Substitute Emmett O'Shea (pictured above) scored the winning penalty, after the game finished 3-3 after extra-time. Celtic would win the shootout 3-2.

The Cork side took the lead courtesy of James Daly in the 8th minute, after he got on the end of an Alex Murphy freekick. Douglas Hall would hold that lead until the half-time break.

Killarney Celtic equalised 12-minutes into the second half, when Cian Doe's corner flew straight into the net. The match did not stay level for long, as Douglas Hall retook the lead through Cormac Kelly.

The Kerry team equalised for the second time in the 83rd minute through Padraig Looney, and took the lead 60 second later courtesy of Terry Sparling.

Celtic looked set to claim the title, but the game went to extra-time, after Cormac Kelly's goal late in added time gave Douglas Hall a reprieve.

No goals were scored in added time, and wil seven penalties not scored in the shootout, it was O'Shea who would grab the headlines scoring the winning penalty for the Kerry club.

Supporters will be able to watch the Premier Division 'Run-In' for just €39 in Ireland and €45 for the rest of the world which works out at less than a euro per game with 50+ matches available on the platform.

The Half-Season Pass has been launched ahead of the bumper Extra.ie FAI Cup second round weekend with six of the eight matches available. If supporters sign up before the weekend's action, they will get the entire Extra.ie FAI Cup second round action for FREE only at watchloi.ie.

WATCHLOI has also launched FAI Gold as part of the Half-Season Pass package. FAI Gold is a new section of the service which will have selected Republic of Ireland matches available to watch from the RTE Archive, starting with Republic of Ireland v Netherlands in 1987.

WATCHLOI is the only way to support your club with revenue created set to go to each SSE Airtricity League club. Supporters have been able to enjoy each Premier Division fixture, and selected Extra.ie FAI Cup fixtures, and continue to support their club during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're delighted to launch the Half-Season Pass for WATCHLOI," said League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon.

"WATCHLOI has been a fantastic success so far with supporters able to enjoy every match on the platform and it has also led to a greater awareness of the SSE Airtricity League in Ireland and overseas.

"We're determined to build on the success with the Half-Season Pass and we're hoping supporters will sign up for the rest of the campaign as it is the best way to support the clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It should be a really exciting end of season run-in at both the top and bottom of the table, and the Half-Season Pass offers incredible value for supporters to be able to enjoy every minute of it."

The 25-man squad will report for a four-day training camp in Northern Ireland from Monday, August 31 to Thursday, September 3.

Ireland U-21s have three crucial qualifiers in October & November against Italy, Iceland and Luxembourg and the training camp will provide crucial preparation time.

St. Patrick's Athletic defender Luke McNally receives his first U-21 call-up as well as Southampton duo Will Ferry and Will Smallbone.

Watford striker Ryan Cassidy will also report for the U-21s for the first time.

Republic of Ireland U-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers). Defenders: Lee O'Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Danny McNamara (St. Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (QPR), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers), Luke McNally (St. Patrick's Athletic), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Thomas O'Connor (Southampton).
Midfielders: Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United), Will Ferry (Southampton), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Connor Ronan (Grasshoppers Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Attackers: Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Danny Grant (Bohemians), Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Zach Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers), Ryan Cassidy (Watford).

Pauw, who took charge of the team in 2019, is contracted until the end of the current qualifying campaign but this will be extended should the team secure a place at the finals tournament, which will be held in July 2022.

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EUROs were moved on a year - even though the tournament still carries the name of 2021 UEFA Women's EUROs - and that is what Pauw is aiming to guide her team towards. 

Unbeaten in qualifying after five games played, Ireland currently sit top of Group I with three games left to play - away to Germany (September 19), away to Ukraine (October 23), and home to Germany (December 1).

"It is fantastic to have the support of the FAI as we look to secure qualification for the UEFA Women's European Championships, which will now be held in 2022. We know that there is a lot of hard work ahead of us with three big games still to play, but it is a challenge for which we do everything in our power to succeed in," said Pauw.
 
"The assistance of Ruud Dokter, Eileen Gleeson and Jan Willem van Ede has been invaluable since taking over as manager, so too has been the work of our backroom staff and the response from the players. If we can continue to work together then I'm sure that we will perform to our max at the moment."

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said: "We are delighted to have been able to finalise terms with Vera and get everything agreed so quickly, which showcases Vera's desire to continue with the team.
 
"Vera has made a significant impact since being appointed as Women's Senior Team Manager and that is reflected not only in the results of the team, but their performances, the professional structures she has introduced, and the work she has put in to plan for a brighter future.
 
"This is an exciting period for Irish football and the Women's Senior Team are in a very good position in terms of qualification for the next European Championships. We will provide Vera & the players with all of the support that they require to push towards qualification for a first ever major international tournament."

In normal circumstances, Paul would be readying a squad to take part in the prestigious Victory Shield tournament, a competition he has won twice with Ireland since they first entered in 2015, but sadly this season the four-team contest has been cancelled.

With travel restrictions in place across Europe, the Head Coach has been hosting regular assessment days for home-based players at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown and has been impressed with what he has seen.

Speaking to FAI TV Paul said: “Usually I’d be a little bit more familiar with the players coming into me with the Under-16s, but because last season was cut short it’s strange this year.

“It’s great to have them back and they’ve done really well. Everyone has a fair opportunity to play and, as a I always say, it doesn’t matter who a player plays for we want the best players playing for the national team.”

Paul says he holds out hope by early 2021 international fixtures will continue but in the short term has his sights set on ‘in-house friendlies’ against Colin O’Brien’s Under-17s and Jason Donohue’s Under-15s sides as well as fixtures against Under-17s National League teams.

Paul addded: “I’ve said to the players if you do well with your clubs and do well in your assessments you’ll get an opportunity to play. 

“They won’t be getting to go to other countries but they will be playing in tough games and it will give us a bar as to where the players are and we hope that when we do go back to playing international football we’ll be ready.”

Vera Pauw’s team are unbeaten thus far in the qualifying campaign, which recommences following a postponement of games on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Ireland lead Group I on 13 points after five games played but Germany are just a single point behind with a game in hand ahead of the first of two meetings between the teams.

Pauw, who recently renewed terms with the FAI, is excited to resume the qualifying campaign with a trip to Germany.

“It is great to be back preparing for international games again and to continue our goal of qualifying for the European Championships. We will travel to Germany knowing that we will face a difficult opponent, but that is part of competing at this level,” said Pauw.

“Germany are one of the best teams in world football and we’ve seen their club teams, particularly Wolfsburg, perform so well in the UEFA Women’s Champions League of late. So we know what to expect and we have to be ready to play our best game.

“With our players possibly coming from nine different countries, we remain mindful of the protocols in place to deal with COVID-19 and it’s important that we adhere to all medical advice around this game. This pandemic is not yet over and we must work together to fight it.”

For this squad, there are first call-ups for midfielders Alli Murphy and Ellen Molloy, while Isibeal Atkinson is rewarded for her excellent start to the Women’s National League season with Shelbourne.

US-born Murphy, who qualifies through her grandparents, recently joined London City Lionesses and receives a first selection for any Ireland squad.

Kilkenny native Molloy is promoted from the Women’s Under-17s following a number of stand-out performances for James Scott’s team as well as an impressive breakthrough at club level with Wexford Youths.

The Ireland squad, which will be cut down to 23 players, will meet in Germany on Monday, September 14 to begin preparations for the game in Essen.

After the Germany game, Ireland will have two more group fixtures to complete with Ukraine away on October 23 and Germany at home on December 1.

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.

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (SC Braga), Grace Moloney (Reading), Courtney Brosnan (West Ham United), Niamh Reid Burke (Peamount United)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Keeva Keenan (Celtic), Louise Quinn (Fiorentina), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Claire O'Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Claire Walsh (Peamount United), Aine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne)
Midfielders: Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Jamie Finn (Shelbourne), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Alli Murphy (London City Lionesses), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne), Ruesha Littlejohn (Leicester City), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Stephanie Roche (Peamount United)
Forwards: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Heather Payne (Florida State University), Leanne Kiernan (West Ham United), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Rianna Jarrett (Brighton & Hove Albion), Julie-Ann Russell (Sydney University), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge)

Match Details
Germany v Republic of Ireland
UEFA 2021 Women’s European Championship Qualifying – Group I
Saturday, September 19
Stadion Essen
KO 13:00 (Irish Time)
#GERIRL

The Texas-born midfielder received a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Women's Senior Team for the UEFA Women's EURO 2021 qualifier away to Germany and she's excited to get going.

Murphy has held her Irish passport - secured through her Limerick-born grandparents - for several years now and it has helped her with moves to Sweden, Netherlands, Iceland, and, now, England.

Getting the call to be part of Vera Pauw's squad for the Germany game on September 19 was unexpected but very much welcomed by the 26-year-old.

"It was a surprise, but a good surprise, to hear that I was included in the Ireland squad. I've always wanted to use my Irish heritage to make myself available for the team so it's great to be in the coach's thoughts," said Murphy.

Following a stand-out college career with Texas Tech University (where she was Team MVP and qualified as a Civil Engineer), Murphy was selected at No 20 in the 2016 NWSL Draft by Washington Spirit. That proved to be a mixed experience so she went abroad to seek more playing time in Sweden with Gustafs GoIF.

With the more games that she played, Murphy knew that she belonged at a higher level. She won the golden boot for most goals scored during her time in Sweden but took a chance of returning home by jumping into open trials with the Houston Dash - who were managed at the time by Vera Pauw.

After an enjoyable spell with Houston, Murphy switched to Dutch club Pec Zwolle in June 2018 where she featured in the Dutch Women's Cup Final against Ajax. And then another call came to pack her bags and fly to Iceland to link up with Selfoss, where she did win the Cup this time.

Since then COVID-19 hit and she was grounded back home in Texas, training on her own and helping to coach local kids. That was until London City Lionesses (who are managed by Dubliner Lisa Fallon) reached out and her wanderlust bug was reignited. She will get started with them on September 6th with the beginning of the new FA Women's Championship season.

"I'm excited to get going with London City. It's been a crazy few years. Then we had COVID hit, so now that football is back I'm excited to get playing again," said Murphy.

"Lisa (Fallon) called me and the second that she started talking I felt like I had been transported back to Ireland, sitting back in my Granny's kitchen listening to her saying 'Go on, Go on, Go on'. So I smile every time she talks to me because it feels like home.

"I've played in different countries and had different experiences so I'm ready for this one. I've played mostly as a midfielder but I can play on the wing, up front or even at right-back, so I would say that I'm a versatile player who just wants to help the team out.

"It is fantastic to get the call-up for Ireland, but I want to get some games in with London City Lionesses first and get my fitness levels up. Then I'll be in a much better position."

This will not be Murphy's first exposure to the Ireland set-up as she previously trained with Sue Ronan's squad during a trip to the United States, but a bout of flu meant that she was not in the best condition to earn a full call-up.

Still, she has long held ambitions of pulling on that green jersey and will do everything that she can to make the final cut of 23 players for the Germany squad.

The Ministers wrote to the FAI today following a briefing with Roy Barrett and Interim CEO Gary Owens on Friday evening and commended the Board of the FAI for advancing the reform process beyond the timeframe envisaged by the MOU with the completion of the reviews of the constitution, Council and AGM and the inclusion of a more broader and diverse membership of a new General Assembly.

Ministers Martin and Chambers have also informed the FAI, that in the context of these advances to the reform process, they have noted the FAI’s proposal with respect to a process for retiring members of the FAI Council who have greater than 10 years’ service.

At the presentation to the Ministers, the FAI outlined the proposals to go to Monday’s meeting in regard to the importance of retaining experienced persons with the necessary key skillsets which will be required during the next 18-24 months when there will be significant changes in the Association.

In his letter to members, Chairperson Barrett writes: “I am happy to inform you that, given the wider reforms taking place and in particular the replacement of the Council with the establishment of the wider General Assembly, the Ministers are satisfied that Council members with greater than 10 years’ service will be eligible to go for election to the General Assembly subject to their term of office concluding on or before 31 July 2022.

"The Ministers also note that term limits will apply to membership of the new Assembly.”

Ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League ties against Bulgaria and Finland, Republic of Ireland men’s manager Stephen Kenny was joined by Keith O Haire, C&C Group’s Head of Non-Alcoholic Beverages to launch the new deal. 

The Irish company will hydrate all of Ireland international teams from the Under-15 sides, up to the Senior Men’s and Women’s International Teams, as both sides look to qualify for their respective upcoming European Championships in 2021 and 2022.

“We are delighted to join forces with Tipperary Water”, FAI Commercial and Marketing Director Mark Russell told FAI.ie.

“Our senior and underage international teams, and all FAI staff will benefit from this partnership in the coming years. It’s a relationship we are thrilled to form with such a respected Irish company”, Russell added.

“Everyone in the team at Tipperary Water is delighted that we’ve been selected as the Official Water Sponsor of the FAI”, O’Haire told FAI.ie at Sunday’s launch.

“Football enjoys massive popularity in Ireland amongst players and fans in every community. Our national teams have provided the nation with countless moments of sporting excitement, over many decades, and our fans are famous, the world over for their pride, passion and exemplary sporting behaviour. We see this partnership as an exciting opportunity to engage with our customers, to drive community spirit and to educate players and fans, from grassroots to international level, about the benefits of proper hydration and about the environmental benefits of choosing our new 100% recyclable, 88% plant-based and eco-friendly, carton.

“This is an exciting time for Irish football and for Tipperary Water to partner with the FAI. We wish Stephen, Vera and all the players every success in their respective upcoming qualifying campaigns”, O’Haire concluded.

Michael O’Gorman helped establish the club and was also their first chairman. He was also instrumental in establishing the first Clare Soccer League in 1962. 

After spending decades in the Ennis Fair Green, Lifford AFC is now at home in Drumcliffe, Ennis, Co. Clare. Two top class grass pitches with dressing rooms were opened officially in 2007 with great excitement and anticipation.  The 50th Anniversary of the club was in 2011 and coincided with the Festival of Football with celebrations all round.  John O’Neill has since vacated the Chairman’s position and this roll is now filled by Deirdre Allan who has been involved with the club for over twenty years.  John is focusing on the further development of the grounds and is working on a full history of the club.

Lifford's senior team are playing in the Clare Premier League and won the League Cup in 2011.   Former Irish International Mick Kennedy was senior manager for many years following his retirement from playing in England.  He was involved in coaching at all age groups,  a great supporter of Lifford up until he sadly passed away last year, and was a massive loss to the club.  Every player that Mick coached over the years has great memories of him as a coach/manager and as a person.  He has left an ingrained drive in players to play strong and to the best of their abilities at all times.

Lifford AFC members have always been to the forefront of promoting football in Clare and is the only Clare club in fact to play at League of Ireland level.  They played 2006 and 2007 seasons in the Under-21 League of Ireland.

The Lifford Ladies have represented the club outstandingly for over 30 years, winning National Cups at all ages.  They have brought home the USA Cup on two occasions.  Many have been capped for Ireland over the years, which is a great source of pride to all involved.   Locally the ladies play in the Limerick League and have won the treble on many occasions and are current League champions.   

Lifford AFC’s Academy Programme has gone from strength to strength and is currently under the watchful eye of Director of Football, Declan Farmer.  Declan has many qualifications under his belt with knowledge and experience up to UEFA level.  He has brought about a training which instils a love of football in the children and has the ability to develop a young person in many ways, technically, developmentally and with confidence, along with a team of coaches at various levels of qualifications.   The club has on average 170 – 200 young players and Declan knows all of them, their abilities and their challenges, and works to improve all with respect.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

The Football Association of Ireland is inviting affiliated clubs and Leagues to apply for the recently announced Government funding to be made available to sports clubs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To apply for the COVID-19 Funding, click HERE.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS WILL CLOSE AT 5PM ON WEDNESAY SEPTEMBER 2ND 2020. No late applications will be accepted under any circumstances.

All clubs seeking funding under this scheme will be asked to prove to the FAI and Sport Ireland that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major financial issues for their club. Funding is available for sporting purposes only and cannot be used to offset loss of income from rentals etc.

All applicants should first read the terms and conditions of this funding scheme prior to completing an application. T&C’s can be found at the base of the application form.

A Webinar will take place on Friday, August 28 regarding the application process. Clubs looking to attend should complete the Expression of Interest Form to receive an invitation.

Any questions should be directed to CovidFundingSupport@fai.ie

After scoring five times under Stephen Kenny with the U21s last season, he got the nod last week from the new Ireland manager to join him with the Men’s National Team. 

In January, the Norwich City striker netted his first goals for his club and in some style. He scored a hat-trick against Preston North End in the Third Round of the FA Cup in only his second start and just days later he was rewarded for his Man of the Match performance with his first Premier League start, which came against Manchester United at Old Trafford. 

He would go on to feature throughout Norwich’s season which saw them relegated to The Championship but advance to the last eight of the FA Cup. A highlight of their cup run saw them knock-out Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in which Adam was successful from the spot – converted into the top corner to be precise. 

Should the Corkman realise a dream and earn a full-cap against Bulgaria (Thursday) or Finland (Sunday) it would complete a remarkable journey for the teenager. 

Speaking about making the step-up to the senior team Adam said: “Obviously it’s going to be a big step-up and this is the stage everyone wants to be – I just can’t wait to get going.  

“Looking around the squad there are a few players who can play that striker role and for me I’m looking to learn from them. Right now I’m looking forward to this experience and if I get some game time it’s a bonus.” 

Although he represented his country in the Hibernia Cup, Adam’s first taste of international football came with the Ireland Under-15s against Poland on November 24, 2015. His first goals at that level for the Boys in Green came in April 2016 when he netted a brace in a 5-2 win over Czech Republic at Clonmel Celtic, Tipperary. 

That same year the then College Corinthians striker went on to lift silverware as Ireland Under-16s won the prestigious Victory Shield for the first time. Adam hit three goals in the tournament, including one in a 3-0 win against hosts Scotland that clinched the trophy for Paul Osam’s team. 

The 2016/17 season was a fruitful one for the front man. In addition to three goals in the Victory Shield he notched 10 goals for Ireland U17s as they reached the Quarter Finals of the European Championship but lost out 1-0 to a Jadon Sancho-inspired England. 

The following season, Adam hit 10 goals again for the U17s who once more reached the last eight of the European Championships this time Ireland were cruelly denied in a penalty shoot-out against Netherlands. 

Despite only turning 19 last February, Adam is no stranger to the green jersey. He has amassed 61 appearances for Irish underage teams, scoring an impressive 34 goals. He also has the quirk for scoring for each Ireland underage team from the U15s to U21s. 

Who would bet against Adam completing the set with a goal at senior international level? 

Bulgaria host Ireland in the opening UEFA Nations League of the new international season, the first of a potential eight games between now and November 18th, when the reverse fixture is due to take centre stage at the Aviva Stadium.

No Ireland manager has ever faced eight games in two different competitions in 10 weeks before. None of Stephen’s predecessors have played European Championship play-offs, Nations UEFA League games and FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a calendar year.

It is an exciting start to an exciting year for Irish football and the new manager who takes charge in Sofia on Thursday night knows it.

“This is historical,” Stephen told FAI.ie as he addressed the Irish media via a virtual press conference from the team hotel on Wednesday morning. “No Irish team has ever had the opportunity to play this many games in three different competitions in the space of a year.

“We have the Nations League and the chance to qualify for a World Cup play-off and gain promotion to Division A of this competition which would be incredible. We have the EURO 2020 play-off against Slovakia next month and the possibility of a final against Bosnia & Herzegovina or Northern Ireland in November.

“And we have World Cup qualifiers next March then friendlies and the prospect of playing two games in the Euro 2020 finals in Dublin against Sweden and Poland and a game against Spain in Bilbao. It can be historic and we know it.”

The first Ireland squad of the Stephen Kenny reign met-up in Dublin on Sunday and trained at the FAI’s National Training Centre on Abbotstown on Monday and Tuesday before the flight to Sofia, and a pre-match session in the Vasil Levski Stadium on Wednesday night.

Preparation time has been limited but the message is getting across. Ireland will play with pace and belief and ambition against Bulgaria on Thursday night, and again when we host Finland in Dublin on Sunday.

“I haven’t had time to think about the significance of all this because we have been so busy since Sunday but I do know it is a privilege to be the Ireland manager, a huge privilege,” said Stephen as his Ireland team counts down to kick-off and a nation prepares to dream again

The match in Sofia on Thursday, September 3, with kick-off at 7.45pm (Irish Time) will be Kenny's first match in charge of the national team ahead of a potential eight matches between now and November.  

The Ireland squad landed in Sofia on Tuesday night and trained at the Vasil Levski Stadium this evening ahead of match day tomorrow. 

Despite the short period of time Kenny has had to work with the Ireland squad, he has stressed the importance of playing for Ireland and has encouraged his players to display their talents. 

"You've got to have values and you've got to stand for something, and I think that's important in the way the team will evolve," said Kenny.

"Always having that desire to play for Ireland and the realising the importance of playing for Ireland. I always want my team to have confidence in possession and also to want to show the full array of your talents. 

"The last couple of days, we've been working on how we're going to play. It's been a really short time and it had to be modified as players played pre-season friendlies at the weekend. 

"So, these games against Bulgaria and Finland are important to us because every international game for Ireland is important."

Ireland go into their Group Four match tomorrow evening looking to start their campaign on a positive note before Sunday's fixture in Dublin against Finland.

The UEFA Nations League represents a chance of 2022 World Cup qualification and this is a fact that isn't lost on Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.    

"The winners of the group also have a chance, a good chance, of a World Cup play-off and we can't dismiss that. It's a tough group, with Wales as well, and there is a lot of football to be played, six matches, and then the Euro play-offs. It's a challenge but it's a challenge we're going to embrace," continued Kenny. 

"We've only had two days. It would be great to have a good start. Bulgaria have had a couple of good results recently, beating the Czech Republic in the Euro qualifiers. 

"Since their new coach has come in, they've played well so anything we get in Sofia, we'll have to earn." 

FIXTURE
Bulgaria v Ireland - Vasil Levski Stadium | 7.45pm (Irish Time)

VIDEOS 
Pre-match press conference | HERE 
Stephen Kenny FAI TV interview | HERE 
Seamus Coleman FAI TV interview | HERE 

WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE MATCH
Sky Sports will be showing live coverage of the match with their build up starting at 7pm on Sky Sports Football. Virgin Media will also be showing extended highlights of the match on Virgin Media Two with the programme starting at 10pm on Thursday night.

SOCIAL MEDIA  
#BULIRL
#COYBIG 

After an encouraging first-half display, Kenny's side were caught out by Bozhidar Kraev (56) after he found space in between Ireland defenders Duffy and John Egan. 

Ireland showed fantastic determination and stuck to the game plan throughout, building from the back and eventually got their reward in injury-time.

Robbie Brady's incredible determination, where he blocked down a clearance and won a corner, saw him find the head of Duffy from a right-sided corner to level the tie.

It was as much as Ireland deserved with plenty of promising early signs.

"It was certainly a match we want to win for sure. There was a lot of good wing play and we had a lot of chances which we didn't take," said Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.

"To be fair, Bulgaria had some great chances as well, a great counter-attacking team but I always thought we controlled the game. You'd like to think that with the nature of a last-minute equaliser, it is a point gained but we'd like to win these matches.

"Shane Duffy's equaliser, a terrific equaliser, a fantastic header at the back post. Robbie Brady did brilliantly to chase it down and then the corner kick itself so there was no way we deserved to lose the game.

"It's our first game together after a really short period of time and we need to get ourselves turned around and ready for Finland now."

Bulgaria: Georgiev; Popov, Zanev (Galabov 79), Dimitrov, Nedyalkov, Malinov, Kostadinov, Ivanov, Kraev, Delev (Karagaren 76), Nedelev.
Republic of Ireland: Randolph, Doherty, Duffy, Egan, Stevens, Hendrick, McCarthy (Brady 70), Hourihane, O'Dowda (Robinson 74), Idah (Long 77), Connolly.
Referee: Manuel Schuettengruber (Aut).

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW | Stephen Kenny | "We need to win these matches" | WATCH HERE
POST-MATCH INTERVIEW | Callum O'Dowda | The 'Three' Man of the Match | WATCH HERE 

Highlights will be available on FAI TV following the conclusion of the embargo at midnight tonight. 

The Westmeath club were formed in 2005 by a group of local people, who identified the need to provide another sporting facility for the young people of Kinnegad.

Brothers Colm and John Gildea, along with Michael Ronan and David Flood formed the club back in 2005. Initially set up to provide football to underage members of the community, the club used the 'Juniors' moniker as a homage to Boca Juniors in Argentina. Colm was the club's first chairman and he chaired the club's committee for 10 years. Colm was succeeded by David Vaz in 2015, who in turn was succeeded by Darren Burbridge in 2017.

They started out playing in the Athlone League in 2005 with two teams - U12’s and U14’s. Some of these players currently play with their senior team.  Kinnegad's boys teams have played in a number of different leagues over the years - the Athlone League, the MSL, the NDSL and the CCFL. They have won their fair share of trophies over the years and made fantastic memories along the way.

The club's first girls team started playing in 2013. They nicknamed themselves The Dream Team, playing in purple and white jerseys! Their first game was against Donnycarney, with Kinnegad winning 2-0. They made it to a final in their first year but it was in 2017 when the first girls team brought back silverware to the club. The then U14 group won the MSL Shield on penalties. A number of those girls are now playing for the club's senior ladies team. Coming into the 2020 / 2021 season the club will have four girls teams.

In total they currently have over 240 players signed to the club from their under aged academy with ages ranging from U6's to U10's right through all their schoolboy / girl teams and seniors. 

They initially played their football in 2005 on the Old Athlone Road behind the Community Hall.  In 2009, they started work on their site on the Killucan Road and through fundraising and local sponsorships, they now have a full size top class senior pitch.  Their home ground is called Lagan Park and they hope to eventually turn their dream of a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports and soccer complex in Kinnegad into a reality.

The first phase of the development saw the construction of a sand based, full size grass pitch and car park area, and the erection of temporary changing facilities. 

The second phase of their site development consisted of a small sized training area pitch with temporary / mobile floodlighting, boundary netting and high-quality changing rooms and toilets.

In January 2019, with help from a sizeable sports capital grant, they opened their own all-weather facility at Lagan Park. Housing a 7-a-side fully lit astro pitch this was a hugely ambitious undertaking for the club.

2020 has seen many more challenges for many clubs but Kinnegad Juniors were very proud to be the first club in Westmeath to be awarded the FAI Club Mark. They take this as an accreditation for where they are right now but by no means a destination. The club takes this as a challenge to keep up their high standards and will continue to do so. This is all part of their long term plan to make Kinnegad Juniors AFC one of the top soccer clubs for young people in the Midlands.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

In his letter, Gary has also told staff that after last Mondays’ EGM voted overwhelmingly in support for the governance and reforms changes required, he has now completed all the objectives agreed with the Board in January.

Speaking to FAI.ie, Gary Owens stated: “On Wednesday, I informed our Independent Chairman Roy Barrett that I will not be seeking appointment to the role of permanent Chief Executive of the FAI.

“My objective in taking the interim role of Chief Executive was to help put the Association into a stable financial position with a new structure that would allow the Association to move forward with confidence.

“Over the last six months, we have delivered a financial package to ensure the solvency of the Association, have put a new Senior Leadership and a new International Management team in place and I am confident that this new team will bring the Association to a new level for the benefit of all.

“This team will have the support of our members who provided overwhelming support for the constitutional and governance changes required for sustainable reform at our EGM last Monday.

“I am also very proud of the role our staff played in delivering protocols for a Safer Return to Football for our members post COVID-19 in really difficult circumstances. I have really enjoyed working with all the staff at the FAI and I would like to thank Roy and the Board for appointing me as Interim CEO in February.

“I would also like to acknowledge the strong support provided by all our key stakeholders - Sport Ireland, the Department of Sport, UEFA, FIFA and Bank of Ireland - during what has been a very difficult time for the organisation. I am delighted that the members fully endorsed all the work completed during that time.

“I have confirmed to the Board that I am happy to provide interim leadership support during any transition period up to the appointment of a permanent CEO and I look forward to seeing the Association continue to develop in line with the strategy. I am now looking forward to reverting to my original plans in the business world.”

Kenny's side were caught out by Bozhidar Kraev (56) after he found space in between Ireland defenders Duffy and John Egan. Ireland weren't going to be denied however and Duffy scored an equaliser in the final minute.

Watch the highlights of the match on FAI TV above.

Hear all of the sounds and see all of the sights from a behind-closed-doors international fixture from pitch-side. 

Ireland grabbed a crucial point in the final minute of the match thanks to Shane Duffy's header and you can watch all of the action from pitch-side on FAI TV. 

Watch the footage on FAI TV above.