDonald), Carli Lloyd (Ali Krieger), Christen Press (Rose Lavelle), Lindsey Horan, Julie Ertz, Sam Mewis (Allie Long), Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlekemper, Kelley O’Hara (Emily Sonnett).

Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA).

Ireland beat Hungary 6-5 to finish their tournament on a high with goals from Jordan Scally, Shane Lambe, Lar Bryan and Dean Fitzpatrick. 

The win brings a successful conclusion to the competiition for Ireland who have beaten the likes of the Netherlands, Italy and Sweden. Their failure to qualify for the Quarter Finals of the World Cup on Thursday saw them enter the Glyndwr Cup section of the tournament where they saw off Norway 8-0 in Friday’s Semi Final before going on to lift the trophy.

Team Organiser Sean Kavanagh said: “After a week where the players have shown a lot of passion and committment it was excellent top it off with an excellent performance that sees us returning from another Homeless World Cup with a trophy."

And new Birmingham City midfielder Danny Crowley could get a chance to build on his ‘encouraging’ start for The Blues in front of the Irish boss on Tuesday night.

James Collins scored the equaliser in Luton Town’s 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough last Friday night when a stunning Darren Randolph save denied the Irish striker a winner.

And Nathan Collins started at the heart of the Stoke City defence, alongside left-back James McClean, as they went down 2-1 at home to QPR on Saturday.

“I’ve spoken with Robbie Keane since the game on Friday night and he was impressed with James [Collins],” McCarthy told FAI.ie in his latest scouting report.

“Terry Connor [assistant coach] was there as well and noted that James was lively throughout what was a big game for Luton on their return to the Championship.

“James could easily have had the winner only for a very good save from Darren Randolph. We brought James in for the Gibraltar and Georgia games in March and we’ll see how he does now against Cardiff City this Saturday.

“We’ll also monitor Nathan [Collins] for Stoke at Charlton Athletic on Saturday. We know all about Nathan – we wanted to sign him for Ipswich Town when he trained with us at Carton House a couple of summers ago – and we had him in our thoughts for the training camp in Portugal at the end of last season.

“Nathan took his first-team chance with Stoke at the end of last season and he is building on that now. He’s a big centre-back who is comfortable on the ball and he is making real progress. That’s great to see.”

Crowley, who only appeared as a late substitute for Willem II when McCarthy went to watch him in the Dutch Cup Final last May, got 72 minutes on the pitch for new club Birmingham in their 1-0 win at Brentford on Saturday.

McCarthy hopes to see the player for himself when he takes in the Portsmouth-Birmingham City EFL Cup clash at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.

“I’m going to the game hoping to see three players involved in Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness and Danny Crowley,” added McCarthy.

“Danny [Crowley] was watched by Terry Connor at Brentford on Saturday and Terry told me he was encouraged by what he saw.  The game proved again that Danny has that forward thinking mentality,  he can see a pass and he can execute it.

“He played as the left-sided offensive midfielder in a 4-5-1 formation and hopefully I’ll get to see him play tonight, depending on what team Birmingham pick for the game. It’s a good start for him in the Championship but there’s a long season ahead for everyone in that League as I well know!

“Marcus [Harness] and Ronan [Curtis] both started for Pompey at Shrewsbury on Saturday and I’d like to see both of them involved as well.”

With the Premier League kicking off this weekend, McCarthy is off to Bournemouth for their opening game with promoted Sheffield United on Saturday.

McCarthy said: “With Callum Robinson moving from Preston in the summer there’s now a chance I could see four of our players start for Sheffield United with Enda Stevens, John Egan and David McGoldrick already there.

“And Mark Travers could feature in the Bournemouth squad as well. The important thing for all our players now is to get game-time ahead of the game against Switzerland in September.

“Alan Browne, Sean Maguire and Callum O’Dowda all played at the weekend for their clubs in the Championship. That’s the important thing now ahead of Switzerland, we need our players fit and playing.”

Don't forget to secure your tickets for Ireland v Switzerland on September 5 & Ireland v Bulgaria on September 10 - both in Aviva Stadium

The feedback from last year's Conference was extremely positive with guest speakers including Jim McGuinness, Dany Ryser, Collie O'Neill, Dr Seamus Murphy, Michael Beale, Sarah Murray, and Colin Bell, while there was an excellent practical session put on by Republic of Ireland Under-21 assistant Jim Crawford.

There were 22 different counties represented from over 200 attendees, who included many current and former SSE Airtricity League managers, and several UEFA Pro Licence holders. The Conference mixed between theory and practical sessions, a Q&A with international head coaches, and there was also a graduation ceremony for 28 coaches who achieved the UEFA Elite Youth A Licence.

This year's Conference, which will be the third in a row, will see multiple theoretical and practical presentations from world renowned guest speakers from Ireland and overseas - who will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

This event can be used for Grassroots and Licence CPD (Continous Professional Development). Please note that in accordance with the UEFA Convention 15 hours of UEFA Accredited CPD must be completely every three years in order to keep your UEFA Coaching Licence valid.

Click here to apply for the 2019 FAI Coach Education Conference

Fifteen children attended Killarney Celtic's FFA section of their mainstream camp; coordinated by Jane O'Donoghue and coached by Karen O'Donoghue who has assisted with the club's weekly FFA team for six years as the Head coach.

Karen says she has seen first hand the confidence that playing football and being part of a team has given the children. She includes a number of short, fun exercises and modifies the games so that everyone can take part.

The following week, Carrigaline United ran a standalone FFA camp, which was attended by 20 children. Bryan McCarthy, from the club's FFA team, coordinated the event and four experienced FFA coaches looked after the activities each day.

Bryan was delighted with the success of the camp and believes that the children who attended made great progress and the club's FFA section will grow in numbers come the start of the new season in September.

An additional bonus was the opportunity provided to three former players from within the FFA programme - now in their late teens - who have completed introductory coaching and safeguarding courses and are now giving back to the programme that gave them the chance to play football by becoming the coaches who will bring through the next generation.

Nick Harrison, from the FAI FFA programme in Munster, believes both formats of the summer camp were a success and that, along with the FFA Easter Camp held earlier in the year, there are now a number of opportunities available for clubs who wish to provide an additional outlet in the school holidays for children with additional needs in their community.