The first module took place in Football Association of Ireland Headquarters with women from various levels of the game coming together to take part in this unique project.

Republic of Ireland Women's Senior Team Manager Vera Pauw was amongst the special guest speakers, along with People Development Specialist and Leadership Expert Karl Lines.

Set up in partnership with FIFA & UEFA, the Programme aims to provide female administrators with the tools, techniques and skills necessary for them to undertake senior positions efficiently and with greater confidence within Clubs, Leagues, Regional and National Committee level.

Sue Ronan, FAI Head of Women's Football, said: “The interest in our first Women In Football – Emerging Leaders Programme has been overwhelming with 80 plus applying to take part, so we’ve had to disappoint a lot of women.

"However we plan to run a second edition in 2020/21 and I’ve no doubt the skills gained on this programme, will help and encourage these women take that next step on the administrative ladder, both locally and nationally.”

Noel Mooney, FAI General Manager, said: "It is important for the future of Irish football that we have many more female football leaders and the FAI are committed to offering the opportunities for women to increasingly lead the sport across the country.

"The Women in Football - Emerging Leaders Programme is designed to identify and equip future leaders to influence and shape the future of football in Ireland. The FAI is committed to gender balance principles and we are very much looking forward to welcoming more and more women into leadership positions within the structures of the Association."

Throughout our dealings with John, his suitability for the role was beyond question and the level of professionalism and clarity he could bring to the Association would have been invaluable.

John’s experience and influence will be especially missed by our staff who would have benefitted greatly from his arrival.

The Board of the FAI will meet to discuss the next steps.

The FAI/ETB took on the host's B team, as the Spanish Under-21s trained at the facility. This would prove to be a tough test for the Irish side as Cadiz are currently top of the Spanish second tier by seven points. The Irish team were under pressure from the start with David Odumosu in the Irish goal making a couple of good saves early on . The Irish side began to grow in to the game with Katlego Mashigo and Jack Savage pulling the strings in midfield and Alex Phelan leading the line well up front. At the back, man of the match Mark Traynor was making some vital interceptions.

The sides went in at the break all square but it was the Spanish side who went in front against the run of play. A counterattack after some good attacking play from the Irish resulted in an easy finish for the home side. However after some good play from Jamie Wynne, Alex Phelan was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Alex O Hanlon stood up to take what would have been his third penalty in as many games but a fantastic save from the home keeper denied him on this occasion.

Phelan had the chance to salvage a draw late on after some great work and fantastic cross from Fran Muensterburg, but he couldn’t get his header on target.

The game finished 1-0 to Cadiz but headcoach Gerry Davis was happy with how his side did.

“I thought we did really well considering the standard of player we were up against today. All of the Cadiz players are full-time professionals and our players worked very hard today both in and out of possession. They were a quality side with a lot of experience so it was a great learning exercise for our young players. The feedback from the Spanish coaches was positive towards into how we performed."

This was the third and last game of the Erasmus+ trip and Davis was delighted how it had gone.

"It has been an excellent trip. The players have been applied themselves really well both on and off the pitch and embraced all the different aspects involved in Erasmus+. In three games, we have won, lost and drawn games and certainly the win against Real Betis was the standout performance “

FAI/ETB Selection: David Odumosa, Ray O'Sullivan, Mark Traynor, Conor McKenna, Alex O'Hanlon, Jack Savage, Katlego Mashigo, Thomas McLaughlin, Martin Coughlan, Liam McGrath, Alex Phelan:
Substitutes: Jamie Wynne, Callum McNamara, Conor Soroghan, Niall O'Keefe, Fran Muensterburg.

Colin O’Brien’s team will face Scotland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in March as the Under-17s look to secure a fourth consecutive qualification to the finals.

The draw, hosted in Nyon, was also made for the 2021 UEFA Under-17 Qualifying Round with Ireland to host Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Estonia next October.

Tom Mohan’s Under-19s will also host UEFA Under-19 Qualifying Round games next November against Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Estonia.

Ireland also discovered their opponents in round one of the new Nations League-style UEFA European Under-19 2020-2022 Championship.

They face the Netherlands, Turkey and Croatia in Group A1 in Turkey. The fixtures will also take place in November.

All venues for the fixtures will be announced in due course.

2019/2020 UEFA Under-17 Elite Round
Group 4
Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Scotland, Czech Republic
Hosts: Scotland
Dates: 21-31 March, 2020
Match Days: 25th, 28th, 31st March 2020

2020/2021 UEFA Under-17 Qualifying Round
Group 3
Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Estonia
Hosts: Republic of Ireland
Dates: 17 – 27 October, 2020
Match Days: 21st, 24th, 27th October 2020

2020/2021 UEFA Under-19 Qualifying Round
Group 7
Republic of Ireland, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia
Hosts: Republic of Ireland
Dates: 9– 17 November, 2020
Match Days: 11th, 14th, 17th, November 2020

2020/2022 Under-19 Round 1 Draw
Group A1
Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, Turkey, Croatia
Hosts: Turkey
Dates: 8 – 17 November 2020
Match Days: 11th, 14th, 17th, November 2020

2018 Runners-Up Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover or 2017 Champions Liffey Wanderers have been drawn away from home against Killester Donnycarney.
 
21 teams were in the draw, with five ties still to be decided this weekend.

All Fourth Round fixtures will be played before January 19, 2020.

New Balance FAI Intermediate Cup - Fourth Round Draw
Home Farm v Malahide United
Collinstown v Ballymun United/St. Mochta's
Midleton/Cockhill Celtic v Kilnamanagh
Crumlin United v Maynooth University Town
Verona/Leeds v St. Kevin's Boys
Killester Donnycarney v Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover/Liffey Wanderers
Bonagee United v College Corinthians
Ringmahon Rangers v Castleknock Celtic/Bangor GGFC

28 clubs from all four provinces now have the prestigious award, with 16 fulfilling the criteria in 2019.

The FAI Club Mark is an award based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club. Clubs start their journey at Entry Level, and can progress on to become a 1 star club. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The aim of the FAI Club Mark:
- Establish minimum operating criteria for football clubs
- Provide clubs with a road map to good governance, management and administration
- Support clubs on their Journey
- Reward clubs for achieving and maintaining high standards
- Provide recognition to clubs for their commitment and achievements
- Increase club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

Speaking about the Club Mark in 2019, FAI Club Support Officer Vincent Foley said the programme is going from strength-to-strength.

"Since it began in 2018, the FAI Club Mark has seen over 200 clubs register for the initiative with almost 30 clubs completing the Entry Level Award. A select number of clubs are currently piloting the One Star Award which will result in those clubs continuing to raise standards on and off the pitch.

"As a result of this initative, the FAI plans to deliver further specific services and supports to grassroots clubs throughout Ireland including specific participation programmes to attract new players into well run clubs. The Club Mark assists volunteers to build clubs that attract and retain players, coaches and volunteers and highlights their excellence in the community."

2019 FAI Club Mark Entry Level Award Winners

• Broadford United
• Carrick Town FC
• Clondalkin Celtic FC
• Colemanstown United (pictured above)
• Everton AFC
• Forth Celtic FC
• Killarney Celtic
• Lagan Harps
• Macroom FC
• Mucklagh FC
• Parkvale FC
• Parkvilla FC
• Parkville AFC
• Shiven Rovers FC
• Two-Mile-Borris/St. Kevin's
• Verona FC

For more information on the FAI Club Mark, please click here.

The Workship was part of a pan-European event with members of the FAI’s Intercultural Football Programme and FAI’s Womens Programme taking part..

Attendees from seven European countries were involved in sports at the grassroots as well as professional levels attended, including those working within municipal authorities, such as Dublin City Council as well as former players, such as Portuguese and Nigerian former international female players who gave inputs on their experiences as women in sport.

The German event is the latest that the FAI has been involved with since joining forces with SPIN Women earlier this year.

The new European SPIN Women project aims at increasing participation of migrant and minority women in and through sport.

Three have announced that they will be ending their partnership with the FAI when their current deal expires next July.

“The Board and the commercial team here at the FAI would like to thank Three Chief Executive Robert Finnegan and his colleagues for their support of Irish football,” said FAI President Donal Conway.

“In their ten years as proud backers of Irish football they have been Ireland’s number one supporter and we will always be grateful to them for their financial and personal support.

“We look forward to a successful eight months ahead with Three on board as we countdown to the Euro play-offs in March and the UEFA EURO 2020 games in Dublin next summer.”

The teams gathered from as far as Buncrana and as near as Wexford to compete for national honours in the small sided variation.

Rice College, Westport, Mayo were victorious in the Boys’ competition, making it back to back victories for Mayo following St. Louis CS, Kiltimagh in 2018. They required a play-off game with St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork after both teams were locked on seven points after three games.

Both sides would face each other in the opening game with the Munster side taking the lead from Eoin Kelly before an own goal would draw the sides level. Conor Reynolds would equalise late on to share the spoils between the sides. The Western side would be more ruthless in their second game against Patrician High School, Carrickmacross with Conor Cannon coming to the fore with a hat trick and an assist in a 6-0 win with Alex Halpin, Andre Ludden and Tom Lambert also netting.

Heading into the final game, both Rice College and St. Francis College knew that a victory in their final game would force a play-off after a last-gasp winner for the Rochestown side against Drogheda team, St. Mary’s Diocesan School. St. Mary’s had taken a 2-0 lead through Paul Galvin and Leon Luzha before a Rob Walker free-kick kickstarted the comeback. Eoin Kelly would equalise before Jamie O’Brien struck the winner with the last strike of the game.

Rice College would have no concern in their final game against St. Mary’s DS. Goals from Halpin, Cannon, Ludden, an OG and Cillian McGing ensuring a 5-0 victory. At the same time, St. Francis enjoyed a 6-3 victory against Patrician High School. Despite a Luke Povall hat trick, Player of the Tournament Jamie O’Brien would net a treble of his own with Noah Sowinski scoring an excellent brace with Eoghan Murphy also adding his name to the scoresheet.

In the five-minute play-off, with tensions on edge, Conor Cannon would rise to the occasion and score twice in the shortened period to give the Westport team the title in a 2-0 victory. St. Mary’s DS, Drogheda would come third ahead of Patrician High School in fourth following a 3-0 victory for the Louth side in the North-East clash in the opening round.

In the Girls’ competition, it was much plainer sailing for Presentation Secondary School, Thurles as they secured the title with a game to spare. Player of the Tournament Grace Flanagan was on fire as she led her side from an early deficit in their opening game to secure their opening three points in a 4-1 win. Eimear Keaney would give St. Clare’s CS, Manorhamilton the lead. A quick short corner routine would click twice as Flanagan would profit from before she would score two excellent strikes to extend the lead.

Flanagan would be the star player when her deflected shot would find its way past Maeve Kenny in the Presentation Secondary School, Wexford goal. Kenny was influential in keeping the score at 1-0 with a number of saves. Thurles would make it maximum points with victory with a 3-1 victory over Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana. Flanagan would score her sixth goal of the day and Ella Coppinger also scoring twice for the Tipperary school.

Presentation Secondary School, Wexford would eventually settle for second place with Emma Cullen being the standout performer with four goals, a brace in their two winning games. The first brace was taken against Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and Jane Murphy making it 3-0. Despite the defeat to the winners, they would recover and defeat St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton 2-0 with Cullen’s second brace of the day. The Leitrim side would take third over their Donegal rivals with a 5-3 victory. Eimear Keaney netted a hat trick either side of Aine McLaughlin’s double despite Jodie Loughrey scoring twice and Ciara McGee bundling in a corner.

FAI Schools Post Primary First Year Boys’ National Futsal Finals Results
Rice College, Westport, Mayo 2-2 St. Francis College, Rochestown Cork
Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan 0-3 St. Mary’s DS, Drogheda, Louth
St. Francis College, Rochestown Cork 3-2 St. Mary’s DS, Drogheda, Louth
Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan 0-6 Rice College, Westport, Mayo
Rice College, Westport, Mayo 5-0 St. Mary’s DS, Drogheda, Louth
Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan 3-6 St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork

Boys’ Player of The Tournament: Jamie O’Brien, St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork

FAI Schools Post Primary First Year Girls’ National Futsal Finals Results
Presentation Secondary School, Wexford 3-0 Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana, Donegal
St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim 1-4 Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Presentation Secondary School, Wexford 0-1 Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim 5-3 Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana, Donegal
Presentation Secondary School, Wexford 2-0 St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Leitrim
Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana, Donegal 1-3 Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary

Girls Player of The Tournament: Grace Flanagan, Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary.

This EGM will be convened for the purpose of electing his successor.  Donal will address the Members of the Association at the reconvened AGM to be held on the 29th December 2020 at noon in Citywest Hotel regarding his decision.

In accordance with FAI Rules, where a casual vacancy arises, the Board shall seek nominations for the vacant position, on such terms and subject to such conditions as it may consider appropriate and shall call an EGM within 30 days of the vacancy occurring to elect a replacement officer for the balance of the term of office remaining. The Association shall seek nominations after the 29th December for the position of President of the FAI.  

Any person who is a serving member of Council and who has been a member of Council for two years, which service need not have been consecutive, shall be eligible to be elected as President of the FAI.

You can see the Accounts in full at the links below.

The Finals event was launched in the WIT Arena on last week by FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Match Official Michelle O’Neill. O’Neill is a former student of Waterford IT and lifted the Intervarsity Cup, now known as the Kelly Cup, as a player in 1999.

The Semi-Finals and Finals of the three intervarsity competitions will be hosted by the college with the Kelly Cup Final on Wednesday March 25th expected to be held in the RSC. The remainder of the games will be held in the WIT Arena Campus in Carriganore. The college last hosted the event in 2015.

There are two rounds still to be played before any team reaches the semi-final stage and all teams learned their paths as the full draw from Round Three right to the Final was conducted by O’Neill and Mike Geoghegan, CEO of WIT Novus. The hosts will face a home Quarter-Final in the Kelly Cup against the winners of the Round Three tie between UCD and Ulster University before a potential seismic Semi-Final clash with current holders UCC.

UCC will have to overcome the winners of a Limerick derby between Mary Immaculate College, and 14-times winners University of Limerick in their Quarter-Final. The losing teams of each Quarter-Final will compete in the Lydon Cup Semi-Finals as part of the two-day event.

In the third competition, the O’Regan Cup, holders IT Sligo face a trip to Tralee in the Quarter-Finals before a potential clash against the winners of Cork IT or UCD ‘B’ if they are to retain the trophy named after their own Francis O’Regan, a champion for Women’s Football in the college.

Emma Yourell, Rustlers Assistant Brand Manager said, “Today’s draw marks the beginning of an exciting lead up for the Women’s Intervarsity games as part of Rustlers Third Level Football. We are proud to continue our support of Third Level Football and to bring further visibility to Women’s football, too.”

Mike Geoghegan, CEO of WIT Novus said, “WIT Novus and WIT Vikings are delighted to host the WSCAI Cup Finals to further spotlight Women's and Third Level Sport. Mark Scanlon of the FAI and the various volunteer committees do great work in promoting the opportunities that Third Level Soccer provides and we are excited to lend a helping hand. The WIT Arena looks forward to being a great home for all players, coaches and staff involved. I look forward to seeing you on March 24th and 25th at what promises to be a great occasion

Speaking at the event, WIT Sports Manager Thomas Grinsell said, “We are delighted to welcome the Women’s Soccer Intervarsities to WIT, which we last hosted here in 2015. WIT has a long tradition in women’s soccer and as part of our continued commitment to the growth of the game, coupled with our commitment to the 20x20 women in sport campaign, we look forward to hosting this year’s prestigious event”

RUSTLERS WSCAI Kelly Cup - Round Three Draw
University College Dublin v Ulster University
Dublin City University v Trinity College Dublin
Mary Immaculate College v University of Limerick
NUI Galway v Garda College

RUSTLERS WSCAI Kelly Cup – Quarter-Final Draw
Waterford IT v UCD or Ulster University
IT Carlow v NUI Galway or Garda College
UCC v Mary Immaculate College or UL
Maynooth University v DCU or Trinity College Dublin

RUSTLERS WSCAI Kelly Cup – Semi-Final Draw
Winners of Maynooth University v DCU/TCD v Winners of IT Carlow v NUIG/Garda College
Winners of UCC v MIC/UL v Winners of Waterford IT v UCD/UU 

RUSTLERS WSCAI Lydon Cup – Semi Final Draw
Loser of IT Carlow v NUIG/Garda College v Loser of Waterford IT v UCD/UU
Loser of UCC v MIC/UL v Loser of Maynooth University v DCU/TCD 

RUSTLERS WSCAI O’Regan Cup – Round Three Draw
University College Cork ‘B’ v Maynooth University ‘B’

RUSTLERS WSCAI O’Regan Cup – Quarter-Final Draw
Cork IT v University College Dublin ‘B’
UCC ‘B’ or Maynooth ‘B’ v TU Dublin City Campus
IT Tralee v IT Sligo
Letterkenny IT v TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus

RUSTLERS WSCAI O’Regan Cup – Semi-Final Draw
IT Tralee or IT Sligo v Cork IT or UCD ‘B’
UCC ‘B’/Maynooth University ‘B’ or TU Dublin City Campus v Letterkenny IT or TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus.

Key Dates
Round Three Games – the week commencing 3rd February 2020.
Quarter-Final Games – the week commencing 17th February 2020.
Semi-Final Games – 24th March 2020, all games hosted in WIT Arena, Carriganore.
Finals – 25th March 2020, Kelly Cup Final to be hosted in RSC, Waterford. Lydon Cup Final and O’Regan Cup Final to be hosted in WIT Arena, Carriganore.

Trinity along with University College Dublin, Queens University Belfast and University College Galway were one of the four universities who took part in the inaugural competition in 1914.

UCD defeated Trinity 5-2 in a semi-final tie that year played at Prospect Park, Glasnevin and then went on to become the first winners of the newly established Collingwood Cup with a 2-1 victory over Queens in the final played at Dalymount Park.

The Collingwood Cup is an all-island affair and one of the oldest trophies still being played for in Irish football and although it was established in 1914 and the centenary was celebrated at the 2014 tournament held in University College Dublin, the First World War followed by the Irish War of Independence resulted in the competition failing to go ahead during several of the years.

Trinity’s last outright success came in 1979 and their only other win was in 1967 although they did share the trophy on two occasion in the 1940’s. They reached the 2015 final at Eamonn Deacy Park Galway only to go down 3-1 to University College Cork. The last time a host university captured the cup was in 2003 when University College Cork were winners at The Mardyke beating University College Dublin in the final.

Former Ireland rugby international Hugo McNeill recently announced as a Trinity Sport ambassador presided at the draw and he also has the distinction of been part of the last Trinity Collingwood Cup winning side of 1979.

In recent times the tournament has reverted to a three-day affair and already two first round ties have taken place with Ulster University defeating Mary Immaculate College 4-2 at the AUL Complex. While the other game in Maynooth University was finally decided in a penalty shootout with the home side knocking out NUI Galway 7-6 after the game ended 2-2 following extra time.

Ulster University were drawn against their Belfast rivals Queen’s University and will meet the winners of the Trinity – UCC game in the semi-final. In the opposite end of the draw, 44 times winners UCD will have a Dublin derby against DCU to look forward to in their search for a 45th success. The winners of that tie will face the victors of Maynooth University and University of Limerick.

Rustlers continue their partnership with Rustlers Third Level Football and the Collingwood Cup. Speaking at the draw, Emma Yourell, Rustlers Assistant Brand Manager said "Today's draw is the start of a very exciting year of action. Rustlers is proud to continue its' support of and commitment to one of the oldest All-Ireland football cup competition, celebrating its 100th tournament in 2020 – we’re eager to see the talent at this tournament again this year”.

Michelle Tanner, Head of Sport and Recreation, Trinity Sport commented, "Trinity Sport are honoured to host the 2020 Irish Universities Collingwood Cup in what will be a historic year for the competition as it will be staged for the 100th time. The Collingwood Cup is one of the sporting highlights throughout the intervarsity calendar, we are delighted to host it across our sporting facilities, and we wish the very best of luck to the participating teams throughout the competition." 

Terry McAuley, IUFU Chairman, said, “The year 2020 will be a milestone one in the long history of the Collingwood Cup and in that time it has seen many changes. Over that time the format has changed beginning with four teams, peaking at 16 and now 11 while the gruelling five day tournament of some years ago has now come down to a more manageable scenario for present day students. We have already seen some excellent football in the first round and hopefully those standards are maintained until the final ball is kicked.

RUSTLERS IUFU Collingwood Cup – Quarter-Final Draw  
Maynooth University v University of Limerick
Queen’s University Belfast v Ulster University
Trinity College v University College Cork
Dublin City University v University College Dublin
All games to be played on Monday 3rd February

RUSTLERS IUFU Collingwood Cup – Semi-Final Draw
Dublin City University or University College Dublin v Maynooth University or University of Limerick
Queen’s University Belfast or Ulster University v Trinity College Dublin or University College Cork
All games to be played on Tuesday 4th February

The Republic of Ireland Under-15s will round off what has been a hugely positive year by facing England in an international friendly on Sunday, December 15th.

Jason Donohue's squad have impressed this season by winning a UEFA Development Tournament in Mayo and also beating Poland twice in Galway - scoring 19 goals and conceding three.

This final game of the calendar year will see Donohue select from an 18-player squad that includes midfielder Cian Barrett, son of former Ireland international Graham, and defender Cathal Heffernan, son of Olympians Rob and Marian.

"We are looking forward to the game as it will be a great test against top opposition. It comes on the back of two very good performances against Poland, where every player got a chance to start a game and represent their country," said Donohue.

"This is our sixth game of 2019, where team has won five games. They have progressed to play two different styles, in terms of competing in a Development Tournament and then matching up to top-class opposition like Poland.

"In 2020, we will have games against Spain, Netherlands, and Czech Republic, who are the kind of top calibre teams that act as the perfect benchmark to test ourselves against. We want the players to kick on in their development so playing against elite level opposition is brilliant for them."

Republic of Ireland Under-15 Squad
Goalkeepers: Shay O'Leary (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Walsh (Mayo SL)
Defenders: Finn Cowper Gray (Kilcullen), Luke O'Brien (Bray Wanderers), Cathal Heffernan (Cork City), Daniel Kelly (Mayo SL), Sam Curtis (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Justin Ferizaj, Cian Barrett (Shamrock Rovers), Adam Murphy (Belvedere), Alex Nolan (Cabinteely), Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh (Cork City), James McManus (St Kevin's Boys), Rocco Vata (Celtic)
Forwards: Gideon Tetteh, Kevin Zeffi (Shamrock Rovers), Caden McLaughlin (Malaga), Adam Nugent (Mayo SL)

International Friendly - England v Republic of Ireland
Sunday, December 15
KO 12:00
St George's Park
#IRLU15

Last week it was confirmed that Colin O'Brien and Tom Mohan's sides are both ranked inside Europe.

Mohan's side who reached the Semi-Finals in the UEFA Under-19 European Championships earlier this year are ranked in tenth place on the UEFA Rankings, with O'Brien's Under-17s ranked one place higher in ninth.

O'Brien's Under-17s have reached the UEFA Under-17 European Chmapionships for the past three years, which has contributed to their high rankings.

Speaking about the news, FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said the rankings show the good work being done at underage levels.

"It is a fantastic achievement to that the the Under-17s and Under-19’s are in the top ten in Europe. This a calculation from the 2015/16 season onwards and the results should not be underestimated.

"We have performed in two age groups better than many high-profile countries. Some of these are ranked higher on the FIFA World Rankings. It reflects that we are producing excellent players who are able to compete at the highest level in Europe.

"It also reflects the brilliant work done by all of the International/ETP coaches and all of the coaches in the SSE Airtricity National Underage Leagues as well. We have a bright future ahead of us and I can’t wait to see those players progress to the Senior Team."

There has been no contact between the Limerick owner Pat O’Sullivan and the FAI over how he intends to proceed following today’s news. No application for a League of Ireland licence was made by Limerick FC as the club was in examinership.

All the goals came in the second half with Jamal Ibrahim giving Dundalk the lead on 54 minutes with a low drive that managed to beat Dylan O’Neill in the Cabra Goal.

But the Dublin outfit hit back almost immediately when Ray O’Sullivan found space in the 18-yard box to fire past keeper David Odumosu.

And they could have gone ahead two minutes later when Luke Wade Slater’s header struck the bar.

However it was Dundalk who were the side who scored next. Oran O’Hanlon found the net with a header when he converted from an excellent Ebuka Kwelele cross. 

The pair were involved again for the third Dundalk goal when Kwelele’s effort was parried by O’Neill but only into the path of substitute O’Hanlon who made no mistake in wrapping the game up.

Dundalk finished the game with 10 men when Kwelele was shown a second yellow card late on.

Cabra ETB: O’Neill; O’Sullivan, O’Shea, Finnerty, McKenna; Mutawe, Redmond (Okosun 46), Lyons, Mashigo; Wade Slater (C); Aluebhosele (Animashaun 75)

Dundalk ETB: Odumosu (C); Beslic, Dooley, Soraghan, Traynor; Gough (Rielly 80), O’Brien (O’Hanlon 64), Kwima (Caffrey 75); Kwelele, Shield, Ibrahim

In a letter to FAI President Donal Conway, Earley confirmed that he has made the decision in the best interests of Irish football.

Two goals from Shamrock Rovers forward Kevin Zefi and a strike from captain Caden McLoughlin was enough for Jason Donohue’s team to secure their sixth win in six games this season.

Ireland made a dream start after 30 seconds when they took the lead. Ireland kept possession from kick off and McLoughlin played in Zefi who beat the defender one-on-one and found the finish.

The visitors were dominant in possession against the hosts and caused England difficulties with their pressing game.

On the half-hour mark they made it 2-0 through McLoughlin. Good work through a combination of Adam Murphy and Zefi led McLoughlin to find the finish to double the visitors’ lead.

In the second half England found a way back into the game when a long-range effort by Zion Atta found the Irish net.

The game was a much more even affair but Zefi secured the victory in the 73rd minute when he pressed the backline went through one-on-one and cooly finished past the goalkeeper.

Ireland saw out the game to preserve their 100 per cent winning record for the season.

England: Wooster (GK); Silcott-Duberry, Scanlon, Gee, Dorrington (C); Sousa, Barker, Castledine; Donley, O’Reilly, Atta.

Substitutes: Cisse (GK), Bellingham, Mithcell, Mendel-Idowu

Ireland: Walsh (GK) (O’Leary 74); Cowper Gray (Kelly 74), O’Brien (Hughes 74), Curtis, Heffernan; McManus, O’Brien Whitmarsh (Vata 55), Ferizaj; McLoughlin (C) (Nolan 74), Zefi (Tetteh 74), Murphy (Nugent 55).

Referee: Mark Wright

The FAI Board had welcomed the opportunity to meet with Government on Monday night when confidential talks took place regarding the financial future of the Association and efforts to safeguard jobs at the FAI and the future of football in Ireland.

That confidentiality was broken in the Oireachtas today and as a consequence, this has made the efforts to secure the financial future of the FAI all the more difficult.

FAI Executive Lead Paul Cooke said: “A number of points were raised today, some of which we addressed in confidence at Monday night’s meeting in Leinster House when we presented Government with a credible business plan produced in partnership with Grant Thornton. We outlined the current serious financial situation at the Association and how government involvement could help secure a refinancing package.

“The Board, management and staff at the FAI are working hard to avoid an insolvency process. We know better than anyone the consequences that would have on our international teams, the League of Ireland and the hundreds of thousands who play football up and down the country every weekend. The Board wants to do what is best for all those stakeholders and for our staff.

“We made it clear to Government on Monday that the Board is frustrated at the delay in the appointment of an Independent Chairperson and three Independent Directors. Like the Government, the Association wants to see these appointments made immediately.

“The process to appoint Independent Directors commenced at the earliest possible date following the adoption of the Governance Review Group report but we still don’t know the identity of the nominees for these positions.

“Until the refinancing package is signed-off, it is unlikely that Independent Directors will be available for appointment. What was said in the Oireachtas today will not help the recruitment process for those Independent Directors.

“The purpose of the meeting with Government on Monday was to expedite the completion of the refinancing deal, thus allowing the nominated Independent Directors to complete their own due diligence and take up their roles. That remains the priority of the Board.”