Lean Coen Hayes (Cork City), Annie Gough (Galway WFC), Chloe Smullen (Peamount United), Jodie McQuillan (Shelbourne), Chloe McCarthy (Shelbourne), Ella Maree (Shelbourne) and Sarah Kiernan (Sligo Rovers) will all feature for the first time with 17 players coming from seven Só Hotels Women’s National League clubs.

Ireland fly out to Belgium today (Thursday, August 8) and will face the hosts in friendly games on Sunday and Wednesday.

Speaking about the new role and his first squad selection, James Scott said: “I’m honoured to be given the role, it is an exciting time to be involved in the women’s game and the recent World Cup can only inspire this current generation.
 
“Belgium will be an excellent test for the squad ahead of the first phase qualifiers in Lithuania and we have seven players who have been called up for the first time so this will provide an excellent experience for them. We have players from a broad range of clubs, all throughout the country, and that reflects the top-class work that is being done in women’s football at the moment.”
 

Squad
Goalkeepers: Rugile Askalnyte (Bohemians), Leah Coen Hayes (Cork City)
Defenders: Annie Gough (Galway WFC),  Chloe Smullen (Peamount United), Jodie McQuillan (Shelbourne), Chloe McCarthy (Shelbourne), Sarah Kiernan (Sligo Rovers), Emer O’Neill (Sligo Rovers)
Midfielders: Kate Slevin (Galway WFC), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick FC), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Ella Maree (Shelbourne), Muireann Devaney (Sligo Rovers), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United)
Forwards: Aoife Horgan (Limerick FC), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Hazel Cawley (Peamount United), Zoe Leonard (Shelbourne), Erin McLoughlin (Sea Rovers), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts)
 
Staff
Head Coach: James Scott
Assistant Coach: Irene Hehir
Goalkeeping Coach: David Rooney
Video Analyst: Alana Moran
Doctor: Ciara Grant
Physio: Charlotte Skidmore
Team Operations: Clare Conlon
 
Fixtures
August 11: Belgium v Republic of Ireland, KO 14:00 (Irish Time), Belgian Football Center
August 14: Belgium v Republic of Ireland, KO 10:30 (Irish Time), Belgian Football Center

Social Media
Game: #BELIRL
Team: #IRLWU17

The 15-year-old, from the Johnstown club outside Navan, died earlier this week after a tragic accident on holiday with his family in Lanzarote.

A tribute to Mikey’s memory will feature in a minute’s applause before the Group D game on September 5th.

The Navan native most recently played with Johnstown FC and also featured with Drogheda United’s Under 15 side and Parkvilla. Mikey also represented the North Eastern Counties Schoolboys and Schoolgirls League in the Kennedy Cup tournament in 2018.  

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said: “I was shocked when I heard the news of Mikey’s death and wish to send my condolences and that of everybody involved with the Irish team and the FAI to Mikey’s family at this sad time.

“We recently visited Meath for the Festival of Football and I am sure this tragedy has touched everyone involved with Johnstown FC and with football in the county. We will be proud to pay tribute to Mikey’s memory before the Switzerland game.”  

Speaking to FAI TV, Donohoe, who has been in the role since 2016, said the past season has been arguably his best, highlighting victories over Hungary and impressive performances against Spain and The Netherlands.

Donohoe said: “International football is in a very good place in Ireland. I think that we are competing at a higher level than we did and our style of football has got better where our players are comfortable in possession.

“From my side, I think communication with the clubs whether its schoolboy clubs or League of Ireland clubs has improved so we’re all helping to make sure that the player is at the forefront of what we’re trying to achieve.”

Key Facts

• 30 players capped over the season
• 26 players representing League of Ireland clubs
• 19 of the 20-man squad for the European U17 Championship had featured for the U15 side
• 85 players currently being monitored by the U15 coaching set up.

Results

• 20.11.18 - Poland 0-1 Ireland
• 22.11.18 - Poland 4-2 Ireland
• 30.01.19 - Spain 1-1 Ireland *(Spain 4-1 on penalties)
• 01.02.19 - Ireland 2-2 Netherlands* (Netherlands win 4-2 on penalties)
• 03.02.19 – Ireland 3-0 Hungary
• 05.03.19 – Cyprus 1-1 Ireland
• 07.03.19 – Cyprus 2-1 Ireland
• 01.04.19 – Czech Republic 1-1 Ireland
• 04.04.19 – Czech Republic 1-5 Ireland

Fixtures

• 17.10.19 – Ireland v Latvia, KO 3pm, Solar 21 Park
• 19.10.19 – Faroe Island v Ireland, KO 3pm, Westport
• 21.10.19 – Luxembourg v Ireland, KO 11am, Ballina 

Goals from Ciaran Kilduff and Shane Farrell put the First Division leaders into a comfortable lead in the 81st minute. 

Shelbourne winger Jaze Kabia was shown a red card immediately after the second goal and Bohemians pulled one back through Keith Buckley with five minutes remaining.

Incredibly, Danny Mandroiu scored two goals in the final minutes of the game to seal victory for the Premier Division side in front of a jubilant Dalymount Park.

In South Dublin, Cork City needed penalties to seal their second round spot in the Extra.ie FAI Cup against Cabinteely. Conor McCarthy put the Leesiders ahead but Kevin Knight equalised to force extra-time at Stradbrook.

In-form striker Rob Manley put the home side ahead in the 94th minute before Ronan Hurley scored in the final minute of extra-time. Gearoid Morrissey scored the final Cork City penalty to seal a 5-4 victory on penalties and a second round spot.

Elsewhere, Sligo Rovers cruised to victory with an 8-0 victory over Glebe North, Drogheda United claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Munster Senior League side Avondale United and Derry City needed a late David Parkhouse goal to overcome Wexford.

Glen McAuley scored his first goal in senior football to seal a 2-1 comeback victory for St. Patrick's Athletic over Bray Wanderers, Limerick overcame a defiant Cobh Wanderers performance and Dan Carr's goal sealed victory for Shamrock Rovers against Finn Harps.

For all reports and statistics from the Extra.ie FAI Cup, head to the SSE Airtricity League website:https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/competition/extraie-fai-cup/id-027ND0...

Friday, August 9 - Results

Cobh Wanderers 0-1 Limerick, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Bohemians 3-2 Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Cabinteely 2-2 (4-5 pens) Cork City, Stradbrook, 7.45pm
Derry City 1-0 Wexford, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Drogheda United 2-1 Avondale United, United Park, 7.45pm
St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
Glebe North 0-8 Sligo Rovers, Market Green, Balbriggan 7.45pm
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Finn Harps Tallaght Stadium 8pm

Saturday, August 10 - Fixtures

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

Sunday, August 11 - Fixtures

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

Elsewhere, Crumlin United claimed a 3-1 win over Malahide United and Georgie Kelly's second-half strike saw Extra.ie FAI Cup holders Dundalk past Cobh Ramblers. 

St. Michael's 0-0 Glengad United (8-9 pens)

Inishowen League side Glengad United are through to the second round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup thanks to a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against St. Michael's.

Colin Bargary was sent off early in the second-half for the home side but both sides had a number of opportunities to win the game at Cooke Park in the 120 minutes.

However, the two sides couldn't be separated and after St. Michael's missed two penalties, Terance Doherty stepped up to slot home the winning penalty to cap a memorable day for the Inishowen side.

Crumlin United 3-1 Malahide United

Leinster Senior League side Crumlin United came from behind to secure a second round spot thanks to a 3-1 victory over Malahide United.

Malahide took the lead in the eighth minute but Crumlin equalised two minutes later through the experienced Craig Walsh.

Ger Brady put Crumlin ahead in the 18th minute before Alan McGreal completed the scoring from the spot before half-time.

Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Dundalk

Dundalk were made to work hard for their Extra.ie FAI Cup second round spot in front of 800 supporters at St. Colman's Park.

Georgie Kelly scored the only goal of the game in the second-half, a sublime header, and the holders are in the hat for Monday's draw.

Full report from St. Colman's Park: https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/match/cobh-ramblers-vs-dundalk/id-027... 

Longford Town P-P Athlone Town

The Extra.ie FAI Cup first round tie between Longford Town and Athlone Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The match will now take place on Tuesday, August 13 at the City Calling Stadium, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Extra.ie FAI Cup First Round

Friday, August 9 - Results

Cobh Wanderers 0-1 Limerick, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Bohemians 3-2 Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Cabinteely 2-2 (4-5 pens) Cork City, Stradbrook, 7.45pm
Derry City 1-0 Wexford, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Drogheda United 2-1 Avondale United, United Park, 7.45pm
St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
Glebe North 0-8 Sligo Rovers, Market Green, Balbriggan 7.45pm
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Finn Harps, Tallaght Stadium 8pm

Saturday, August 10 - Results

St. Michael’s 0-0 Glengad United (8-9 pens), Cooke Park, 3pm
Crumlin United 3-1 Malahide United, Pearse Park Astro, 6pm
Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Dundalk, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Longford Town P-P Athlone Town, City Calling Stadium, 7.30pm

Sunday, August 11 - Fixtures

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 first port of call was the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) Sports Arena where Local FAI Regional Development Officer Gary Power put the group through their paces with a fun training session. 

The group, including parents and family members, were then transported to the Waterford City Hall and treated to a tour of the National Football Exhibition.

The Exhibition was adapted to the group with the dimming of lights, sound and creation of additional spaces. The interactive stations proved particularly popular while the group posed with the Extra.ie FAI Cup with the first round of games ongoing. Children got their photos taken in the Photo Booth and with the SSE Airtricity League Trophy, while they also learned all about the UEFA European Championships. 

Each participant left with National Football Exhibition with pin badges and booklets and a EURO 2020 gift bag with a football, boot bag and cap. The event showcased the best of local community with WIT, FAI and Suirway Bus Company and providing their services free of charge on the day.  

Speaking at the event, parent and National Football Exhibition Volunteer Pat Hayes was delighted with the day trip. "It has been a great day out for the group. Having a training session with Gary Power was a big deal for a lot of the children and then to see them having fun at the Exhibition has rounded the day off. To have gift bags then tops it all off and I am sure many will be practicing their skills now for the evening with the footballs and UEFA caps on."

Hayes added that the group has many activities and they were grateful for the generosity of the FAI and local suppliers. "As a charity, to have an offer of a day out like this, it is a great bonus. A full morning of activities has the children worn out and smiling from ear to ear."

WASSA was founded in 2009 by a group of parents who have children on the Autistic Spectrum and their aim is to benefit the community through participation, integration and inclusion into mainstream social and sporting activities.

The groups’ objective is to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a range of social and sports activities. All children with ASD demonstrate deficits in; social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviours or interests. For more information on their services, visit www.wassa.ie. 

The Exhibition will close to the Waterford public on Sunday, August 12th before visiting Donegal next month.  

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

*Photo by Noel Browne

Cork City's Leah Coen Hayes, Galway Women's Annie Gough, Peamount United's Chloe Smullen, Sligo Rovers' Sarah Kiernan and Shelbourne trio Jodie McQuillan, Chloe McCarthy and Ella Maree Rice all made their first appearance for Ireland at the Belgian Football Centre.

Ireland took the lead through Erin McLaughlin in the 10th minute but goals from Imani Prez and a brace from Lyndsey Van Belle saw Belgium go into the break 3-1 ahead.

Head Coach James Scott made a number of substitutions after the break and Thomastown United's Ellen Molloy scored with her first touch in the 52nd minute.

However, Van Belle completed her hat-trick soon after and a brace from Taziana Rombauts saw Belgium win the game against a young Irish side with the second international friendly between the two sides set for Wednesday, August 14.

"We played against an excellent team today, they were very clinical and took their chances," said Head Coach James Scott.

"Looking at the positives, we had seven players make their international debut. A lot of new players in the team so it was a great learning curve for those players and it would have been the first time those players would have been involved in a game of that intensity as well.

"We got the game back to 3-2 just after the break and had a great chance to make it 3-3, but it just went wide. They came down the other end and scored but that is what happens at this level.

"It's great to be able to test ourselves against that quality opposition and I just said to the players there, that is the level we need to get to and aspire to. We've got another game on Wednesday and we'll look forward to testing ourselves against them once again."

Republic of Ireland: Leah Hayes Coen (GK), Annie Gough (Jodie McQuillan 66), Chloe Smullen, Della Doherty (C), Sarah Kiernan, Kate Slevin (Muireann Devaney 55), Ella Maree Rice (Ellen Molloy 50), Erin McLaughlin (Aoife Horgan 55 (Zoe Leonard 90)), Kerryanne Brown, Chloe McCarthy (Sarah Kiernan 50), Hazel Cawley (Rebecca Watkins 50).

Squad

Goalkeepers: Rugile Askalnyte (Bohemians), Leah Coen Hayes (Cork City) Defenders: Annie Gough (Galway WFC), Chloe Smullen (Peamount United), Jodie McQuillan (Shelbourne), Chloe McCarthy (Shelbourne), Sarah Kiernan (Sligo Rovers), Emer O’Neill (Sligo Rovers)

Midfielders: Kate Slevin (Galway WFC), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick FC), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Ella Maree (Shelbourne), Muireann Devaney (Sligo Rovers), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United)

Forwards: Aoife Horgan (Limerick FC), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Hazel Cawley (Peamount United), Zoe Leonard (Shelbourne), Erin McLoughlin (Sea Rovers), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts)

Result

August 11: Belgium 6-2 Republic of Ireland

Fixture

August 14: Belgium v Republic of Ireland, KO 10:30 (Irish Time), Belgian Football Center

Elsewhere, UCD AFC scored five against Letterkenny Rovers, Waterford comfortably beat Maynooth University Town and Galway United progressed thanks to a narrow win over Collinstown at Whitehall. 

Lucan United 2-1 Killester Donnycarney

Marco Chindea scored the first goal of the game on the half-hour to put the home side ahead in the FAI Cup.

Aji Sule secured the second round spot in the 65th minute as Killester's John Brophy scored a consolation goal in injury time.

Collinstown 1-2 Galway United

SSE Airtricity League First Division side Galway United had to come from behind at Whitehall to progress in the FAI Cup.

Jamie Ahern put the hosts in front with 10 minutes gone but Conor Barry scored a quick-fire brace just three minutes later to put Galway ahead.

Collinstown had chances in the second-half but Alan Murphy's side defended well to secure the win.

UCD AFC 5-2 Letterkenny Rovers

UCD AFC came through an entertaining contest to beat Ulster Senior League side Letterkenny Rovers.

Former Finn Harps striker BJ Banda put the non-league side ahead in the 22nd minute to lead at the break.

However, the Students showed their Premier Division quality in the second-half as Yousef Mahdy, Jason McClelland and Richie O'Farrell goals established a 3-1 lead.

BJ Banda completed his brace with 13 minutes remaining but a late double from Liam Kerrigan completed the scoring and the Students' spot in the second round.

Maynooth University Town 0-2 Waterford

Waterford cruised into the FAI Cup second round after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Maynooth University Town.

Shane Duggan scored three minutes before the break to put the SSE Airtricity League ahead.

Kenny Browne added a second in the 57th minute to complete the victory.

Extra.ie FAI Cup First Round

Friday, August 9 - Results

Cobh Wanderers 0-1 Limerick, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Bohemians 3-2 Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Cabinteely 2-2 Cork City (4-5 pens), Stradbrook, 7.45pm
Derry City 1-0 Wexford, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Drogheda United 2-1 Avondale United, United Park, 7.45pm
St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Bray Wanderers, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
Glebe North 0-8 Sligo Rovers, Market Green, Balbriggan 7.45pm
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Finn Harps, Tallaght Stadium 8pm

Saturday, August 10 - Results

St. Michael’s 0-0 Glengad United (8-9 pens), Cooke Park, 3pm
Crumlin United 3-1 Malahide United, Pearse Park Astro, 6pm
Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Dundalk, St. Colman’s Park, 7pm
Longford Town P-P Athlone Town, City Calling Stadium, 7.30pm

Sunday, August 11 - Results

Lucan United 2-1 Killester Donnycarney, Celbridge Football Park, 11am
Collinstown 1-2 Galway United, Home Farm FC, Whitehall, 2pm
UCD AFC 5-2 Letterkenny Rovers, UCD Bowl, 2pm
Maynooth University Town 0-2 Waterford, Rathcoffey Road, Maynooth, 3pm

The draw for the Extra.ie FAI Cup Second Round will be on Monday, August 12 at 5pm and will be streamed live on the FAIreland Facebook page. 

The Cork team overcame their Dublin rivals 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out with Carrigaline’s Robert Osborne making the all important save to help seal victory for his side.

It was a game where penalties dominated the proceedings. Irishtown had taken the lead in the second half when Paul Fox of Cabinteely converted from the spot. The Dublin side had much of the play but couldn’t breakdown the resolute defence of Carrigaline.

On 88 minutes Carrigaline were reduced to 10 men after Conor Walsh was shown a red card but just minutes later they scored a last gasp equaliser from the penalty spot. John Ward was brought down inside the box and from the resulting penalty Cobh Ramblers’ Matt Lamb made it 1-1.

This saw the game head to penalties and the men from Cork scored all five of their kicks to see them lift the trophy.

Speaking after the game Carrigaline’s Mick Conroy said: “We were under the cosh for the first half and was lucky to go in at half-time level. I felt the penalty we gave away was harsh but we showed great character to fight back to 1-1, even though we were down to 10 men.

“We scored all of our penalties and it was a great save from Robert Osborne that helped us get the win.”

Stephen Kenny's side will look to make it two wins in two matches in the group on Friday, September 6 with kick-off at 8pm at Tallaght Stadium.

Ireland U-21s enjoyed an impressive summer having finished fourth in the prestigious Maurice Revello Toulon Tournament. Ireland finished top of Group C with victories over China U-23, Bahrain U-23 and a draw against Mexico U-23.

In the semi-finals, Ireland suffered defeat against the eventual winners Brazil, and finished fourth after a penalty shoot-out defeat against Mexico in the 3rd/4th place play-off. It was the highest placed finish Ireland had ever achieved at the tournament despite being one of the youngest teams.

Ireland return to action in the UEFA European Championships qualifying round against Armenia top of Group One after their impressive 3-0 victory over Luxembourg in the opening match, in front of over 4,300 at Tallaght Stadium.

Ireland U-21s need your support once again with tickets priced at just €5 for adults and FREE for U-18s and FAI and Shamrock Rovers Season Ticket Holders. Get your tickets now for the European Championships qualifier with the link below.

Click here to purchase your tickets...

Clubs will be able to register boys and girls teams at U12, U14 and U16 levels, and the Leagues will take place from September to December 2019.

The pilot League has been set up in conjunction with Fingal County Council and Pavillions Swords.

It is envisaged that games will take place midweek or at the weekend if managers are in agreement subject to availability of venue.

The leagues are intended to be viewed to complement the outfield season and potentially be used as an additional training night for players to help develop their technical & decision-making skills.

Entry only costs a team €30, before the closing date of September 9th.

For furter information please contact paul.keogh@fai.ie

Inishowen League side Glengad United will host SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side Waterford whilst Crumlin United will host Lucan United in a all non-league tie. 

All fixtures will be played on the weekend ending Sunday, August 25 with dates and kick-off times set to be confirmed at a later date.

Extra.ie FAI Cup - Second Round Draw

Glengad United v Waterford
Sligo Rovers v Limerick
UCD AFC v St. Patrick's Athletic
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United
Derry City v Dundalk
Galway United v Cork City
Crumlin United v Lucan United
Bohemians v Longford Town or Athlone Town

James McCarthy anchored the Palace Under 23 side’s midfield in a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, his first game since an £8million deadline day move from Premier League rivals Everton. 

There was an added bonus for the Ireland boss as Dublin born goalkeeper Stephen Henderson played the 90 minutes alongside McCarthy while Irish U-19 midfielder Kian Flanagan appeared as a late substitute.

“It was good just to see James out there for 90 minutes on a football pitch,” said the Ireland boss ahead of Friday’s squad announcement in Galway for the Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland and the Aviva Stadium friendly against Bulgaria.

“James has had a terrible time with injury so getting game time now is vital for him. What was important was that he played. I know one of the reasons James wanted to move from Everton was to get more football after playing so little last season following his injury.

“These are only baby steps for him but he is back now and looking forward to a new start with Palace. I sat beside Roy Hodgson for the game and I know from talking to Roy just how happy he is to have signed James for Palace.

“Roy is really looking forward to working with James at Palace and so am I with Ireland. I’ve kept in touch with James over the summer and look forward to seeing him back in the international squad.

“The fact that I got to see Stephen Henderson and young Kian Flanagan play as well was a bonus. I know Wayne, Stephen’s uncle, well so it was good to get a look at him while Kian has played for us at underage level and is only 20 later this month.”

Ireland manager McCarthy was at Bournemouth on Saturday as Sheffield United featured four of his players in their 1-1 draw after their promotion to the Premier League.

“I always thought Chris Wilder would stick with the players who got him promotion so I expected to see John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick start,” added McCarthy.

“David was partnered by new signing Callum upfront and it was interesting to see them work together as a pair. I thought they were impressive together.”

Jeff Hendrick was on the bench for Burnley in their 3-0 home win against Southampton. Robbie Brady missed that match with a fractured rib that is expected to keep him out for another 10 days.

Harry Arter, now with Fulham, and Josh Cullen, back at Charlton, were both watched by Ireland scouts in the Championship at the weekend while assistant manager Terry Connor had another look at Birmingham City arrival Danny Crowley in their 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City.

Callum O’Dowda was left out of the City squad for that game while James McClean missed Stoke’s defeat at Charlton due to a family bereavement. McCarthy will travel to Kenilworth Road tonight to watch James Collins and Luton Town take on Alan Judge’s Ipswich in the Carabao Cup.

“We’ve had James watched a couple of times already this season and I am looking forward to seeing him for myself,” said McCarthy.

“I also hope Alan plays for Ipswich. He was so good for us when he went on in the Denmark game and was really unlucky to break his wrist in the final move of the game. Alan had a great chance of starting against Gibraltar only for that injury so I’m delighted he is fit again.”

The Boys in Green travel to England on Friday and face the Danes at the English FA’s headquarters of St George’s Park on Tuesday (August 20) before taking on the hosts on Thursday (August 22).

Eighteen players from six SSE Airtricity League clubs make up the squad with St Patrick’s Athletic forward Tom Lonergan receiving a first international call-up.

The Under-16 Head Coach said: “We’ve a lot of good players in the squad and it’s possibly the first squad in the last few years we’ve had to leave players out because of the high standard. Those players who have missed out were very lucky but there seems to be an abundance of quality players at this particular age group.”

Osam also looked towards the two games in England and the challenges that the Irish squad will face. He added: “Denmark are a nation who play attractive football and they have been formidable at both underage and senior level and it will be a good test for us.

“Traditionally England have a massive pool of players to choose from so they have the pick of the crop and they always have very strong underage teams. We’re going in to win the game, be positive, play on the front foot and cause England as many problems as they may cause us.”

Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Jack Ross (Bray Wanderers), Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Tommy Fogarty (Birmingham City), John Ryan (Shamrock Rovers), Darragh Reilly (Sligo Rovers), Ben Curtis (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Grehan (Bohemians), James Abankwah (St Patrick’s Athletic), Aaron O’Reilly (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Midfielders: Luke McGlynn (Finn Harps), Glory Nzingo (St Patrick’s Athletic), Jamie Mullins (Bohemians), John Joe Power (Burton Albion)

Forwards: Cian Kelly (Bohemians), Ben Quinn (St Patrick’s Athletic), Edwin Agbaje (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Fitzpatrick (Wexford Youths), Evan Ferguson (Bohemians), Michael Leddy (Shamrock Rovers), Tom Lonergan (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Results
UEFA Development Tournament
•    29/04/19, Israel 1-2 Ireland
•    01/05/19, Fiji 0-3 Ireland
•    03/05/19, Ireland 1-2 Ukraine

Fixtures
International Tournament
•    20/08/19, Ireland v Denmark, KO 1pm, St George’s Park, England
•    22/08/19, England v Ireland, KO 2pm, St George’s Park, England

Social Media
Team: #IRLU16 

It was the first outing for the new squad who are preparing for the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Under-17 Championships in October. 

The games were also the first under new Head Coach James Scott who was appointed to the role in late July.

This morning’s fixture followed Sunday’s game against Belgium which ended 6-2 to the hosts. Erin McLaughlin scored the goal for Ireland today, when Belgium were leading just 1-0. 

However, in a nine-minute period before and after half-time, Belgium scored four to make it 5-1 in the 55th minute. 

Speaking after the game, Scott said that the result was not a good reflection of the majority of the game. 

He said: “We were excellent in the first half and it was a bit of a sucker punch for us when they scored just before half time. It was 2-1 at that stage and the players’ work rate was excellent and they were implementing the game plan well. 

“There really was just three or four minutes in the game that decided it, but after that difficult period the players did well to maintain their composure and we were unlucky not to score again ourselves.” 

And Scott added that the squad will take a lot from the tie, as they seek to learn and develop as a team. 

He said: “Throughout the week the players were top class. The way they handled themselves, their training, everything was excellent. I found them a credit to their clubs and their families. The two results were tough, but it was a good week and we will review it when we get back and use what we’ve learned ahead of the qualifiers. Belgium were excellent too, so we need to take that into account.” 

Republic of Ireland: Rugile Auskalnyte (Leah Coen Hayes 50’), Della Doherty, Sarah Kiernan, Aoibheann Clancy, Erin McLaughlin (Chloe McCarthy 75’), Ellen Molloy (Annie Gough 55’), Jodie McQuillan (Kate Slevin 50’), Emer O’Neill (Kerryanne Brown 50’), Zoe Leonard (Hazel Cawley 75’), Muireann Devaney, Rebecca Watkins. 

Squad
Goalkeepers: Rugile Auskalnyte (Bohemians), Leah Coen Hayes (Cork City)

Defenders: Annie Gough (Galway WFC), Chloe Smullen (Peamount United), Jodie McQuillan (Shelbourne), Chloe McCarthy (Shelbourne), Sarah Kiernan (Sligo Rovers), Emer O’Neill (Sligo Rovers)

Midfielders: Kate Slevin (Galway WFC), Aoibheann Clancy (Limerick FC), Della Doherty (Peamount United), Ella Maree (Shelbourne), Muireann Devaney (Sligo Rovers), Ellen Molloy (Thomastown United) 

Forwards: Aoife Horgan (Limerick FC), Rebecca Watkins (Peamount United), Hazel Cawley (Peamount United), Zoe Leonard (Shelbourne), Erin McLoughlin (Sea Rovers), Kerryanne Brown (Sion Swifts) 

Results
August 11: Belgium 6-2 Republic of Ireland
August 14: Belgium 5-1 Republic of Ireland

Ireland play their UEFA EURO 2020 European Qualifier against Switzerland on September 5, followed by a Three International Friendly against Bulgaria five days later.

There are first call-ups for Stoke City's Nathan Collins, Doncaster Rovers midfielder Kieran Sadlier and Tottenham striker Troy Parrott.

Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy returns to the squad for the first time under McCarthy and may make his first appearance since October 2016.

Speaking to FAI TV ahead of the announcement, McCarthy said the size of his provisional squad was due to the amount of club games in the coming weeks.

"I dont know what's going to happen between now and the next couple of games. We've got Saturday games, Tuesday games, Saturday and then the Saturday before me meet up. Players could get injured before we meet up."

With focus on the European Qualifier against Switzerland, McCarthy expects a tough game against the UEFA Nations League semi-finalists.

"Switzerland are a good side. They have been in the higher echelons of the top teams in Europe for the last number of years."

To buy tickets for the Switzerland and Bulgaria matches, please visit fai.ie/tickets

Republic of Ireland squad to play Switzerland and Bulgaria
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Kieran O'Hara (Burton Albion, on loan from Manchester United)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Cardiff City), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers). Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United)

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Glenn Whelan (Heart of Midlothian), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic, on loan from West Ham United), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Alan Browne (Preston North End), James McClean (Stoke City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Harry Arter (Fulham, on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Kieran Sadlier (Doncaster Rovers)

Forwards: Callum Robinson (Sheffield United), Scott Hogan (Stoke City, on loan from Aston Villa), Shane Long (Southampton), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), James Collins (Luton Town), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Sean Maguire (Preston North End)

The 2018/19 FAI New Balance Junior Cup Final will be contested by St. Michaels FC and Sheriff YC on Saturday, August 30 with a 2pm kick-off in Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway.

Entry only costs €30 for each team, and the closing date for entries is Friday, August 30.

To apply for the competition, please see the link below.

25 coaches took part in the first edition of the Course. The UEFA B Licence Graduation was one of the highlights of the FAI Festival of Football last month.

The latest edition of the Course will run to a similar format to the first edition, with a contact block in November 2019, February 2020, followed by club visits and one-to-one sessions before final evaluations, with course assignments ongoing throughout. 

Speaking on the announcement of a new Female-Only UEFA B Licence, FAI Head of Women's Football Sue Ronan said the second edition will prove vital for female coaches in Ireland.

"Our first Female-Only UEFA B Licence was a huge success, with 25 women taking part on the course.  The participants were a mix of former and current senior/underage international players; former and current Women’s National League players and others whose careers have mainly been in grassroots football.

"The huge knowledge of the game was obvious to see in all participants from the start of the course, while the mixture of backgrounds brought a fantastic dynamic to the group, allowing for great learnings to be had by all. 

"The aim now is for these coaches to stay in the game, with the ultimate aim being to see our most talented female coaches progress up the pathway to coaching teams at the highest level of football in Ireland."

Niall O'Regan, FAI Coach Education Manager said the latest edition of the course will help increase opportunities for female coaches in the game

"We are delighted to announce the successful application of funding from UEFA which will be matched by the FAI to allow for the delivery of a second Female-Only UEFA B Licence.

"After the success of the first course it is great to have another opportunity to help grow the female coaching side of the game and to continue to grow the number of qualified female coaches at UEFA Licence Level.

"From the first group of graduates, Irene Hehir has moved into a rolewith the Republic of Ireland WU17s and Ann Regan was awarded the Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year Award for 2019 for her work in the West of Ireland. 

"I am already excited having seen some of the applicants, who have significant playing and coaching experience, and many who were unlucky not to be selected in the first course. There has been a significant emphasis in Coach Education on the growth of the number of UEFA Female Coaches in the FAI and this course will continue the opportunities for these coaches."

Applications close on August 31. For more information on the course, and to apply, please contact FAI Coach Education Manager Niall O'Regan at niall.oregan@fai.ie

Republic of Ireland Captain and Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe was in Dublin to announce the sponsorship which aims to help boost confidence in girls and women.

Recent research from UEFAi found that awareness and participation in women’s football has had a powerful impact on the confidence of girls and women, with 80% of young women saying they feel more confident as a result of playing for their team.

During one of the most exciting times for women’s football, with our national team competing in the UEFA Women’s Championship qualifiers which kicks off this September against Montenegro, new independent researchii from Boots Ireland has revealed that 71% believe that people should attend women’s sporting events to show their support and a further 76% of those surveyed believe female sports stars should be equally celebrated as their male counterparts. Interestingly only 7% of the population of Ireland have ever attended a live women’s sporting event.

As an increasingly active nation the researchii also highlighted the positive impact sport has had on women in Ireland with over a third (35%) of women feeling good about themselves when playing sports. Furthermore, 31% of women who play sports feel happier and 45% feel healthier.

The sponsorship is part of a wider partnership between Boots UK and Ireland and the national women’s teams of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the partnership, Boots will be shining a light on the amazing role models within the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, who will be inspiring the next generation of female footballers and sportswomen.

Speaking at the launch at Tallaght Stadium, Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe said: “I am delighted to launch the partnership between Boots Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.

"As a team, we have a big couple of months ahead, with qualifying for the European Championships starting next month. It was great to see the women’s game get the exposure it deserves during the Women’s World Cup, and campaigns like this between Boots Ireland and the FAI will only help to grow support of women’s football.”

Bernadette Lavery, Managing Director of Boots Ireland, said: “Through our partnership with the FAI we are excited to announce our support of the Republic of Ireland Women’s Football Team. It’s

wonderful to see such positive and growing support for women’s football in Ireland and we look forward to utilising our platforms, including our stores, our website boots.ie as well as our social media channels to raise the profile of the women’s team.”

"During our three-year partnership we hope to boost confidence and inspire pride in women and young girls in Ireland, encouraging them to get involved by supporting and playing football, whilst feeling good too.”

FAI General Manager, Noel Mooney added; "Women's football continues to grow in every area - participation, performance and commercially. The FAI are delighted to partner with Boots to grow Women's football in Ireland and we believe the Women's national team will go from strength-to-strength.

"Thank you to Boots for supporting Irish football and investing in our Women's International teams."

Through this partnership Boots Ireland hopes it will help to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the game by watching, supporting and playing football, whilst feeling good too.

Tickets are still available for the Republic of Ireland's UEFA EURO 2021 Qualifier in Tallaght Stadium against Montenegro, on September 3. You can buy your tickets at fai.ie/tickets

Denmark led 2-0 at the break with goals from Gustav Bonde Dahl and Oliver Roche before extending their lead to 4-0 in the second half – Jonathan Pank Iverson and Lasse Kaihoj with the goals.

Ireland fought back with St Patrick’s Athletic forward Tom Lonergan and Burton Albion’s John Joe Power reducing the deficit to 4-2.

Lonergan rounded the keeper and coolly slotted home to make it 4-1 on 63 minutes with Power finding the top right-hand corner for Ireland’s second in injury time.

Ireland Under-16 Head Coach Paul Osam said: “It was a tough game and Denmark were very impressive. They played a system that we found very difficult to cope with but this is a team that are taking their first step up from Under-15 level to Under-16 level and the demands are more intense in the international game.

“The squad is a work in progress and I’ve been in this job for four years and I know the progression of players from the beginning of the season to the end is phenomenal. I’m confident if we played a team of Denmark’s standard in February it would be a different story.”

Ireland face hosts England at St George’s Park on Thursday and Osam says there were some key learnings from the Denmark game.

He added: “I’m happy the players never gave up, never allowed their heads to drop and got their rewards in the second half with two goals. There are always learnings from the games but England will be a different challenge and we will work hard to prepare for that game.”

Republic of Ireland: Jack Ross (GK), John Ryan, Sean Grehan, Aaron O’Reilly, Luke McGlynn (John Joe Power, 40), Evan Ferguson, Michael Leddy (Edwin Agbaje, 40), Cian Kelly (Ben Quinn, 56), Sean Fitzpatrick (Tom Lonergan, 56), Ben Curtis (C) (Tommy Fogarty, 69), James Abankwah (Glory Nzingo, 69).

Substitutes: Aaron Maguire (GK), Daragh Reilly, Jamie Mullins

Denmark: Frederik Bach Jensen, Jakob Leerhoj Larsen, Hjalte Anderson, Marius Haudrum Jacobsen (C), Gustav Julius Mortensen, Gustav Bonde Dahl, Mikkel Rosleff Fischer, Oliver Roche, Lasse Kailhoj, Solomon Opoku, Mathias Dahl Sauer

Substitutes: Jacob Perelman, Silas Andersen, Oliver Sylvest, Gustav Orsoe Christensen, Jeppe Kjaer Jensen, Pontus Andy Texel, Lauge Sandgrav, Marcus Ryu Alstrup, Jonathan Pank Iversen.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Ross (Bray Wanderers), Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur)

Defenders: Tommy Fogarty (Birmingham City), John Ryan (Shamrock Rovers), Darragh Reilly (Sligo Rovers), Ben Curtis (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Grehan (Bohemians), James Abankwah (St Patrick’s Athletic), Aaron O’Reilly (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Midfielders: Luke McGlynn (Finn Harps), Glory Nzingo (St Patrick’s Athletic), Jamie Mullins (Bohemians), John Joe Power (Burton Albion)

Forwards: Cian Kelly (Bohemians), Ben Quinn (St Patrick’s Athletic), Edwin Agbaje (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Fitzpatrick (Wexford Youths), Evan Ferguson (Bohemians), Michael Leddy (Shamrock Rovers), Tom Lonergan (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Result
20/08: Ireland 2-4 Denmark

Fixture
22/08: England v Ireland, KO 2pm, St George’s Park, England