The club created a €5 for 5k event to support frontline staff in Midleton Hospital and Midleton Meals on Wheels.

The idea was simple. Midleton's Senior and Junior teams decided to create a 5km challenge within each squad to run the fastest 5k and raise some money between them for local frontline service.

Such was the success of the scheme, club captain James McCarthy and Lochlann McCarthy approached the club for support and it was decided to open it to the public to get involved in a even simplified way, and it was to walk/run/cycle 5km within their restricted 2km radius and then donate €5 to the club's frontline GoFundMe page, and nominate a further five friends to participate.

The club decided that all proceeds would go to Midleton Hospital and Midleton Meals on Wheels to help frontline staff as they look after the most vulnerable. The idea took off and very quickly lots of club members got out with their children and partners to exercise together while helping a great cause.

Once they completed their run, walk or cycle they nominated friends and family to continue to make a difference. The event motto was simple, ‘We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone’ and we used the hastag #5kforfrontline. You can donate at the club's GoFundMe page here. 

All donations are being made via the GoFundMe page provided above and the link can also be found on the various Midleton FC social media pages. There are many videos and pictures of everyones’ progress on their social media pages as they do their bit to help the frontline workers in the Midleton community.

The club are asking everyone to donate or complete the 5km challenge by walking, running or cycling and then send in some of your pictures or videos to the Midleton FC social media channels.

The club originally had a targeted amount of €1,000 but within 24 hours they had surpassed this amount. Already, over €6,500 has been raised for Midleton Hospital and Midleton Meals on Wheels.

Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens, who attended a tele-conference meeting with UEFA today, has told FAI TV that new Ireland boss Stephen Kenny could have as many as five games played before the trip to Bratislava.

In the FAI TV interview to be broadcast later this evening, Owens revealed: “There has been a slight move on that. Originally, we thought it may well be November but it now looks like the semi-final is the preferred option in October.

“They don’t want to have the semi-final and the final of the play-offs in the one month. It looks like the Nations League matches will be in September and October with the semi-final play-off in October and the final play-off in November.”

The FAI will seek clarity on what this latest ruling will mean for the SSE Airtricity League and also its potential effect on international football if it is extended into September.

The Association’s Interim CEO Gary Owens told FAI TV: “This is breaking news this evening and in two respects for us. The obvious question is, can we hold the international matches in the autumn period?

“We really need to be able to hold those matches and have mass gatherings in September. Hopefully we can get to the end of August and that 5,000 limit will be increased.

“On the other hand, it gives us an opportunity with the League of Ireland clubs. That is a significant input now into the debate we will be having tomorrow with the National League Executive Committee because 5,000 could now be a level on which we could now resume the League of Ireland.

“That is a significant input and we need to take that into account, along with all the other factors which we are now analysing in advance of making a decision on the 5th of May when the Government will make their formal decision known.”

Gary Owens also confirmed plans to talk to Government officials as soon as feasible about this latest decision.

He added: “Like everything else, the devil is in the detail. We really need to understand what they mean by 5,000 in terms of mass gatherings and whether that applies in stadiums and what are the criteria we would have to comply with.

“We have been working with the medical team in UEFA who are helping us with guidelines but  obviously, we need to talk to the HSE and try and understand whether or not they would allow mass gatherings in football stadiums and if they do up to that level of 5,000, that could be a significant breakthrough for us.”

The SSE Airtricity League is currently scheduled to resume on June 19th with the Women’s National League set to kick-off a week later. The FAI are also to meet with the National League Executive Committee on Wednesday when this date will be reviewed.

Speaking to FAI TV, Owens said: “We will wait until we hear what the HSE and the Government have to say on May 5th. We are working through the National League Executive Committee and we are considering all the options.

“We have a number of scenarios which include putting it back, includes working behind closed doors, it includes looking at restricted stadiums so I think until we hear what the government have to say and what their advice is, we really can’t make a decision.

“I think the most important thing for us at the moment is to analyse all the options, look at all the scenarios and be ready to make a decision that is appropriate.”

According to Owens, UEFA remain committed to dates in late July for Irish clubs to enter next season’s European club competitions.

He explained: “The latest is they are sticking with the dates. The Irish clubs look like they will be competing on the 28th of July so that is probably the most optimistic date. They have two options, one starting 28th July and one only a week later so they are still committed to making sure the European qualifying competitions for our clubs take place in late July and early August.”

The Republic of Ireland’s EURO 2020 Play-Off Semi-Final away to Slovakia is now likely to be played in October, with UEFA Nations League games to go ahead as planned in September.

Owens, who took part in a tele-conference meeting with UEFA on Tuesday, told FAI TV that new Ireland boss Stephen Kenny could have as many as five games played before the trip to Bratislava.

Owens revealed: “There has been a slight move on that. Originally, we thought it may well be November but it now looks like the semi-final is the preferred option in October.

“They don’t want to have the semi-final and the final of the play-offs in the one month. It looks like the Nations League matches will be in September and October with the semi-final play-off in October and the final Play-Off in November.”

Like other clubs’ home grounds in the country, Trim Celtic’s Tully Park has been temporarily shut down, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a very difficult time for everybody, in all aspects of life. Sport, and particularly football, is an important aspect of all our members’ lives,” Trim Celtic’s Secretary Brian McCreary told FAI.ie

“Everybody isn’t just missing playing, but they’re missing the social aspect that the club brings. It’s an additional thing that people are missing out on. In the times that we’re going through, from the club’s point of view the welfare of our members, their families and the wider community is the main priority.”

While McCreary and all those in Trim Celtic are desperate to get back to action, the club members have been very understanding in the current circumstances, he added.

“For now, all we need to do is carry on with the advice given to us by the HSE, Department of Health and the FAI. There isn’t much we can do for our members, bar keeping them informed of what’s happening and keeping them up to date with FAI and HSE guidelines and our local leagues too.”

As a former FAI Club of the Year, the Meath club are usually proactive, but McCreary admitted, they have taken a different stance at the moment.

“At Trim Celtic, we always try to take the initiative and to go with ideas, but this is a very different situation at the moment. We need to follow what the experts are saying. From the club’s point of view, social media has been brilliant to keep in contact with our members.”

While coaches in the club are keeping in regular contact with their players, one FAI initiative has been well received in the gardens of Trim.

“The FAI Homeskills programme has been a gift to us all”, McCreary revealed. “Rather than the club having to do this, the FAI are supplying it to us and we’re giving it to our managers to pass on to parents. That’s been wonderful.”With football off-limits, the club has taken different ways to engage with the community, helping members and non-members alike.

“We are on the Volunteer’s List in Trim to deliver groceries, and go to pharmacies. We’re there to help as much as we can”, McCreary told FAI.ie.

One of the toughest decisions for the club was to close Tully Park to the general public, according to McCreary. With walkways and pitches in the park, it has been at the centre of the community.

“Kids were out on the pitches when football stopped. When the lockdown came in, we closed Tully Park down completely. Our members have been very understanding. We’d love to let everyone out and enjoy the park, but we simply can't.”

As a club they pride themselves for their community and welcoming ethos, McCreary hopes to see the town get back to its feet in the near future.

“When we won the FAI Club of the Year in 2014, we won the Participation category. That was due to the fact that we welcome all levels into the club. We don't stream players coming in, and it is all community based. When you go to Tully Park, and see the advertising signs. It’s all local businesses. It shows how we are recognised in the community.”

“We had everything in order for our teams before football stopped. With some of our sponsors, we hadn’t finalised the finances with them though. From our point of view, we cannot be going to these businesses that support us year after year in the current situation”, McCreary admitted.

Like most clubs, Trim Celtic expect to take a financial hit from the current pandemic, but McCreary is hopeful to come through it as healthily as possible.

“Financially this will affect junior clubs in a big way. We may not see that kick in for another six months  though. We went online with our membership this year. The members bought into it. If there is no season this year, the membership will roll into next year.”

“If a full season doesn’t happen this year, we’d need to look into compensating players and families that have paid the full membership. There will be a financial struggle somewhere along the line.”

FAI Development Officers around the country will volunteer their time to collect prescriptions and deliver them to the homes of people unable to make that journey.

Nissan Ireland, through their ongoing support of grassroots football, will be providing cars to a number of the Development Officers to help with this initiative.

Over 30 different stores will be involved across 13 counties as the Development Officers showcase that their role in community development can continue even when the football is on hold.

With support from the various local authorities, the Development Officers have volunteered to play their part in helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens said: “This is a brilliant initiative by Boots and one which the FAI are delighted to support. Our Development Officers are at the very heart of sport in their communities and this programme offers them an opportunity to help those feeling the effects of the lockdown in a real and practical way. I applaud our Development Officers for their participation in a wonderful initiative from our partners at Boots. Also, we have received fantastic support from Nissan, who supply cars to many of our Development Officers to support this initiative.”

FAI Medical Director, Alan Byrne, said: “The current COVID-19 pandemic has made such an impact on the day-to-day lives of so many. This programme will be a great benefit to those in lockdown who simply cannot get out to collect their prescriptions. I applaud Boots and the FAI for the initiative and I thank all the Development Officers who are giving their time and energy to this programme.”

Director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland, Caoimhe McAuley, commented: “Pharmacy is at the frontline of providing health care in local communities and we want to do all we can to help our patients, customers and colleagues through this very difficult time. 

“We are proud to work with the FAI Development Officers who have so generously volunteered their time in supporting vulnerable people in their communities. We are also encouraged by the level of kindness out there, whether its through organisations like the FAI, through our local authorities and also through our suppliers, who continue to support initiatives we have underway to help our patients, customers and colleagues at this time.”

Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior Team captain and Boots Ireland Ambassador, Katie McCabe, said: “It's really inspiring to see communities coming together at this challenging time and it's great to see the FAI Development Officers volunteering to assist Boots with looking after those who need it the most.”

To avail of the service, patients or a family member simply need to call their local Boots pharmacy for more information.

https://www.boots.ie/store-locator

Name: Sue Ronan

Role: Head of Women’s Football / Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-16 Head Coach

Started the role
2016 (Head of Women’s Football)
2018 (Under-16 Head Coach)

Coaching history
Marley Rangers Head Coach
Republic of Ireland Women’s U16 Head Coach (1994 – 1996)
Republic of Ireland Women’s U18 Assistant Coach
Republic of Ireland Women’s U19 Head Coach
Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach

What is the one key attribute you need as a coach?
There’s more than one, the obvious one being you need to have a good knowledge of the game.  But apart from that I’d say being a good communicator and a good motivator are two key attributes for coaching any sport. If you’re working with young players you need to be able to communicate with them, explain clearly what you want, encourage them & obviously motivate them.  

When working with an adult team, especially at national level, it’s all about achieving results so you’re shaping the team for competition.  But you’re also more than likely working with a backroom team, so communication and motivation are huge in both respects.  

What is your favourite thing about the job?
In my current role I would say developing young players and facilitating their progress to the next level.  Watching a player you’ve coached improve and take the next step on their pathway is very rewarding, so ultimately it’s my job to create an environment where they can be the best they can. If they make it to the next stage of their career then you’ve done your job.

Any pre-match rituals?
More so when I was with the women’s senior team, I would always play the same song on the way to the stadium, and I would always make sure I was the first person off the bus. I am a bit superstitious so being the first off the bus and into the dressing room was always important to me.

What one message would you give to a player to keep with them throughout their career? 
Always work hard at your game. Even if you think you’ve made it, continue to work hard and also use any set-back you may face as a motivator to improve. 

Which coach/manager – from any sport – have you taken your greatest inspiration from?
I’m a big Arsenal fan so Arsene Wenger would be a big inspiration. It was his calmness I admired as well as the fact he was so innovative when he first went to Arsenal,introducing new methods to training and his team’s played such good football. He changed the whole culture of football in England and managed to get players who were in the twilight of their careers to buy into his methods. I think he created a legacy for the game in general.

Favourite match you coached and why?
Two games stick out for me.

The first was when I was with the U19s and we needed to beat Yugoslavia to progress to the Elite Phase of the Euros. It was 2-2 and we were pushing for a winner but around the 88th minute Yugoslavia hit us on a counter attack and had a one-versus-one with our keeper.  I was shouting for her not to let the player go by her, but she unfortunately committed a foul inside the box to give away a penalty and at that late stage in the game we thought we were out. However she saved the penalty and played a quick ball up field from which and we get a corner. Susan Byrne scored from the corner in something like the 93rd minute and my celebration took me to the centre circle!

The other was with the senior team when we played Germany in 2015. They were definitely the best team in Europe at the time. They came to Tallaght Stadium as favourites in the group, we took the lead through Louise Quinn after one of Megan Campbell’s trademark long throws. Mid-way through the second half they got a penalty out of nothing to make it 1-1. About 10 minutes later they scored a second. However, we regrouped and equalised in the 89th minute when Stephanie Roche got on another Campbell throw. 

We thought we had secured a point, which as I said, was so unusual to get from Germany, however there was another twist to come in the game.  It was a really windy day and deep into injury time we conceded a corner which was whipped in after initially being played short.  Unfortunately for us the wind caught it and it ended up going over our goalkeeper’s head and in at the far post. We lost a game 3-2 which no-one was expecting us to get anything from, but we very nearly got a fantastic result.

What team or match from any era do you wish you could have coached?
I used to play hockey quite a lot and at a high standard but I had to give it up when I began playing football for the women’s national team. I’ve always loved hockey so would have loved to have been involved with the Irish Hockey Team who won silver at the 2018 World Cup in London. I’ve never coached hockey, and I’m not saying I could, but I would love to have been involved for that tournament because the whole journey for that team was just magical.

Dan Donoher was born in March 2019, but was diagnosed in December with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. His condition requires treatment in America, that may cost up to $2million.

The son of former Laois gaelic footballers Niall and Aisling Donoher, Dan's story has seen sporting communities all around Ireland try and raise funds for his treatment.

In a time of social distancing, St. Aengus have gotten players and club members to Shave or Dye in aid of Dan's fund.

Players and coaches have come together, with boys, girls, men and women coming our in their masses to shave or dye their hair for a worthy cause.

Keeping the club members up to date on their Facebook channel with updates of new hairstyles, has seen the club's fundraising efforts take off.

Among the notable efforts his from Under-15 player Cormac Farrell. He hopes to run 50km to help with the fundraising efforts.

You can keep up to date on the club's fundraising efforts on their Facebook page, and you can donate money to a very worthy cause here.

New boss Kenny and former international striker Quinn, now Interim Deputy CEO with the FAI, will take questions from DSI members all across Ireland in this unique webcast event on the FAI’s Facebook channel.

The Football Association of Ireland are keen to help DSI at a time when fundraising income has been hit so hard for so many deserving organisations by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is our way of supporting Down Syndrome Ireland in a very fun environment,” said interim FAI CEO Gary Owens. “Stephen and Niall jumped at the opportunity to be involved and I look forward to seeing them quizzed about the secrets of their football careers.

“We are delighted that this online event will be Stephen’s first public engagement with Ireland fans and I would encourage our supporters to donate in any way they can to Down Syndrome Ireland to celebrate this partnership.

“I know from my own days working with DSI just how much great work the organisation does and the fantastic support and services that they offer to people in Ireland with Down Syndrome and their families.

“The Football Association of Ireland is delighted to be involved with this online show and hopefully we can help to raise awareness and much needed funds for DSI.”

Superfan Sarah Carroll, from Portobello in Dublin, is one of the DSI members who will be putting questions to Stephen Kenny and Niall Quinn on Friday. Sarah said: “I am thrilled with the opportunity to ask questions as I am a crazy Ireland soccer fan. Seamus Coleman is my favourite player.”

Liam Ahern, President of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with the Football Association of Ireland to give our members with Down syndrome a once in a lifetime opportunity to ask some of their sporting heroes the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. These are difficult and distressing times for everyone and this initiative is also a wonderful way to help spread some fun and excitement for our members and their families across the country.”

To watch the FAI/Down Syndrome Ireland event from 1.30pm on Friday, visit Facebook.com/faireland
 

Down Syndrome Ireland’s vital fundraising income has been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis with all annual campaigns and activities postponed, If you are in a position to do so, please DONATE at www.downsyndrome.ie

Pauw's team remain unbeaten in Group I and had to come through a 3-0 win away to Montenegro in early March when COVID-19 was starting to spread worldwide.

Since then, the planned trips to Germany and Ukraine were postponed as the world deals with the pandemic. So the return to international football has not been at the forefront of Pauw's thoughts even on the back of UEFA confirming that the EUROs have been moved from the summer of 2021 to 2022.

"It is great to have clarity on when the UEFA Women's European Championships will be played so that we can plan accordingly. However, football has not been the priority for us of late with the world still battling against the Coronavirus and our thoughts are with those we have lost, those who are fighting, and those who are aiding the fight," said Pauw.

"The reaction from so many people, around the world, to abide by Government and Health regulations has been inspiring. So too has been the positive vibes from people posting video messages, taking part in various activities like the FAI HomeSkills drills, and doing what they can to help others. It is important that we all stay strong and stay safe during this period.

"As we look at the schedule ahead of us, there are still three group games to play and we remain in a good position to qualify for the European Championships. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and it is fantastic that each of our players, who we remain in regular contact with, are working hard on individual fitness programs.

"We understand and accept UEFA's decision to move the European Championships to July 2022. So now our focus will be on planning ahead for our remaining qualifying games, arranging some friendly games, and then looking at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers once that schedule is set.

"To all of our supporters around the world, we look forward to playing our next game and representing Ireland as best as we can, but, right now, we urge you to stay at home, get some exercise every day, and do what you can to help others during this period."

Ireland have away games against Germany and Ukraine still to play along with a home game against group leaders Germany in qualification for EURO 2022.

The nine group winners and the three best runners-up (not counting results against the sixth-placed team) qualify directly for the final tournament, while the remaining six runners-up advance to the play-offs.

Ballymackey FC Chairman George Haverty is still taking stock of a monumental period in Irish history that has seen the country virtually shut down.

The Tipperary club were named FAI Club of the Year in 2018, and like their counterparts nationwide, their grounds have closed until further notice.

“It was a shock initially”, Haverty told FAI.ie, about the Covid-19 pandemic. “In the countryside, you can get used to it quicker. In rural areas, you’re not on top of each other like you would be in towns and cities.”

While many clubs found it difficult to close up a community amenity, Ballymackey were in an even tougher position.

“Our biggest issue was that we have building works taking place in the ground. When the builders had to pull out, it really hit home, that things were coming to a complete stop”, Haverty lamented.

“We had the floodlights on every night, for people to go for walks on our track. We had to stop that, and turn off the lights, and close the place up. We’d be open most evenings from 6 to 10. Closing the gates was a big reality check. The track was a safe environment away from the roads.”

Ballymackey serves a large area in north Tipperary, and is just a goal kick from the M7. Serving numerous parishes, the club shares coaches with other clubs in the area.

“We’ve been very active for the last couple of years. A lot of the coaches would be involved in GAA and rugby too. Some of them are taking the current situation as a break, and a chance to re-energise”, Haverty added. 

“We came to the conclusion not to push the kids during this period. They have a lot on their plates. If they need help, we are here for them. A lot of our kids are in rural areas. There is plenty for them to do on farms. The schools are keeping them busy too.”

Like other clubs in the area, income is down for the club. Regular forms of incomes have also been hit, Haverty revealed.

“We just haven’t asked for any sponsorship lately. We have a Patron’s Draw that we do annually. Every February and March we sell tickets to those in the community, but have had to put that on hold. We have no income streams at the moment.” 

Clubs around Ireland thrive with creative fundraising efforts. One venture by Ballymackey that would take 18-months to come to fruition has had to be put on ice.

“We had a novel idea to help with the fundraising of the building too. We had gone to dairy farmers in the locality. We had over 30 farmers that agreed to give us a calf each”. Haverty admitted. 

“They would rear the calf for us, with the idea the beef farmers would take the calves next year and rear them for another year. We would then take them to the mart and sell them, putting all the funds into the building. Even that has stopped now. You cant be going in and out of farmer’s yards at the moment.”

While the focus is on safety at the moment, the club are still hopeful to get back on the pitches of Tipperary in the coming months.

“We have to take guidance from the HSE”, Haverty stated. “We’re mad to get back training. Our seasons were coming to an end for the underage teams. They would have been contesting semi-finals, finals and play-offs. Hopefully they can conclude in the next three or four months.

“In six months time, if we could have our builders back in building, and get back training we’d be happy enough, with competitive football hopefully by the end of the year. The paramount issue is that everyone is safe. When we open the building to the community, the people who supported us are there in a happy and safe environment.”

The opening of that Community Building will be hopefully worth the wait.

Name: Colin O’Brien

Role: Republic of Ireland Under-17 Head Coach

Began current role: 2016

Coaching history
FAI Development Officer
Emerging Talent Programme Coach
Republic of Ireland U15s Assistant Coach
Republic of Ireland U15s Head Coach
Republic of Ireland U17s Coach

What is the one key attribute you need as a coach?
You have to be passionate about what you do. You have to want to do the job you do. If you bring pride into everything you can do in the role it rubs off on the people around you, including the staff and players.

What is your favourite thing about the job?
It would be working with the players on the pitch. You’re out there putting your plan in place regarding what you’re looking to be executed on match day. You’re involving the players and with that comes the enthusiasm between the players and coaches. Then it all builds to the day of the game which is always an exciting time.

Any pre-match rituals?
I wouldn’t have a ritual but I would always try to be consistent with the players on match day. I would be consistent with the pre-match meeting, pre-match meals and the roles of the staff and have a common thread throughout the day.

What one message would you give to a player to keep with them throughout their career? 
Be prepared and take individual responsibility. There’s so much done for players now - which has its benefits – but it’s important players stay ready. Whether it’s a chance to get into the team, a chance to progress or get a new contract they have to be ready for that next challenge.

Which coach/manager – from any sport – have you taken your greatest inspiration from?
I would say Noel O’Reilly, particularly in my early years in the FAI. Noel was someone I could connect with. It didn’t matter what level you were coaching at he had a very good way of working with people. I had a very good opportunity to work with him on certain programmes for a number of years and I learned a lot. He was a great inspiration for me.

Favourite match you coached and why?
Coaching in the European Under-17s Championship Finals has been a brilliant experience but some of the matches in the Elite Phase to get to the finals have been just a joy.
I would say the 1-0 win over Slovakia in 2017 and the 2-0 win against Georgia in 2018 to qualify for the finals provided an amazing sense of achievement among the players and staff. It’s something no-one can take away from you.

What team or match from any era do you wish you could have coached?
It would be the 1986 World Cup Final between Argentina and West Germany. It was the first World Cup I have a good memory of and of course you had Diego Maradona on the world stage. It was a time you didn’t see much football on television then you have this wizard in Maradona doing amazing things. 

I just loved everything about the game, Argentina were two up then West Germany pull it back to 2-2 then it’s a late winner for Argentina from Jorge Burruchaga. So much from that game and that tournament left an impression on me.

The working paper has been drafted following a video conference between all three parties on Tuesday when the PFAI submitted a high-level paper prepared by their world governing body FIFPRO on protocols around player safety.

Those recommendations have now been incorporated into the FAI’s working document - entitled ‘Return To Football – Behind Closed Doors’ - around best practice for the staging of matches when senior Irish football gets the green light to resume action from the Health Service Executive (HSE).

This document incorporates all elements around the safe staging of games behind closed doors to ensure the health and safety of players, match officials and club employees and volunteers. All clubs have been asked to assess the document and return their views to the working group.

NLEC chairperson Noel Byrne said: “This working document is the next step in assessing what is best for Irish football if the HSE and the Government give the green light for a return to action, but behind closed doors. The document is the produce of very fruitful, positive and considered talks between the NLEC, the FAI and the PFAI.

“It is vital that we examine what is needed in the event of games going on in closed stadiums, from a health and safety perspective for all stakeholders and from a financial aspect as far as the clubs are concerned. This document, produced by all stakeholders working together, presents options to the clubs and we look forward to their views when they have had a chance to study the document.”

PFAI General Secretary Stephen McGuinness said: “We welcome the opportunity to be part of this very important debate in these difficult times for Irish football. Our players are keen to support the efforts of the FAI and the NLEC to examine a return to football in a manner that is safe for all involved be they players, match officials or club staff.

“The FIFPRO document is a high-level recommendation and the FAI have put together the fine details of what playing behind closed doors looks like for all concerned. This is very much a work in progress with all stakeholders working together towards the best solution possible for our game in the event of a closed doors recommendation from the HSE and Government.”

The FAI and the NLEC remain committed to looking at alternative income streams for SSE Airtricity League clubs in the event of a return to National League football behind closed doors, with live streaming opportunities under discussion.

Interim Deputy CEO of the FAI, Niall Quinn said: “The working document presented to the clubs today offers a real platform for debate about a return to football when we get the go-ahead from Government and health officials. They will of course have the final say on when we return and under what circumstances, but it is imperative on us as a working group to present the best options available to our clubs.

“This document offers the clubs an insight into best practice for staging games behind closed doors. The Association also remains committed to exploring the best financial proposition available to our clubs and players at this time.

"Analysis of the financial impact of playing behind doors is well underway with our clubs and we are examining potential revenue streams from live streaming and other sources. This is a united effort and we look forward to further engagement with the NLEC, the PFAI, the referees and the clubs themselves.”

The Preston North End, Manchester City, Brighton, Liverpool, QPR and Osasuna forward scored four goals in his 24 appearances for Ireland under Eoin Hand and Jack Charlton.

Both Niall and Mick first played with Michael Robinson in the early days of their international careers. Both remember a livewire centre-forward who was as well-groomed off the pitch as he was committed on it.

“Michael was an absolute gentleman and a gangbuster striker who loved playing for Ireland, that was apparent the first time I met him in my first Ireland camp,” Niall told FAI.ie.

“My initial introduction to Michael Robinson was as an Ireland fan, standing on the terraces at the old Lansdowne Road and watching him bust a gut for Eoin Hand and that great team that nearly made the World Cup finals in 1982.

“Michael was brilliant in those days. He wasn’t maybe as silken-skilled as Don Givens had been before him in that centre-forward role but he was energetic and so selfless in how he played in the green shirt.

“I’d say he was a gangbuster striker who left everything out on the pitch and all the fans really loved that about him in those great games against the likes of France, Spain and the USSR when he really made a difference.

“I was lucky enough then to room with Michael when Big Jack called me up for that Icelandic triangular tournament in 1986. From the moment I met him as a player, Michael couldn’t do enough for me.

“He was a class act back then, well dressed, smartly presented and with the coolest watch I’d ever seen. He knew about life as well as football and I’ll always remember him sipping decanted wine in Iceland when the rest of us were downing pints after winning that tournament.

“Michael went on not just to play in Spain but to master the language and become one of the country’s most successful broadcasters ever which shows you the measure of the man.

“This news today that he has lost his battle with cancer is dreadful and the thoughts of all his former colleagues and the Association go out to Michael’s family. May he rest in peace.”

Like Niall Quinn, Mick McCarthy had the pleasure of playing alongside Michael Robinson at the start of his own international career under Eoin Hand in 1984.

Mick told FAI.ie: “One of my earliest memories of Michael is sitting on the bench at Lansdowne Road in 1984 and watching him tear down the right wing before setting up that great goal for Mickey Walsh against the USSR at the start of the 1986 World Cup qualifiers.

“It was a great finish by Mickey but the powerful run and determination of Michael made that goal. That run said as much about Michael as a player as anything else he did. I was lucky to play alongside him for a couple of years after that and he was a great player for Eoin and for Ireland.

“Michael only played twice for Jack but he was with us in Iceland for the real start of the Jack era and that was fitting. Not long after that tournament he left English football for Spain and Osasuna and that was a big deal as well in those days.

“Very few players would have taken a chance like that but Michael did and not along did he adapt so well to Spanish life, he became a huge broadcaster and a very successful businessman. I was full of admiration for the manner in which he did that and will always remember him as a great footballer and a real pleasure to know away from the game as well.

“Michael’s death comes after a brave fight against skin cancer and he has been taken too young. Our thoughts are with his family now and with those supporters who enjoyed everything he did for Ireland and for the clubs he served so well.”

With the launch of a new video series, entitled #StayAtHomeWith, Ireland supporters get to discover more about different players and how they are keeping themselves busy during this period.

So far, we've learned of Men's Senior Team midfielder Conor Hourihane getting two rabbits to keep his young daughter entertained, Women's Senior Team forward Clare Shine picking up new pen pals, and Under-19 international Andrew Omobamidele having Zoom calls with a Sports Scientist.

Similar to the recent #ShirtSessions series, these videos are light-hearted engagement with international players to reveal the personalities behind those who pull on the green jersey.

A new #StayAtHomeWith video will be released every day for the next week on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram TV.

Watch every episode so far...
Episode 1: Conor Hourihane
Episode 2: Andrew Omobamidele
Episode 3: Clare Shine

A hugely successful broadcaster in Spain since the end of his playing days, Michael Robinson died on Tuesday at the age of 61 after a long battle with skin cancer.

Tributes to the 24-time capped former Preston, Manchester City, Brighton, Liverpool, QPR and Osasuna player have poured in from across the football world with FIFA President Infantino sending his own message of support via the FAI.

In his letter to President McAnaney, Gianni Infantino wrote: “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player, Michael Robinson. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Irish football.

“Whole-hearted player, well known and respected figure in the Spanish football media, a person who loved football and who knew how to explain it with knowledge and passion, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his popularity, his charism and his human qualities, will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. 

“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to The Football Association of Ireland, and to Michael’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.”

Welcoming the show of solidarity from FIFA, FAI President Gerry McAnaney commented: “On behalf of the Association, I wish to thank President Infantino for his kind and thoughtful words upon the sad passing of our former international Michael Robinson. I will forward this lovely tribute from Gianni Infantino to the Robinson family at the earliest opportunity.

“It is clear from all the tributes paid to Michael since his untimely death that he was one of the game’s true gentleman as well as being a very fine footballer. I would like to add my own sympathies to those of the FAI to the Robinson family. May he rest in peace.”

The group is engaging with representatives from the FAI Board, all adult amateur football, all underage football, FAI National and Provincial Affiliates and Grassroots staff. 

The group is establishing the necessary requirements to produce a roadmap for the resumption of football once lockdown restrictions are eased. The FAI is encouraging all Leagues to consult with their own clubs on this matter at the earliest opportunity.

The roadmap for a return to football will include guidelines for those Leagues offering winter football in the traditional manner as well as Leagues now operating a summer season, as per the FAI Rule Book.  All football under the auspices of the FAI is suspended until May 5th at the earliest as per the Government guidelines.

Whilst awaiting updates from the HSE and Government which will establish a timeline for a return, the group is keen to produce a policy document which will have as little negative impact as possible on competitions nationwide, including national cup competitions.

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn said: “It is imperative that we begin to examine all potential returns for our game and examine all criteria around a return. We must be prudent and prepare for all eventualities.

“All our Leagues and clubs need to plan for a comeback date now to ensure we are all prepared to hit the ground running when football gets the green light to resume.

“We hope that date will be sooner rather than later but we owe it to our clubs, players and volunteers to prepare for all eventualities around shortened seasons and even cancelled seasons if it comes to that. The Association will consider all viewpoints then draw up a guidance document around League and Cup fixtures, player registration and transfer windows and potential ends to seasons already underway.”

FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: “The Football Association of Ireland remains committed to following all guidelines issued by the HSE, the Department of Health and Government in relation to any resumption for football at all levels across the country.

“The cessation of all football under the jurisdiction of the FAI, including training, remains in place until May 5th at the earliest. We thank all our stakeholders for observing this ban and urge them to obey all HSE guidelines and stay at home.”

Name: James Scott
Role: Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-17 Head Coach
Began current role: 2019

Coaching history
Hibernia Cup Team Coach
National Academy U14 Head Coach
Republic of Ireland U16 Assistant Coach
Republic of Ireland ‘Futures’ team Head Coach

What is the one key attribute you need as a coach?
People skills. You need to know how to deal with people and how to deal with players and getting them on your side. It’s about being the coach you would have loved to have had when you were a young player.

When you’re dealing with parents and you’re dealing with schools and clubs your people skills are so important. You can have all the knowledge you want but if you can’t make the connection then it’s not going to work. 

What is your favourite thing about the job?
Seeing people develop as players and as people. You may see their understanding of the game develop but also when you see them pick up good habits off the pitch such as their manners, behaviour, courtesy and respect – it’s massive. It’s not something that will stay with them just for the under-17s year it’s about preparing something that will stay with them for life.

Any pre-match rituals?
One thing we do is that the Assistant Coach Irene Hehir will always have the last word before we go out on the pitch. She’s excellent at motivational talks and it always goes down well with the players. For myself, when the national anthem is being played I always close my eyes for the last few seconds and just think about how thankful I am to be in the position I am in.

What one message would you give to a player to keep with them throughout their career? 

Work hard and stay humble. It’s a really good saying and if you look at the top players they will always go back to hard work when things aren’t going their way. When you go into the professional game you have a lot of good things coming your way so it’s important to stay humble too.

Which coach/manager – from any sport – have you taken your greatest inspiration from?
ETP National Co-Ordinator Niall Harrison. He’s been a massive figure for me from the start. He’s been very good to me - even before I was with the FAI - he’s given me great advice and given me different roles.  Obvious there’s Pep Guardiola, Marcelo Bielsa and John Wooden in basketball but Niall is someone I always refer back to.

Favourite match you coached and why?
It wasn’t such I was head coach but I was involved in the coaching staff when we won an All-Ireland in 2011 with North Tipperary.

We were seen as one of the weakest leagues in the country but we played Waterford and beat them 2-1.

It was played at my local club Two-Mile-Borris St Kevin’s so that made it extra special as there was family and friends there to see it. It was unbelievable for such a small league to win an All-Ireland.

What team or match from any era do you wish you could have coached?
It would have to be Guardiola’s Barcelona’s team and in particular the Champions League Final in 2011 against Manchester United. 

I’m a United fan and I was at the game but even I could recognise just how good that side was. It was unbelievable to witness and you went away thinking ‘wow’. It was Messi, Xavi and Iniesta all at their peak.

From an Ireland perspective I would have loved to have been involved in Noel King’s Women’s Under-17 run to the European Championships Final - It would be amazing to take a team of mine to a major tournament. 

Among the sectors seeing changes from the norm is education. IT Carlow runs the only FAI affiliated degree courses in Ireland.
 
Both a BA in Sports Coaching & Business Management (Soccer) and a BA in Sports Management and Coaching are available to study in the IT.
 
Speaking to FAI.ie, Programme Leader Luke Hardy (pictured above) spoke about on-campus education ending in mid-March.
 
“It’s been a big adjustment for everyone, but everybody has adapted well so far… It’s an important time of year for students, particularly the final year students.”
 
With much of both Bachelor of Arts courses taking place outside of the traditional classroom, Hardy said that the lecturers and tutors had to get creative in how classes were taught.
 
“We had a couple of weeks planning to come back after Easter, before restrictions continued. My colleague Tom Elmes sent the students player development sessions that they could do in their own time.
 
“We were also planning for the final coaching practices for the second and third year students. They are completing their FAI C and UEFA B Licences… The guys would have presented their sessions to us by video.”
 
IT Carlow also runs GAA and rugby related courses, and Hardy has been in regular contact with his colleagues in the Department.
 
“We all find ourselves in the same boat. There is a lot of exchanging of ideas, and work going on in the background to make sure students are tested to the proper levels.”
 
Hardy and Elmes conduct on-field assessments each Easter for potential first years for the following academic year. That plan had to change last month.
 
“We were still able to proceed with the interviews, we managed to do them online. We completed over 80 of them. The hope is we will be able to do a practical assessment, and will have more applicants after the May 1st deadline.”
 
It’s almost two months now since educational buildings were closed, and Hardy said the focus is still on the wellbeing of the students.
 
“It’s been very challenging. The priority is to support the students. It’s a stressful situation. Different students will be in different situations. Some may have technological issues. The message we are now giving the students is that if they have issues, we’re here to help them.”
 
For more information of the IT Carlow-FAI Courses, click here.

Following a lot of positive enquries and questions sent through by coaches at Grassroots level, there was no shortage of interesting topics to tackle.

FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan, as well as Ross Kenny and Rob Sweeney from the Coach Education Department, answer those questions and provide terrific insight in this informative webinar.

The Association will now examine what this lockdown extension and the guidelines published in the Government’s ‘Roadmap For Reopening Society and Business’ mean for all stakeholders at all levels of the game. The FAI will move to evaluate the implications and update stakeholders from all strands of football as soon as feasible. 

The decision to extend the cessation order for all football until May 18thhas been taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the best interests of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and staff. 

FAI Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne has again advised the FAI that in the current exceptional circumstances, clubs should not engage in collective training during the cessation period for all football activity under the FAI’s jurisdiction.

The FAI is in constant communication with the Department of Health and UEFA on COVID-19 and will continue to follow all government guidelines.The Association advises all members, volunteers and stakeholders to respect the HSE guidelines on social distancing during this pandemic. 

The Association also appeals to everyone involved with Irish football to stay at home over the May Bank Holiday weekend.