With captains from the nine clubs represented at a photocall, the Irish charity which caters for children with serious illness will be officially endorsed by the League for the upcoming campaign.

WNL Committee Chairperson Myles Kelly welcomed the partnership by saying: "The Women’s National League are delighted to team up with Barretstown as our National League Charity Partner for the 2020 season.

"This is the first charity partner for the Women’s National League. We recognise the work that Barretstown is doing for young people who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses. Barretstown is a non-profit charitable organisation providing their services free of charge to all of the children who attend their camps.  

"The Women’s National League hopes that our connection with Barretstown will help raise the profile of the great work being done by Barretstown in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare."

Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn said: "We are thrilled that the FAI’s Women’s National League has selected Barretstown as their charity of choice for the upcoming season.

"The COVID-19 crisis means that children with a serious illness, like those who come to Barretstown, who are immune-compromised, are currently even more isolated. That also means they need our therapeutic programmes now more than ever. We rely almost entirely on donations and the fundraising efforts of individuals, community groups and partnerships like this to ensure that we can continue to provide our programmes to children living with a serious illness.

"We are looking forward to working with the League over the coming months to help us reach new supporters and ultimately to Press Play on the lives of children living with a serious illness and their families."

DONATE TO BARRETSTOWN | MAKE A DIFFERENCE

About Barretstown
Barretstown offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness – supported behind the scenes by 24 hour on site medical and nursing care.

All of the children and families come to Barretstown free of charge. Everything, including accommodation, food and medical assistance are provided at no cost to the family.

Barretstown is supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals and community groups.

Barretstown is recognised as a centre of excellence in childhood cancer care and other serious illnesses. Children are referred to Barretstown based on their medical needs.

Since first opening their gates in 1994, Barretstown have catered for over 60,000 campers.

FAI Communications Manager Gareth Maher catches up with the School Teacher to discuss his role with the Ireland U-18 team, why he wanted to complete the UEFA Pro Licence, and what is important when coaching school kids.

O'Connell, who has carved out a successful playing career, is making rapid progress as a coach and she feels that completing the Female-Only UEFA B Licence course boosted her confidence.

In this chat with FAI Communications Manager Gareth Maher, she talks about working with Dunbar Celtic and her ambitions as a coach.

Clubs are authorised to make a full return to playing friendly games from July 11th and competitive matches from July 18th.

The FAI has also issued a second edition of the Safer Return to Training Protocol that will apply to all clubs under its jurisdiction from June 29th. Clubs and teams in the SSE Airtricity League and Women’s National League clubs will receive a separate Protocol. Match Officials are included in the Safer Return to Play Protocol and, in addition, will receive their own Protocol guidelines. 

The FAI’s Steering Group, in consultation with Medical Director Dr. Alan Byrne, has published these Protocols below.

The Safer Return to Play Protocol is based on the latest Government guidelines and advice from the Department of Health and HSE as lockdown measures around COVID-19 ease. The FAI remains committed to the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and any return dates announced today are subject to change, as per Government guidelines.

The decision to move from cessation to a return to competitive football from July 18th applies to Adult Amateur and Underage football under the jurisdiction of the FAI and will apply to all players, coaches, match officials, club officials, volunteers, parents and guardians.

Under the new Safer Return to Play Protocol, the FAI has approved the following measures:

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to full contact training, including training games between teams from the same club, from June 29th

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to playing friendly games from July 11th

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to playing competitive matches from July 18th

• All Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Winter season, who have had applications to extend their 2019-2020 season approved, can resume League fixtures from July 18th and must have all competitions completed by September 14th

• All other Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Winter Season can commence their 2020/21 season from July 18th  

• All Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Summer Season can resume/commence from July 18th and must have all competitions completed by November 30th

WATCHLOI is the league's first-ever streaming service which will deliver SSE Airtricity League Premier Division football to all supporters in Ireland and around the world.
 
The Football Association of Ireland and RTE Sport, in collaboration with GAAGO, have partnered to deliver a world class streaming platform which will guarantee supporters can watch the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld wherever they are on watchloi.ie.

Each Premier Division fixture, as well as selected Extra.ie FAI Cup matches, will be live streamed with RTE Sport's cameras and commentary team set to create a fantastic production for supporters to enjoy.
 
Season passes went on sale this morning on the watchloi.ie platform at just €55 for supporters in Ireland and €69 for the rest of the world. It will be the perfect way for supporters to support their club with revenue created set to go to each club and with over 55+ matches set to be on the platform, it is also great value.
 
The SSE Airtricity League is set to restart on Friday, July 31 with Derry City v Sligo Rovers to be the first match streamed on the platform, kick-off at 5.45pm.
 
"We're absolutely delighted to launch our new streaming service, WATCHLOI," said FAI Commercial & Marketing Director Mark Russell.
 
"Working with RTE Sport and GAAGO will guarantee that we will have a best-in-class product which SSE Airtricity League supporters will be able to enjoy around the world.
 
"Especially with COVID-19 restrictions, this is the ideal time to launch this service but with the revenue it will generate for the clubs, this is also a major moment for the league and a fantastic opportunity to promote and enhance the domestic game in Ireland."
 
Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ said: "In these uncertain times, when dedicated fans are unable to attend games in large numbers, we are delighted to bring the games directly to them via WatchLOI.  
 
"This is a chance for the whole of the Irish footballing family to get behind the SSE Airtricity League and lend their support in every way to the clubs as the heartbeat of the association."

Pat and the Charlton family have been inundated with flowers, letters and cards since the 1966 World Cup winner - and driving force behind Ireland’s arrival on the world football stage - passed away at the age of 85 on July 10th.

As the FAI confirmed over 20,000 signatures on their virtual Book of Condolences for the Charlton family, Pat spoke to FAI.ie to offer her thanks to Jack’s Army.

“I am so grateful to everyone in Ireland who has taken time out to send us their condolences, it means so much to me and to the family to know that Jack meant so much to everyone in Ireland and I would like to share this message with the Irish people.

“Jack loved his time with the Irish team and it is clear from all the cards, letters and flowers that have arrived at our house just how much the people of Ireland loved him as well.

“I cannot tell you how much that means to me and to John, Deborah and Peter and all the family as we try to come to terms with Jack’s passing. Every day we have received more messages, more cards and more flowers from Ireland, from England and all across the world.

“It has given me great comfort to see all those letters arrive from Ireland and to see the reaction to his death right across the country. To know he was so loved in Ireland means such a lot to us all, it really does.”

Eldest son John, who shared so many great nights with his dad as part of the Irish team’s backroom team, has also thanked the Green Army for their support in this difficult time.

“We are still coming to terms with my dad’s passing but all the support we have received, here in England and from Ireland, has made such a difference for the family,” said John.

“I know thousands of people would have travelled from Ireland to say goodbye to my dad at the funeral but for COVID-19 and I know they marked the day right across Ireland which we are so grateful for.

“The organisers of the event in Ashington on the morning of the funeral have told us there were 15,000 people out on the streets to say their goodbyes. I can only imagine what the funeral would have been like if it wasn’t subject to those COVID restrictions.

“We saw the Irish tricolours in Ashington and I know from reading the letters and the cards we have received from Ireland, that many fans would have travelled over for the funeral if they could have.

“I want to thank them all on behalf of the family. Some of those who have written to us had met my dad over the years, others are just fans who wanted to say thank you and to sympathise with us all. It means so much to us.

“We will get over to Ireland when the time is right and with the help of the FAI, we will have an Irish send-off for my dad. We all look forward to that but in the meantime, we want to thank you all for everything over the last fortnight. Your support has been really special for us all.”

Pictured Above: Pat Charlton with grandchildren John (aged 12), Niamh (aged 10) and Róisín (aged 7) with cards and flowers sent in memory of her husband Jack.

Ruud talks about the success of the Player Development Plan, the importance of the Emerging Talent Programme and Girls Centre of Excellence, The growth of the Elite Player Pathway, and his hopes for Republic of Ireland International teams.

With the domestic season resuming on Friday, July 31, supporters can watch every game live via this new streaming service.

And it is something that current Ireland players Matt Doherty, Enda Stevens, Kevin Long, Alan Browne, Ronan Curtis and Sean Maguire have backed, along with former internationals Paul McGrath and David Meyler. Each of them started their respective careers in the League and have maintained a connection to it.

Delivered by the Football Association of Ireland and RTE Sport, in collaboration with GAAGO, this world class streaming platform will guarantee supporters can watch the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld wherever they are on watchloi.ie.

Each Premier Division fixture, as well as selected Extra.ie FAI Cup matches, will be live streamed with RTE Sport's cameras and commentary team set to create a fantastic production for supporters to enjoy.
 
Season passes went on sale this morning on the watchloi.ie platform at just €55 for supporters in Ireland and €69 for the rest of the world. It will be the perfect way for supporters to support their club with revenue created set to go to each club and with over 55+ matches set to be on the platform, it is also great value.
 
The SSE Airtricity League is set to restart on Friday, July 31 with Derry City v Sligo Rovers to be the first match streamed on the platform, kick-off at 5.45pm.
 
"We're absolutely delighted to launch our new streaming service, WATCHLOI," said FAI Commercial & Marketing Director Mark Russell.
 
"Working with RTE Sport and GAAGO will guarantee that we will have a best-in-class product which SSE Airtricity League supporters will be able to enjoy around the world.
 
"Especially with COVID-19 restrictions, this is the ideal time to launch this service but with the revenue it will generate for the clubs, this is also a major moment for the league and a fantastic opportunity to promote and enhance the domestic game in Ireland."
 
Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ said: "In these uncertain times, when dedicated fans are unable to attend games in large numbers, we are delighted to bring the games directly to them via WatchLOI.  
 
"This is a chance for the whole of the Irish footballing family to get behind the SSE Airtricity League and lend their support in every way to the clubs as the heartbeat of the association."

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Awards ceremony was originally postponed from earlier this year and will not take place due to social distancing protocols remaining in place.

This is the 30th year of the Awards and celebrates the performances of players in the previous international season.

The 'Hall of Fame' and 'Special Merit' recipients will be announced next week along with the winners of each category.

2019 'Three' FAI International Awards

Senior Men's International Player of the Year
David McGoldrick
Enda Stevens
Glenn Whelan

Senior Women's International Player of the Year
Katie McCabe
Denise O’Sullivan
Louise Quinn

Young International Player of the Year
Alan Browne
Josh Cullen
Callum Robinson

'Three' International Goal of the Year
Conor Hourihane v Georgia
Lee O’Connor v Sweden
Troy Parrott v Sweden

Under-21 International Player of the Year  
Aaron Connolly
Lee O’Connor
Dara O’Shea

Under-19 Men's International Player of the Year
Jonathan Afolabi
Will Ferry
Lee O’Connor

Under-19 Women's International Player of the Year
Sadhbh Doyle
Megan Mackey
Roisin McGovern

Under-18 Men's International Player of the Year
Adam Idah
Jason Knight
Oisin McEntee

Under-17 Men's International Player of the Year
James Furlong
Joe Hodge
Andrew Omobamidele

Under-17 Women's International Player of the Year
Shauna Brennan
Eabha O’Mahony
Jessica Ziu

Under-16 Men's International Player of the Year
Colin Conroy
Ben McCormack
Gavin O'Brien

Under-16 Women's International Player of the Year
Kerryanne Browne
Della Doherty
Aoife Horgan

Under-15 Men's International Player of the Year
Evan Ferguson
Glory Nzingo
John Ryan

Under-15 Women's Schools International Player of the Year
Aoife Cronin (Scoil Pól, Kilfinane)
Ellen Molloy (Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny)
Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown Community School)

SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year
Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers)
Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
Chris Shields (Dundalk)

Intermediate Player of the Year
Alan McGreal (Crumlin United)
Dave O’Leary (Avondale United)
Conor Tourish (Letterkenny Rovers)

Junior International Player of the Year
Jordan Buckley (Usher Celtic)
Sean Guerins (St Michaels)
Kieran McDaid (Buncrana Hearts)

Colleges & Universities International Player of the Year
Dean Kelly (IT Carlow)
Maurice Nugent (NUI Galway)
Rob Slevin (University College Cork)

Schools International Player of the Year
Brandon Bermingham (St Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda)
Josh Honohan (St Francis College, Rochestown)
Niall O’Keefe (De La Salle College, Wateford)

Football For All International Player of the Year
Laurence Bryan (Street League)
Thomas Donogher (Powerchair)
Dillon Sheridan (Cerebral Palsy)

With just one game scheduled for the Preliminary Rounds, the victors will advance to the Quarter-Finals where 2017 Cup winners Cork City will be waiting.

Current holders Wexford Youths face a trip to Galway WFC, 2016 winners Shelbourne will meet last year's runners-up Peamount United in a Dublin derby, while Treaty United will go up against DLR Waves.

2020 FAI Women's Senior Cup

Preliminary Round
Athlone Town v Bohemians
*Tie to be played on week ending Sunday, August 30

Quarter-Finals
Athlone Town or Bohemians v Cork City
Galway WFC v Wexford Youths
Peamount United v Shelbourne
Treaty United v DLR Waves
*Ties to be played on week ending Sunday, October 4

At a photocall, which also included FAI Coach Educator Tom O'Connor and Greystones Women's Under-17 National League coach Vicki O'Toole, the focus was on the future of coaching.

The benefits of the new structure were discussed ahead of it being officially launched via a Coach Education Webinar on Saturday, August 1st.

Building on the success of the 2017-2020 Pathway, the FAI Coach Education & High Performance Departments visited several countries, elicited feedback from hundreds of coaches, and worked closely with UEFA to shape a new Pathway that would be more inclusive and beneficial to all coaches.

The unveiling of this Pathway follows on the back of a popular weekly Webinar seriesthat has so far engaged with over 350,000 people, a regular digital newsletter and unprecedented growth of the FAI Coach Education social media channels.

Now, with courses having resumed following the COVID-19 lockdown period, the new Pathway provides coaches - at all levels - a clear direction in how to reach the next level of their coaching careers.

2021-2025 Coach Education Pathway Key Points

• Implementation of the changes to the UEFA Coaching Convention, including a formal Coach Educator Qualification, Specialist licences at Elite Youth and Goalkeeping, and introduction of the UEFA C Licence
• An annual calendar of coaching conferences, including Football Fitness, Female Game, Goalkeeping, Pro Licence & Staff, National Coaching Conference and Futsal
• A Modular/CPD process brought in for Football Fitness and Performance Analysis, ensuring a competence level in each area prior to entering formal courses
• Introduction of the UEFA Grassroots Leaders Certificate as an Elite Coach qualification, which allows Grassroots coaches to obtain a UEFA qualification that will be cost relevant to the level they are working in
• New optional workshops, such as Jigsaw ‘One Good Coach’ which is a free online workshop and Referee Intro which will help coaches to better understand the rules of the game

FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan said: "Over the past 24 months we have been working hard on reviewing our 2017-2020 Coaching Pathway. It was great to see the previous Pathway evolve with multiple amendments. Now, we are using the 2021-2025 Pathway to build on that success.
 
"The 2021-2025 Pathway is focused on implementing the 2020 UEFA Coaching Convention over a three-year period, with age-specific courses in Elite Youth and Goalkeeping. There is also the introduction of the UEFA C Licence as the entry point within the Professional Pathway and a formal Coach Educator qualification.

"In addition to this, we are very excited about the changes to our CPD requirements from an hour to a credit system and a new online e-learning platform to come by year's end. So we are very much looking forward to shaping a brighter future for Coach Education."

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said: "After a lot of hard work, research and taking on-board feedback from coaches all around the country, I am delighted to see the 2021-2025 FAI Coach Education Pathway launched.

"For Irish football to continually move forward, we need to educate more coaches and improve their learning so that we can enable them to develop better players at all levels of the game. We have already seen some fantastic results in this area but there is a lot more to come and that is why this Coaching Pathway is essential.

"We must always aim to evolve, excel and inspire. This is the High Performance approach that we are working from in order to raise the standards in further developing Irish football and this Coaching Pathway very much reflects that.

"Congratulations to Niall O'Regan and his staff for rolling this out and I look forward to seeing coaches progress in their careers as they follow the Pathway."

With football around the world halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first signs of the international game getting back to a routine are beginning to show with Ireland Under-15s Head Coach Jason Donohue holding a training camp last Saturday for 32 players hoping to earn their first Ireland caps.

Jason Donohue said: “It was great to be back. We had the top 32 players in from the national academies which we identified through our player identification report.
 
“The performances were fantastic and now me and the recruitment staff are going to cover as many games as possible to give every player out there the opportunity to impress us to be in the first squad for the season. 
 
“We have a full football calendar planned and we are just waiting to see how much can be completed in light of the COVID restrictions.”

Under-16s and Under-17s Head Coaches Paul Osam and Colin O’Brien will run the rule of their respective age groups this week. Osam’s 2005-born selection will be put through their paces at Abbotstown while O’Brien will assess a group of 18 at Johnstown House.
 
Paul Osam said: “I’ve missed it and it will be great to get out there again. Of course, it will be different and somewhat surreal to what we know but it’s good to be back.
 
“I missed half a season with my 2004 team and also the 2005s didn’t finish the second half of their season either. I’ve worked closely with Jason (Donohue) on the players he had last year and we’ll bring them in and focus on their development so come the end of 2020/21 we have a good group of players ready for competitive tournament football with Colin O’Brien.”

Colin O’Brien said his players are feeling fresh ahead of a new international season: “We’re delighted to get the green light to do preparation with home-based players.
 
“We’re like every country where a lot of our players haven’t had an international game since January and, in some cases, haven’t had a club game since last October. The clubs here in Ireland have been excellent in the last few months, we’ve be able to see teams train, play and discuss with players how they’ve been working.
 
“There’s a real freshness among the players and positive signs about their physical progression. Now it’s all about preparation for our European qualification round in October.”
 
For Under-19s Head Coach Tom Mohan a chance to get back out on grass couldn’t come soon enough. The cessation of football has meant he has had to wait since last November to take to the touchline.
 
Later this week he will hold a training camp at Abbotstown for more than 60 players.
 
Tom Mohan said: “We’re going to try and see as many players as we can as we’ve lost a lot of months due to the lockdown. I’ll be looking at four squads of 16 home-based players and it’s an opportunity for them to impress and make a claim for a squad selection.
 
“Myself and the staff have been able to watch a few friendlies and training sessions. The players look in great shape which is testament to themselves and their clubs.
 
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get a couple of friendlies confirmed for September and October ahead of the qualifiers in Ireland in November. That’s our plan, but with the current circumstances we know we must be flexible.”
 
Last week saw a return to action for Dave Connell’s Women’s Under-19 team. A home-based selection took on Peamount United as part of their preparation for the 2020/21 season
 
In Waterford, James Scott is preparing his Women’s Under-17 team this week for Elite Round qualification for the European Championships. The 2003 group were set to take on Denmark, Serbia and Austria in March but the fixtures were postponed due to the pandemic.  It is now hoped that the final stage of qualifications can be held in September.
 
James Scott said: “In the circumstances, sport is an outlet for everyone and puts a smile on people’s faces. I’ve really enjoyed working with this group and it would have been cruel for our time to end together in March. 
 
“But we’re back in this week preparing for the Elite Round which is really exciting. We’re in an unusual qualifying group where every team in it all feel they could top it.
 
“I’m buzzing for it, we’ll be playing in the RSC and I always feel that playing at home gives you that extra advantage.”

Waterford native Lee O’Connor follows on from last year’s triumph in the Under-19 Men’s category by winning the Under-21 Player of the Year award, in a year that also saw him line out for the Ireland Men’s Senior and Under-19 teams.
 
Dubliner Jonathan Afolabi is named as the Under-19 Men’s winner after starring for Tom Mohan’s side in last year’s UEFA U19 European Championships in Armenia, where he made UEFA’s Team of the Tournament.
 
Midfielder Joe Hodge is recognised for excelling at the UEFA U17 European Championships, which were hosted in Ireland last summer, by winning the Under-17 Men’s award.
 
Galway native Sadhbh Doyle is named as the Under-19 Women’s Player of the Year and Cork’s Eabha O’Mahony picks up the Under-17 Women’s award after producing stellar performances at their respective age levels.
 
Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne claims the SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year following a stand-out season where he claimed Extra.ie FAI Cup glory and earned his first Republic of Ireland senior cap.
 
Winners of the other categories will be announced later this week.
 
 
2019 ‘Three’ FAI International Award Winners
 
Under-21 International Player of the Year  
Lee O’Connor
 
Under-19 Men's International Player of the Year
Jonathan Afolabi
 
Under-19 Women's International Player of the Year
Sadhbh Doyle
 
Under-18 Men's International Player of the Year
Jason Knight
 
Under-17 Men's International Player of the Year
Joe Hodge
 
Under-17 Women's International Player of the Year
Eabha O’Mahony
 
Under-16 Men's International Player of the Year
Ben McCormack
 
Under-16 Women's International Player of the Year
Kerryann Brown
 
Under-15 Men's International Player of the Year
Glory Nzingo
 
Under-15 Women's Schools International Player of the Year
Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown Community School)
 
SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year
Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers)
 
Intermediate Player of the Year
Alan McGreal (Crumlin United)
 
Junior International Player of the Year
Jordan Buckley (Usher Celtic)
 
Colleges & Universities International Player of the Year
Rob Slevin (University College Cork)
 
Schools International Player of the Year
Niall O’Keefe (De La Salle College, Wateford)
 
Football For All International Player of the Year
Thomas Donogher (Powerchair)

This is the second time that the Wicklow native has won the award – having previously lifted it in 2013 – after she was selected ahead of fellow Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior internationals Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan.

Quinn featured in every game for Ireland WNT in 2019, racking up 719 minutes and scoring one goal to bring her overall record to 11 goals in 79 senior caps.

Last week, it was announced that Quinn had swapped Arsenal for Fiorentina to begin the next stage of her club career. And that exciting new chapter aligns perfectly with how things have been going at international level.

“It’s just incredible. I’m really, really surprised to get that. I think we’ve had such an incredible year with such changes and the players coming up and stepping up to the plate, so to get the award is something truly special,” Quinn told FAI TV.

“Just to wear the (Ireland) jersey is something that I love to do every time that we get to step onto that pitch. I’m extremely proud of it. Then there is the likes of Katie (McCabe) and Denise (O’Sullivan), I’m their biggest fan so for them not to win is a travesty as well. But I’m thrilled, even though it’s always a team effort.”

Under the guidance of Vera Pauw, Ireland WNT remain unbeaten in qualifying for the UEFA Women’s European Championships with three games left to play – Germany away on September 19th, Ukraine away on October 23rd, and home to Germany on December 1st.

Former Peamount United captain Quinn believes the impact of Pauw, and her backroom staff, has instilled a new confidence in the Ireland squad and they are looking ahead to try to clinch a spot at a major tournament for the first time.

“This squad is prepared to do whatever it takes to get to our EUROs. Vera (Pauw) coming in has really steadied the ship. We have a really good understanding of each other, she’s taken on the qualities that we have and has simplified it and laid it out straight, and is making the international game easier for us,” said Quinn.

“The experience she has with international teams is incredible so she knows what way to approach things. We have full trust in her with what she is doing with us and having Eileen (Gleeson, Assistant Coach) there as well to back her up is brilliant, and Jan Willem (van Ede, Goalkeeping Coach).

“We know that there is still massive room for improvement. In games, we’re definitely creating more chances but now is the time to start putting them away quicker. It’s now about being clinical with those really good chances that we are creating.

“It’s just building on that and tidying things up defensively. We had a really good game against Ukraine and yes Germany is daunting but we have to take it in our stride. We’ve put ourselves in the best position and it feels great, so we want to keep that feeling going.”

The winner of the ‘Three’ International Goal of the Year has also been confirmed with Troy Parrott getting the nod for his exquisite chipped goal for the Ireland Under-21s away to Sweden.

Parrott actually had two goals – both scored in the same victory against Sweden – in the long-list of 15 goals, which included finishes from five different Ireland teams (male & female).

Dubliner Parrott edged out Conor Hourihane, for his free-kick against Georgia, and Lee O’Connor, for his brilliant goal for the Under-21s at home to Sweden, to claim the award.

2019 ‘Three’ FAI International Award Winners

Senior Women’s International Player of the Year 
Louise Quinn

‘Three’ International Goal of the Year
Troy Parrott (Under-21s v Sweden)

St. Mochta's will face Killester Donnycarney after both sides narrowly came through their difficult semi-final ties.

St. Mochta's secured a narrow 1-0 win at Malahide United whilst Killester Donnycarney secured an impressive 3-2 win at Munster Senior League side Ringmahon Rangers.

The match will be streamed live on the FAIreland Facebook page with coverage set to start at 4.55pm. All of the results from this season's competition are available here.

FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup - Final

22/08 - St. Mochta's v Killester Donnycarney, Tallaght Stadium, 5pm

In a year that saw the striker return to the Republic of Ireland Senior Men’s squad, he scored his first goal (against Switzerland) and made a valuable contribution to the team.

Indeed that contribution has now been recognised after a jury of media personnel selected him as their top choice ahead of fellow first-time nominees Enda Stevens and Glenn Whelan.

McGoldrick, who has 12 senior caps in total, was surprised to learn of his win but delighted to accept it following a stand-out period for Ireland, as well as for his club, Sheffield United.

“I’m surprised. I think there are a lot of players who could have got it from their performances throughout the campaign. There is a wealth of experience and young, talented players as well so it’s a real honour and privilege to win this award ahead of them,” McGoldrick told FAI TV.

“In previous years I was in and out of the squads and didn’t really get the consistent game-time, which is fair enough. But to get game-time and to show what I can do and to win this award on the back end of it ahead of Enda Stevens and Glenn Whelan, I’m proud of myself for that.

“It’s been a crazy year. It’s gone really fast. Obviously I got my international goal at the start of the season, which gave me massive confidence. My performances have been good and to score my two Premier League goals that’s what I wanted, that’s what every player wants. Altogether it’s been a crazy and a weird season at the same time with what is happening in the world.”

McGoldrick is now taking a well-deserved break before preparations begin for the 2020/21 English Premier League season, but international football is still on his mind.

The 32-year-old has already spoken with new Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and he is hoping to be named in the squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland next month.

“Everyone will be itching to see what the squad is and if you get selected. I know it’s going to be a busy schedule when we meet up but everyone will be itching to impress – first impressions are a big one,” he said.

“It will be no different if you are one of the older ones, like me, or a younger boy who is getting his first call-up you are going to be itching for it. And that’s good because it balances out the whole team and everyone is fighting for the shirt and that’s what we want.”

Even though his international career is only starting to take off, McGoldrick has plenty still to aim for with a spot at next summer’s UEFA European Championships top of the list.

“That’s what we’re all aiming for, to play in the European Championships,” said the striker.

“All of the hard work we’ve done for the past couple of years to get into this position, we now have one tough game first and we’ve got to get through that. I have every confidence in the boys. When we play to our best we’re a match for anyone.”

The winner of the Young International Player of the Year award is midfielder Alan Browne, who was selected ahead of Josh Cullen and Callum Robinson.

This category takes into consideration players aged 25 years or younger who have represented the Senior Men’s team in the respective year of the awards taking place.

Browne is no stranger to collecting International awards having picked up the Schools International Player of the Year in 2013 when studying at Nagle Community College and then lifting the Under-21 Player of the Year in 2015.

Winners of the other categories will be announced later this week.

2019 ‘Three’ FAI International Award Winners

Senior Men’s International Player of the Year 
David McGoldrick

Young International Player of the Year
Alan Browne

As part of the 2019 'Three' FAI International Awards, the Special Merit category honours those who have made a significant contribution to Irish football and Charlie most certainly fulfils that criteria.

A former player, Charlie became a referee and officiated in the League of Ireland for more than 20 years and he oversaw the 1972 FAI Cup Final between Cork Hibernians and Waterford.

Involved with the Leinster Football League, Charlie acted as a Liaison Officer for international teams visiting Dublin for games before joining Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland backroom staff as kitman.

Charlie was a key figure behind the scenes with the Irish team during the 1988 UEFA European Championships as well as the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1990 and 1994.

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn, who played for Ireland when Charlie was kitman, said: "If Jack Charlton was the father figure for the Ireland squad from 1986 to 1995 then Charlie O’Leary and Mick Byrne were the two Irish Mammies who looked out for and looked after us all.

"I always think of Charlie and Mick as a pair and it is a pleasure to present him with this Special Merit award of behalf of the FAI and Irish football.

"Charlie is such a special man. He was brilliant with us as players and he was brilliant have around us as players, always with a smile on his, always looking out for you, getting you up in time for training after a good night out and ensuring we had everything we needed to do our best for our country. I congratulate Charlie on this award, it is well deserved."

As part of the 2019 'Three' FAI International Awards, McGrath and family members connected to the late O'Brien were invited to FAI HQ in Abbotstown for a photocall to receive the awards.

This is the second successive year that there has been both a male & female recipient of the award, which dates back to 1997.

A hugely popular figure amongst Republic of Ireland supporters, McGrath amassed 83 senior caps as he featured in the 1988 UEFA European Championships as well as the 1990 & 1994 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn, who played alongside McGrath for many years with Ireland, said: "I have to admit that I was a little bit star struck when I met Paul at Abbotstown to present him with Hall of Fame award – and I played with him! That just tells you the stature of the man.

"The word legend can be used very freely these days but Paul is just that, a legend of world football and not just an Irish hero. He was there for all the great days of the Jack Charlton era and it was a pleasure to play with him and be around him in those Ireland squads.

"Paul is a very humble man to this day and to meet him again was such a pleasure. He is one of the greatest players we have ever seen and his arrival into the FAI’s Hall of Fame is so well deserved."

Dublin-born O'Brien passed away in 2016 but left behind a legacy that saw her become an early trailblazer for women's football in Ireland as she enjoyed tremendous success in both France and Italy.

A former Ireland Women's Senior Team international, O'Brien was a technically-gifted midfielder who became known as one of the best foreign players to feature in the Italian League, where she won six League titles and two Italian Women's Cups.

O'Brien comes from a rich bloodline of Irish footballing talent as she was related to both John Giles and Jimmy Conway, while her nephew, Ger O'Brien, captained St Patrick's Athletic to FAI Cup glory.

Paul O'Brien, Anne's brother who accepted the award on her behalf, said: "This is a fantastic honour to recognise what Anne did. She would have been delighted with this and our family are very appreciative for it. We'd like to thank the FAI for remembering Anne and what she did in her footballing career."

While the cancellation caused disappointment to players, families and coaches around the country, one Waterford charity became a beneficiary from the lack of football in UL.

In preparation for the tournament, the Waterford Schoolboys Football League (WSFL) organised a training camp in Belfast back in April to play three friendly games against teams from the NIBFA Subway National Youth League. To fundraise for this training camp the WSFL Kennedy Cup Squad of players, the coaches, management team and the parents organised a sponsored walk in March.

When the trip to Belfast and the Kennedy Cup were both cancelled the parents and coaches decided to donate the €1,500 raised from the sponsored walk to charity. A local children's charity based in Lady Lane, Waterford City called Touching Hearts was chosen.

The players, coaches and parents would like to thank the many people who helped to raise this money by their sponsorship and contributions.

Touching Hearts is a local children's charity based at the Sacred Heart Centre, Lady Lane, Waterford City. The main function of the Sacred Heart Centre is to empower children with a broad range of intellectual and/or physical challenges and their families to develop to their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. This is achieved through the provision of an Individual Family Service Plan for children attending the Main Early Intervention Service.

Touching Hearts are currently fundraising to build a new state of the art premises on the grounds of St. Otteran's Hospital, John's Hill. The positive impact of such a building would ensure a better quality early intervention service for Waterford City. It would also alleviate a lot of pressure on the health service. The main beneficiaries of this project are the children and their families that attend The Sacred Heart Centre. 

Pictured Above: Team Captain Ben Boland along with members of the team management presenting the cheque to Dermot Dooley of Touching Hearts. (Photo courtesy of Joe Evans, Waterford News & Star)