Dave Connell’s side were utterly dominate and limited Azerbaijan to just one shot on goal in the second half as goals from Roma McLaughlin, Hayley Nolan and Niamh Prior capped an Ireland win.

Azerbaijan came very close to opening the scoring when Yaiza Relea rattled the crossbar from 25 yards with 10 minutes on the clock.

McLaughlin gave Ireland the lead after 15 minutes, Prior played a one-two with Jessica Gargan, before finding McLaughlin who curled the ball in from the edge of the box.

Azerbaijan were thanking the woodwork on the half hour when Prior’s cross came off Lucia Sanchez and caught the cross bar.

Ireland had the chance to make it 2-0 before half-time, Derbhaile Beirne collected Sanchez’s loose pass, keeper Sharifova parried away the shot destined for the top corner.

Jamie Finn had a chance to double Ireland’s lead five minutes into the second half, Borukova deflected the ball wide after good work from McLaughlin.

Nolan doubled Ireland’s advantage with a penalty on the hour mark. McLaughlin was foul by Sanchez after her free-kick came off the wall.

Nolan dutifully stepped up and fired the penalty into the bottom right hand corner of Sharifova’s net.

Prior made it 3-0 on 71 minutes, Rachel Kearns' shot from the edge of the box after a mazy run, Sharifova pushed the ball away with Prior finishing at the back post.

Second-half substitute Kearns came close to adding a fourth, just missing Prior’s cross on 82 minutes and with a drive 60 seconds later which Sharifova held.

The victory sees Ireland move into second place in Group 1 with three points, behind leaders Germany who defeated Poland 1-0 in the group's earlier game.

Ireland’s final game sees them face Poland in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday with a 2pm kick off.

Republic of Ireland: Dunne, Nelson, Keenan, McCarthy, Prior, Gargan (Kearns HT), Nolan, McCartan, Finn (Nolan 56), Beirne, McLaughlin (Lynch 73).

Azerbaijan: Sharifova, Sanchez, Borukova, Mammadova, S.Ortiz, Jalili (Ozdemir 65), M.Ortiz, Loa, Bakarandze (Mansimova 83), Aliyeva (Teymurova 77), Relea.

Referee: Ana Minic (Serbia).

Paul Osam's side produced a competitive display without really extending their impressive opponents.

Turkey took the lead in somewhat fortunate circumstances in the 13th minute when the Irish defence failed to clear their lines and the ball ricocheted back into the penalty to send Atalay Babacan through to finish sharply.

The rest of the half saw Ireland produced a measured display but it was not until early in the second half that the some side really began to test the Turkish defence.

Ten minutes after the restart Rowan Roache fired in a low cross that a defender did well to steer over his own crossbar as Aaron Connolly slid in looking to a decisive touch in front of goal.

The impressive Recep Gül produced a stinging shot in the 55th minute that Irish keeper Tom Murphy did well to tip over.

Turkey's second goal in the 65th minute was disappointing for the home side. A corner from Babacan found the head of Kerem Kesgin and Murphy did well to turn the ball onto the crossbar and Malik Karaahmet reacted first to head home from the rebound.

In the 78th minute a low strike by Aaron Connolly whistled just wide after a flick on by Luke Nolan and one minute later Connolly produced a shot from distance which keeper Atakan Akyol spilled but the loose ball rolled wide.

"We're disappointed to lose. You can accept when teams beat you with high quality goals but the two goals we gave away today were very soft. The first one was a mistake and the second one was from losing a man at a corner. Those type of goals are preventable," said Osam.

"For the rest of the game we limited them. They didn't create a huge amount of chances. We'd worked very hard both in meetings, on the pitch and through the use of the tactics board to show the players since the first game how we could be harder to score against.

"I felt that we limited the number of chances they had so we were effective from that perspective. The players responded well to the tasks that we set for them.

"In fairness we did not create a lot ourselves but that's international football. These are games are difficult to play in. We created some half-chances late on.

"Overall I think the players did well. The results of these games won't have a profound effect on the players' careers but the things they'll have learned will have much greater impact on their careers.

"The players now know the level you have to get at in terms of fitness and pace of the game from this level of the game. I'm happy that they've learned a lot."

After participating in the Victory Shield competition before Christmas, the Irish U16s will now be looking towards the UEFA Development Tournament in Hungary next month.

"The Victory Shield is great as it helps the players get used to a tournament-based situation which is helpful in preparation for the UEFA U17 Championships Qualifiers next season," said Osam.

"However the players and opposition you play in the Victory Shield is closer to what our players are used to in terms of style of play, technical ability, pace of the game, fitness and physique of the opposition when you meet Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"Players need to be exposed to opponents like we've faced this week and we know this. The Development Tournament will expose the players to another Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. They may have different styles than Turkey. That'll be great for the players to be exposed to different types of opponents and that'll stand to them ahead of the UEFA qualifiers next year also."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Tom Murphy, Cian Lee, Ryan Burke, Jordan Doherty, Dominic Peppard, Jack Connolly, Richie O'Farrell, Ronan Manning, Ruari Patton, Cameron Moore, Rowan Roache. Subs: Aaron Bolger for J Connolly 48 mins; Aaron Connolly for Patton 48; Conor Coventry for Manning 58; Cian Hughes for Roache 58; Luke Nolan for Moore 75.

TURKEY: Atakan Akyol , Ramazan Emirhan Civelek, Bekir Melih Gökçimen, Ozan Muhammed Kabak , Ercan Şirin, Recep Gül, Sefa Akgün, Atalay Babacan, Enes Islam Ilkin, Hasan Ali Adigüzel, Mehmet Kaan Türkmen. Subs: Kerem Atakan Kesgin for Adigüzel 41; Malik Karaahmet for Ilkin 41; Yunus Akgün for Türkmen 41; Ogün Çalişkan for Şirin 72; Abdussamed Karnuçu for S Akgün 72; Adnan Emir Koldere for Gökçimen 76.

Irish coach Sharon Boyle was delighted with her side who produced an excellent display against a side a year older.

After a tight first half, Heather Payne opened the scoring for Ireland three minutes into the second half when she cut in from the left and fired in a strike that the Welsh keeper failed to hold.

Emma Lawlor showed great pace to add Ireland's second goal in the 62nd minute as she raced through to slot past the advancing keeper.

Ireland went on to produce a dominant second half display with their defence holding firm to deny wales any significant clear cut chances.

The sides will meet again on Sunday afternoon.

"We did very well. Every player did their job and we were delighted with them. They did the work we asked them to do," said Boyle.

"We played the ball around very well. Megan Mackey our captain was a true leader and Tiegan Ruddy was also phenomenal at centre-back.

"The girls stood up really well against a strong side and particularly when you consider that they were giving away a year. We'll look to recover and see how we are for Sunday's game."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Erica Turner, Harriet Lambe, Sadbh Doyle, Tiegan Ruddy, Tara Mannix, Heather Payne, Megan Mackey, Gillian Keenan, Aoife Fennell, Tara Cully, Carla McManus.

Subs: Lauryn Grier for Fennell, Aoife Lynagh for Ruddy, Sophie O’Donoghue for Mannix, Emma Lawlor for Cully, Hannah O’Donoghue for McManus, Rachel Baynes for Keenan, Doireann Fahey for Payne, Bethany Carroll for Lambe.

England 2-2 Republic of Ireland

England enjoyed three wins from three in their Shield endeavours and only required a point from this tie to see them victorious. And true to their recent form, it was another late comeback that secured the silverware for the Champions.

The Republic of Ireland got their dream start to the campaign at the New Saints FC with Confey College star Jamie Aherne converting on three minutes.  Again Aherne could have scored a brace 10 minutes later but the ball went wide of the upright.

England’s Aaron Smith set up Zak Lilly nicely only for his effort to smash off the crossbar on 23 minutes.

Killian Brouder nearly had a hat-trick of goals for Paddy O’Reilly’s men three minutes later as his glancing header from a corner went agonising over the bar.

However the Irish lead was doubled just before the interval when Dylan Grimes of Marino College made it 2-0 to the visitors.

The Republic of Ireland lost their composure in the second half and the English comeback was established just before the hour mark as Aaron Smith’s screamer from outside the box made it past Colaiste Muire, Cobh netminder David Coffey.

Both Adrian Delap and Jamie Aherne tested goalkeeper Wycherley numerous times but the English skipper was razor sharp between the sticks.

Likewise Lilly and Smith were always a threat upfront but Hanney, O’Donoghue and McCarthy were alert to the danger.

The English equaliser came two minutes from time as Joseph Thomas made way for Sam Grouse. The youngster managed to net the ball following a scramble in the box to take the honours for the season.

The Republic of Ireland still have a home and away fixture left in the series which sees them host Scotland next Thursday, April 14 in Celtic Park, Killarney FC.

Following this, the Irish lads travel to Wales to see out their campaign as the Dragons entertain them on Thursday, April 28.

ENGLAND: Andrew Wycherley (Captain), Samuel Orisataka, Matthew Cook, Joshua Wisson, George O’Malley, Cianan Breen, B Bradshaw, Joseph Thomas, Aaron Smith, Joshua Shonibare, Zac Lilly,

SUBS: Ursene Mouanda, James O’Halloran for Orisataka (HT), Dan Lawrence, George Lamb for Breen (HT), Joe Hartshorne for Lilly (72), Sam Woodward, Adam Grange for Shonibare (75)

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: David COFFEY, Shane HANNEY, Ryan O’DONOGHUE, Conor McCARTHY, Liam SCALES, Killian BROUDER, Conor KANE, Eoghan MORGAN (Captain), Dylan GRIMES, Aaron DRINAN, Jamie AHERNE

SUBS: Darragh GIBBONS, Gareth DOHERTY for O’Donoghue (90), Jesse STAFFORD LACEY, Adrian DELAP for Grimes (64), Kyle DOHERTY, Eric DONNELLY (GK), Billy BANDA for Morgan (90)

Dave Connell's side sit on three points in Group 1 following a narrow defeat to leaders Germany and a resounding 3-0 triumph over Azerbaijan. So it's all to play for in Sunday's final Elite Phase qualifier against Poland in Tallaght Stadium at 2pm.

As ever with a Connell team, there is a quiet confidence amongst the group as they dare not to boast about something they have not yet earned. This is a group that wants to work for each other and that has been evident in their two performances thus far.

It is something that Rachel Kearns noticed straight away after being drafted in as a newcomer to a squad packed with 13 players who have already featured at a European Championship finals.

"We want to get the win in our final game against Poland," stated Kearns, who came on as a substitute against both Germany and Azerbaijan.

"We can take a lot of positives from our first two games, particularly the win [over Azerbaijan], and we know that nothing less than a win keeps us in the hunt for the best runners-up spot."

With Germany leading the group on six points, Ireland need them to slip up against Azerbaijan and to overcome Poland themselves to top the group. Otherwise, they require some luck in finishing as the best-placed runner-up overall.

Luck is actually something that Kearns feels had always evaded her with regard to international football - until she finally made the breakthrough into Connell's squad for these Elite Phase qualifiers.

The Mayo native has more than proved her place though as a direct attacker who combines physicality with an eye for goal. Not that she is taking anything for granted.

"It was hard to get into this squad because they have been with each other through the ranks and they have done brilliantly, but I just had to keep on going," explained Kearns.

"It is a great group to be involved in and I just have to keep on working hard to try to get into the team. But we play as a team and everyone wants the team to win first and foremost."

Winning is a habit that has been adopted by Connell's teams in recent years so they know exactly what is required against Poland on Sunday afternoon.

Tickets for Sunday's game can be bought at Tallaght Stadium, priced €5 for adults and €2 for children.

Fixture
Republic of Ireland v Poland, Sunday, April 10, Tallaght Stadium, KO 2pm

*Please note that the other game in Group 1 between Germany and Azerbaijan has been moved from Richmond Park to Tolka Park, kicking off at 2pm.

A strong crowd at Tallaght Stadium cheered on Dave Connell's side as they secured second place in Group 1 thanks to second-half goals from Hayley Nolan and Dearbhaile Beirne.

The margin for qualifying for this summer's finals in Slovakia was so tight that only the group winners and the best runners-up progressed. And for Ireland that proved to be just out of reach.

A narrow 1-0 loss to Germany ultimately spoiled their dream, but Connell could not find a single fault in the three performances against Germany, Azerbaijan and Poland.

"It is incredibly difficult to qualify for European finals, as we know from previous experiences, but this group of girls gave it everything and I'm extremely proud of them," said Connell.

"The girls performed brilliantly and deserved more, but we can look to the future with a lot of positivity because the girls who leave us are capable of going to a higher level and the next batch of girls coming through are very talented too.

"There was nothing in it in the end, even when you look at our bench we had players who could easily have stepped in to the team. This is a special group of players and they have been brilliant since the first day that they came in with us."

Connell didn't have to search hard for superlatives to describe the display against Poland because the crisp passing, tough tackling, and clever movement from his players said it all.

Ireland bossed possession, created the majority of goalscoring opportunities, and looked the more likely to claim the three points from early on. So it was hardly surprising when they took the lead through Nolan.

For the second successive game the Kildare native showed incredible composure to slot in a penalty kick after Rachel Kearns had been fouled inside the area on 49 minutes.

Beirne followed up that goal with a neat close-range finish on 87 minutes to cap off a laudable performance and a second Elite Phase win for Ireland.

Republic of Ireland: McQuillan; Nelson, Keenan, McCarthy, Prior; McCartan, H Nolan, McLaughlin (Finn 70); Kearns (Lynch 88), J Nolan, Beirne.

Poland: Szemik; Wycisk, Wierzbicka (Szafranska 65), Lefeld (Kowalska 70, Ostrowska 90), Ossowska, Mesjasz, Matla, Falborska, Jedrzejewicz, Ciesla, Michalska.

Referee: Eleni Antoninou (GRE).

UEFA Women's Under 19 Elite Phase Qualifiers
Group 1

Germany 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland 3-0 Azerbaijan
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Poland

Azerbaijan 1-5 Germany

Aysun Aliyeva gave Azerbaijan a shock lead when she scored direct from a corner kick in the 28th minute but the Germans levelled just three minutes later when Anna Gasper volleyed home brilliantly on the turn.

Germany took the lead in the 61st minute when Isabella Hartig turned the ball past keeper Aytaj Sharifova from a Jana Feldkamp corner.

Franziska Gieseke scored twice in four minutes for Germany to really stamp home their authority late on. The two finishes in the 75th and 78th minutes were very similar as the striker arrived late to slot the ball past the exposed keeper.

The goal of the game was the final one.  The impressive Viktoria Schwalm drilled home brilliantly via an upright from 20 yards to really show the German class and they will be one of the favourites for the finals in Slovakia this summer.

AZERBAIJAN: Aytaj Sharifova, Diana Mammadova, Vesela Borukova (Firangiz Teymurova 69), Natalia Loa, Malena Ortiz, Yaiza Relea, Nigar Jalilli, Aysun Aliyeva (Male Mollayeva 82), Lucia Sanchez, Merve Ozdemir (Alina Michaelis 74), Samara Ortiz.

GERMANY: Lena Pauels, Frederike Kempe, Isabella Hartig, Melissa Friedrich, Jana Feldkamp, Anna Gasper (Nina Ehegötz 46), Lisa Karl (Viktoria Schwalm 46), Franziska Gieseke, Andrea Viehl (Anna Gerhardt 46), Lina Hausicke, Isabella Möller.

Although Aaron Nunan cancelled out Sheriff’s opener through Sean Murphy, Darren Dunne regained the lead before the break and the semi-final win was completed by two more strikes in the second half from Mark Higgins and John Rock.

The Dublin side march on to the decider on May 14 at the Aviva Stadium, where they’ll meet the victor from the other semi-final between St Peter’s of Athlone and Pike Rovers, which will be replayed on April 20 at Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore following Saturday night’s abandonment due to adverse weather.

All the early pressure came from Sheriff, with Rock and Higgins both coming close to finding the breakthrough inside the opening 10 minutes. 

There was no surprise then as, on 16 minutes, Anto Kavanagh’s long ball was latched onto by Sean Murphy who needed just one touch to guide his shot beyond onrushing goalkeeper Stephen Walsh.

For all their dominance, Sheriff’s offside trap was prone to being breached and Nunan too full advantage two minutes later by slipping in undetected to tuck a diagonal shot beyond Lee Murphy from eight yards.

The excitement levels were maintained in an action-packed first half when the champions of 2012 and 2013 went back in front in the 25th minute. Kevin Lynch’s delightful deep free-kick from the right sailed all the way to Dunne at the back post and his close-range header made it 2-1.

Janesboro struggled to muster another comeback after the restart, with a shot from Aled Harkin that sliced well wide the best they fashioned. 

Far more clinical were Sheriff who grabbed their third on 65 minutes. Sean Murphy’s cross was met by Rock, whose cutback was skillfully flicked into the net by Mark Higgins.

The Limerick side were unfortunate to see Shane Clarke’s header hacked off the line and they chased the game but they were hit by another swift Sheriff move for the fourth goal with two minutes left. Joe O’Neill fed substitute Thomas Dunne and his low drive was turned in by the alert Rock from close-range.

Sheriff YC: L Murphy; P Murphy, Kavanagh, O’Neill, Lynch; Lester; Sean Murphy (Larkin 89), O’Brien, D Dunne, Higgins (T Dunne 83); Rock (Glen 89).

Janesboro: Walsh; Boyle, T Clarke, Hurley (Lynch 83), O’Mara (McMarlow 73); Hogan (Waters 59), Bradley, Harkin, Nunan; S Clarke, Tierney.

Referee: John Dwane.

Colin O’Brien’s side will host the Czechs at Clonmel Celtic FC tomorrow (3.00pm) then the sides meet again on Wednesday at Cahir Park AFC (12.00 noon).

The Irish U15s have trained since Friday in preparation for these fixtures and O’Brien is interested in how they can carry out the elements they’ve worked on in the game environment.

“We’ve been together since Friday and the boys have trained very well. They are all ready to go for tomorrow,” said O’Brien.

“We’ve had a lot of rain so conditions may be a factor but that’s nothing we aren’t used to.

“The performances are key for the players and it’s very important that they stick with the principles that we’ve worked on and we will be looking to for the understanding of what we’ve worked on.

“We’ve added a number of elements to aspects of our play over the past couple of days so it’ll be interesting to see how they carry that out.”

Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews, who is currently first team coach at MK Dons, has joined up the U15s this week to lend his knowledge and experience to the group.

O’Brien believes that the use of former internationals such as Andrews will be of great value to the young Irish players. Andrews recently completed his UEFA A licence with the Football Association of Ireland.

“Damien Duff spoke to the players in October and Kenny Cunningham was with the group in Kerry last year,” said O’Brien.

“It’s great for the players to hear a former international speak to them about their journey from schoolboy footballer to professional footballer. It’s great to have that knowledge around the group, we can all pick their brains and I can see it only being a benefit to the young players to talk to somebody who has made that journey.

“I came to know Keith through when he was studying his UEFA A licence with the FAI so it’s great to see him in for a couple of days showing a real interest in the development of young Irish players.

“He’s obviously got his role with MK Dons as first team coach so it’s great just to have him involved at this level.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15 SQUAD:

Adam Idah (Corinthians Boys)

Tyriek Wright (Lakewood)

Adam O'Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Sean Brennan (Belvedere)

Jason Knight (Cabinteely)

Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard)

Kevin O'Reilly (Cherry Orchard)

Seanie Mahon (Cherry Orchard)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide United)

Callum Thompson (St Joseph's Boys)

Max Murphy (St Joseph's Boys)

Kian Clarke (St Kevin's Boys)

Jamin Nwanze (St Kevin's Boys)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Ray O'Sullivan (St Kevin's Boys)

Marc Walsh (Gweedore Celtic)

Sam O'Gorman (Mervue United)

Hakeem Ryan (Mervue United)

Ciaran Brennan (East End Utd)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

FIXTURES

U15 Friendly Internationals

Monday, April 11

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Clonmel Celtic FC (3.00pm)

Wednesday, April 13

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Cahir Park AFC (12.00pm)

Sheriff YC 4-1 Janesboro

Although Aaron Nunan cancelled out Sheriff’s opener through Sean Murphy, Darren Dunne regained the lead before the break and the semi-final win was completed by two more strikes in the second half from Mark Higgins and John Rock.

The Dublin side march on to the decider on May 14 at the Aviva Stadium, where they’ll meet the victor from the other semi-final between St Peter’s of Athlone and Pike Rovers, which will be replayed on April 20 at Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore following Saturday night’s abandonment due to adverse weather.

All the early pressure came from Sheriff, with Rock and Higgins both coming close to finding the breakthrough inside the opening 10 minutes. 

There was no surprise then as, on 16 minutes, Anto Kavanagh’s long ball was latched onto by Sean Murphy who needed just one touch to guide his shot beyond onrushing goalkeeper Stephen Walsh.

For all their dominance, Sheriff’s offside trap was prone to being breached and Nunan too full advantage two minutes later by slipping in undetected to tuck a diagonal shot beyond Lee Murphy from eight yards.

The excitement levels were maintained in an action-packed first half when the champions of 2012 and 2013 went back in front in the 25th minute. Kevin Lynch’s delightful deep free-kick from the right sailed all the way to Dunne at the back post and his close-range header made it 2-1.

Janesboro struggled to muster another comeback after the restart, with a shot from Aled Harkin that sliced well wide the best they fashioned.

Far more clinical were Sheriff who grabbed their third on 65 minutes. Sean Murphy’s cross was met by Rock, whose cutback was skillfully flicked into the net by Mark Higgins.

The Limerick side were unfortunate to see Shane Clarke’s header hacked off the line and they chased the game but they were hit by another swift Sheriff move for the fourth goal with two minutes left. Joe O’Neill fed substitute Thomas Dunne and his low drive was turned in by the alert Rock from close-range.

SHERIFF YC: L Murphy; P Murphy, Kavanagh, O’Neill, Lynch; Lester; Sean Murphy (Larkin 89), O’Brien, D Dunne, Higgins (T Dunne 83); Rock (Glen 89).

JANESBORO: Walsh; Boyle, T Clarke, Hurley (Lynch 83), O’Mara (McMarlow 73); Hogan (Waters 59), Bradley, Harkin, Nunan; S Clarke, Tierney.

Referee: John Dwane.

Sharon Boyle’s side won 2-0 when the sides met in Newport on Friday and doubled that outcome with Heather Payne scoring twice, Hannah O’Donoghue scoring one and Tara Cully adding the fourth.

Boyle was more than pleased with the quality of her side’s display and is looking forward to preparing for next month’s UEFA Development Tournament in Hungary.

“It was nice to score four good goals but overall I was extremely pleased with the manner of how we played in difficult conditions,” said Boyle.

“We made eight changes to the starting team from Friday and all of the girls really stepped up. It’s been a great four days. I’ve a good headache for the tournament in Hungary and you can’t ask for more than that.”

Hannah O’Donoghue from Killarney Celtic put the Irish ahead when she was played through on goal and beat the keeper in a one on one situation.

Salthill Devon’s Heather Payne scored two very similar goals to stamp Ireland’s control on proceedings. She drifted in from the left flank, beat the Welsh full-back then fired in a clinical shot to find the net on both occasions.

Shelbourne’s Tara Cully, normally a winger but deployed as an attacking midfielder, showed her technical ability as she ran through from midfield, played a one two and shot under the keeper to make it 4-0.

Her Shels club-mate Rachel Kelly was a late addition to the Irish squad due to an injury and the goalkeeper came on in second half to help keep a clean sheet for the Irish.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Erica Turner, Lauren Grier, Bethany Carroll, Sadbh Doyle, Megan Mackey, Rachel Baynes, Doireann Fahey, Emma Lawlor, Hannah O'Donoghue, Aoife Lynagh, Sophie O’Donoghue.

Subs: Rachel Kelly, Harriet Lambe, , Tiegan Ruddy, Tara Mannix, Heather Payne, Gillian Keenan, Aoife Fennell, Tara Cully, Carla McManus.

1996 was famous for many reasons. Mary Robinson was President, Mick McCarthy became Republic of Ireland manager, the Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, and the then IRLWNT manager Mick Cooke gave a debut to a 16 year old from St Patrick’s Athletic called Emma Byrne.

20 years later and now plying her trade at Arsenal, Byrne recalls how she was notified of her first call-up in ‘96, reveals the best player she has played with for the Girls in Green, discusses the best performance she’s been involved with and the overall journey to 125 caps. Watch the full feature interview with Emma Byrne below.

Top Performer
James McCarthy (Everton)
The Republic of Ireland midfielder had gone 43 games without scoring until he won possession and fired in a low drive in the 1-1 draw away to Watford. McCarthy has been in superb form since returning from injury.

Watch Out For
Jean Yves Pomme (Sunderland)
Athletic and skillful, this talented youngster was on the radar of many top clubs before he chose to sign with the Black Cats. Since then he has continued to develop into a player who can make a real difference in games.

Irish Manager Monitor
In the Championship, Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town fell to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford, while Chris Hughton’s Brighton & Hove Albion take on Nottingham Forest on Monday, and Brian McDermott’s Reading lost 2-0 at home to Birmingham City.

In League One, John Sheridan’s Oldham Athletic claimed a 1-0 win over Walsall. They now sit in 18th position.

Further Afield
In the Eredivisie, Jack Byrne played the full 90 minutes for Cambuur Leeuwarden as they lost 1-0 at home to Ajax.

In the A-League, Andy Keogh played for Perth Glory as they fell to a 4-0 loss to Sydney FC, while Roy O’Donovan was on target for Central Coast Mariners as they lost 4-2 to Newcastle Jets.

In Scotland, Rob Kiernan helped Rangers lift the Petrofac Training Cup with a 4-0 triumph over Peterhead at Hampden Park, which capped off a memorable week following promotion.

In the NASL in the United States, Colin Falvey captained Indy Eleven to a 1-1 draw with Ottawa Fury (former Ireland underage star Eamon Zayed also featured), while Richie Ryan played for Jacksonville Armada at they lost 2-0 to New York Cosmos.

In the USL, Liam Miller started for Wilmington Hammerheads as they lost 2-1 to Charleston Battery, James O’Connor’s Louisville City, who had Niall McCabe involved, won 4-1 against Orlando City B, who had Kyle Callan-McFadden on the bench, Derek Foran played for Sacarmento Republic in their 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps II, Iarflaith Davoren was man of the match for Tulsa Roughnecks in the 1-0 loss to Real Monarchs, and Bobby Moseley lined out for San Antonio FC in the 1-1 draw with Swope Park Rangers.

Weekend Stats

Premier League
7 appearances– Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy (Everton), Robbie Brady (Norwich City), Shane Long (Southampton), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)
2 goalscorers– James McCarthy (Everton), Shane Long (Southampton)
7 un-used substitutes– Kevin Toner (Aston Villa), Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Shay Given, Stephen Ireland (Stoke City), John O’Shea (Sunderland), Darren Randolph (West Ham United)
1 yellow card– James McCarthy (Everton)

Championship
26 appearances– Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Shane Duffy, Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Alan Judge, Alan McCormack (Brentford), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh (Derby County), Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Jonathan Douglas, Kevin Foley, David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town), Samir Carruthers, Darren Potter (MK Dons), Greg Cunningham, Eoin Doyle (Preston North End), Simon Cox, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn (Reading), Leon Best, Lee Frecklington, Stephen Kelly (Rotherham United), Aiden McGeady, Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Matt Doherty, Joe Mason (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
1 goalscorer– Leon Best (Rotherham United)
7 un-used substitutes– Jack Bonham (Brentford), Alex Pearce (Bristol City), Stephen Henderson (Charlton Athletic), David Meyler (Hull City), Kevin Long (MK Dons), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Paddy Kenny (Rotherham United)
2 yellow cards– Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers), Paul McShane (Reading)

League One
24 appearances– Conor Hourihane, Aidan White (Barnsley), Colin Doyle (Blackpool), Billy Clarke, Josh Cullen (Bradford City), Callum Reilly (Burton Albion), Cian Bolger, John O’Sullivan (Bury), Jay O’Shea (Chesterfield), Owen Garvan (Colchester United), Jimmy Ryan (Fleetwood Town), Aiden O’Brien, Shaun Williams (Millwall), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Sam Foley, Sam Kelly (Port Vale), Donal McDermott, Joe Rafferty (Rochdale), Stephen Dawson, Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United), Gary Deegan, Stephen McLaughlin (Southend United), Anton Rodgers (Swindon Town), Anthony Forde (Walsall)
1 goalscorer– Billy Clarke (Bradford City)
8 un-used substitutes– Anthony O’Connor (Burton Albion), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), John Egan, Bradley Garmston (Gillingham), David Forde (Millwall), Conor Sammon (Sheffield United), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Chris McCann (Wigan Athletic)
1 yellow card– Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United)

League Two
22 appearances– Seamus Conneely (Accrington Stanley), Rory Gaffney, Liam Lawrence (Bristol Rovers), Shamir Fenelon, Lanre Oyebanjo, Frankie Sutherland (Crawley Town), Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Glen Rea, Alan Sheehan (Luton Town), Barry Roche (Morecambe), Mark Byrne (Newport County), James Collins, Brendan Moloney, John-Joe O’Toole (Northampton Town), Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Graham Carey, Carl McHugh (Plymouth Argyle), Michael Doyle, Enda Stevens (Portsmouth), Michael Harriman (Wycombe Wanderers), Kevin Dawson (Yeovil Town), James Berrett (York City)
3 goalscorers– Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Graham Carey (Plymouth Argyle), Michael Doyle (Portsmouth)
8 un-used substitutes– Graham Stack (Barnet), Charles Dunne (Crawley Town), Jamie Devitt (Morecambe), Ronan Murray (Notts County), Brian Murphy (Portsmouth), Rhys Murphy, Ryan Sweeney (AFC Wimbledon), Kenny McEvoy (York City)
5 yellow cards– Frankie Sutherland (Crawley Town), Jake Carroll (Hartlepool United), Callum O’Dowda (Oxford United), Michael Doyle (Portsmouth), James Berrett (York City)
1 red card– Barry Roche (Morecambe)

National League
8 appearances– Sean McGinty (Aldershot Town), Josh O’Keefe (Altrincham), Conor Clifford (Boreham Wood), Sean Long (Braintree Town), Padraig Amond, Pat Hoban, James McKeown (Grimsby Town), Ritchie Branagan (Macclesfield Town)
1 clean sheet– James McKeown (Grimsby Town)
2 un-used substitutes– Neill Byrne (Macclesfield Town), Ryan O’Reilly (Wrexham)

Scottish Premiership
8 appearances– Willo Flood, Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen), Darren O’Dea (Dundee), Sean Dillon, Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Gary Dicker (Kilmarnock), Graham Cummins, Joe Shaughnessy (St Johnstone)
1 un-used substitute– Richie Foran (Inverness CT)
1 yellow card– Darren O’Dea (Dundee)

*Only players still eligible to represent Republic of Ireland teams appear on this list

Following a thorough process where a number of highly skilled applicants were interviewed, Mohan, a former League of Ireland player and FAI Development Officer in Cavan, was selected.

Previously coach and assistant manager with Under 17s, he took charge of that team in 2012, where he has enjoyed tremendous success over four qualifying campaigns, most notably in 2015 when he led the U17 team to the UEFA European Championships in Bulgaria.

Mohan - who is on the current UEFA Pro Licence coaching course run by the FAI - takes over the U19 position from Paul Doolin, who departs after six successful years which included a semi-final finish at the European Championships in 2011.

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter welcomed Mohan's appointment: "I am very happy with the appointment. Tom has proven to be the preferred candidate for the role. He has been with the Under 17s for nine years and has become an expert in underage international football. Amongst others continuity and consistency is very important to progress our young talented players and Tom brings both of those qualities with his experience."

Speaking about his appointment, Mohan said: "It is a great honour to manage your country at any level, but this is a step up for me to the Under 19s and it is a challenge that I am looking forward to.

"I hope my experience with the Under 17s, firstly assisting Sean McCaffrey and then John Morling, before becoming manager, will stand to me as I know how much of a challenge this position will be with the competition around Europe improving year on year.

"This is an exciting time for Irish football with the introduction of the SSE Airtricity League at Under 19 and Under 17 level, which allows us to further develop our structures and produce the best players that we can for Republic of Ireland teams.

"Paul [Doolin] did exceptionally well with the Under 19s before me and he has left big shoes to fill, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and I would like to thank the FAI, all of the coaches, particularly Sean McCaffrey, John Morling, and Mick Neville, for their help through the years and look ahead to many more to come."

Mohan will start his new role in May on a full-time basis, while the process to find his successor for the U17 team will begin in due course.

The Girls in Green come into the game on the back of a 5-0 win away to Montenegro on Thursday with the Spaniards coming away from Portugal with a 4-1 win on Friday night. Maximum points from the two games was the aim for the team and with the job half done following Thursday’s win, the focus has shifted to Tuesday’s clash with Spain.

Ireland captain Emma Byrne spoke to FAI TV where she outlined that qualification remains the team’s main focus. “Qualification has been our aim from the very start. The result against Finland was a bit of a knock back and a blow for us because we were expecting to beat them. It doesn’t hinder us in any way because we are still in with a great chance of qualifying.  Spain are number one seeds and a really good team, but there is no reason why, that if we perform well that we can’t go out and beat them.“

Group leaders Spain have a perfect record of five wins from five in Group 2, scoring 18 goals in the process. A managerial change in the summer had seen a resurgence from the Spainish, however, having already faced them in Dublin, Byrne is quietly confident heading into the game. “There is a good feeling in our camp. Confidence has grown, especially since the win in Montenegro so it’s a good time for us to play Spain, in Spain, because I think we play better away from home as well,”  Byrne, who made her 125th international appearance on Thursday added.

 Republic of Ireland Head Coach Sue Ronan is without full back Sophie Perry for the game due to work commitments while Shelbourne ‘keeper Niamh Reid-Burke has been ruled out as she continues her rehabilitation from an ankle injury. 

The action gets underway in Madrid at 5pm Irish Time on Tuesday and live updates of the game will be provided on https://www.fai.ie as well as the Official FAIreland Facebook, Instagram & Twitter accounts before, during and after the game.

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Squad to face Spain:

Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Grace Moloney (Reading)

Defenders: Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United), Jessica Gleeson (Wexford Youths), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea), Meabh De Burca (Galway) Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves).

Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Houston Dash), Diane Caldwell (Kóln), Ruesha Littlejohn (Glasgow City), Julie-Ann Russell (UCD Waves), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Emma Hansberry (Wexford Youths), Jetta Berrill (UCD Waves)

Forwards: Stephanie Roche (Sunderland), Fiona O’Sullivan (California Storm), Clare Shine (Glasgow City)

Colin O'Brien's side were a threat right from the off and led 3-0 at the break and went on to comfortably win the first of two friendly games against the Czechs in Co Tipperary this week.

Doubles from Adam Idah and Sean Brennan plus a late finish from Seanie Mahon sealed an emphatic victory for the home side, who had former international Keith Andrews with the team as an advisor.

Idah opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he peeled to the back post and got in an excellent header from Max Murphy's top class cross from the right.

In the 22th minute Ireland went 2-0 up when Idah lead a counter attack to run through and beat advancing keeper Adam Benada.

The third Irish goal was a real crowd pleaser as Sean Brennan scored with a fantastic flick from Callum Thompson's 37th minute corner.

Ireland's fourth goal in the 53rd minute was a brilliant combination that saw Idah lay the ball back for Sean Brennan to curl over the keeper with real confidence.

The Czechs pulled one back in the 60th minute when a shot by Matyáš Kozák deflected off an Irish defender to finally beat the impressive Kian Clarke in the Irish goal.

Mahon came off the bench to add Ireland's fifth goal with a brilliant counter-attack in the 76th minutes as outpaced the Czech defence before slotting past the keeper.

Kozák scored the Czechs second goal two minutes into injury-time when he finished from close range.

The sides will meet again at Cahir Park AFC on Wednesday (12.00 noon).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Kian Clarke, Max Murphy, Ray O'Sullivan, Nathan Collins, Kameron Ledwidge, Adam O'Reilly, Barry Coffey, Sean Brennan, Callum Thompson, Adam Idah, Tyriek Wright. Subs:

Marc Walsh for Wright 58 mins; Jason Knight for O'Reilly 58; Ciaran Brennan for Coffey 72; Seanie Mahon for Idah 72.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Adam Benada, Michael Kavín, Tomáš Vincour, Šimon Gabriel, Ladislav Krobot, Jan Vokřínek, Marek Kostka, Vít Kolář, Ondřej Hapal, Matyáš Kozák, Claude Lhotecký. Subs: Marek Kejř for Hapal 55; Daniel Lojín for Lhotecký 55.

The Irish team went in front on 14 minutes with striker Jason Lyons finishing off a well worked move between Paul Rooney and Shane Daly-Butz to beat goalkeeper Tim Hughes with a clever strike that went in off the far post. 

The lead was increased six minutes later when Man of the Match Georgie Poynton converted a penalty awarded for a hand ball in the area.

Jeff Duah-Kessie, Jack Guthrie and Micheil Smith all failed with decent chances to beat Matt Connor in the Irish goal as the Scots continued to threaten.
   
Hughes then had to go full length to keep out a fierce drive from full-back Aaron Brilly close to the break after the full back burst forward into the Scots area.  

A bight start to the second half for the Scots saw Duah- Kessie blazed over Connor’s crossbar from a score able position.While shortly after a mix up in the home defence gave Duah- Kessie another clear cut chance but once again he failed to test Connor.

At the other end skipper Danny O’Connell then had two great chances to increase the Irish lead but Hughes did well to block  the first and Bastien Wibaut headed the second off the goal line.

The Irish took control for the final quarter and Robert Coughlan sealed the win towards the finish when he coolly struck the third goal after Ross Taheny had set up the chance.

Irish Colleges and Universities: M Connor (J Coll 82); A Brilly (J Blake 77), S O'Mahony (S McLoughlin 60), P Rooney,G O’Boyle (D McGuinness h-t); S Daly-Butz (R Coughlan 60),G Poynton,F Sule (J McKeown h-t),D O'Connell,J McClelland (S Simpson 77; J Lyons (R Taheny 60).
 
Scottish Universities: T Hughes (C Saunders 72), R Paterson, F Thomson (K Everden 77), L Hunter, B Wibaut, G Anderson, J Guthrie, J Duah-Kessie (L Baker 60), S McCrory-Irving (D Sergides 70),H Ball (M Mackintosh 70), M Smith (H Wilson 60).

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).

Colin O’Brien’s side produced an impressive display in a 5-2 victory when the sides met on Tuesday and the Irish boss admits to being very pleased with the quality of his side’s attacking display.

“It was great. I’m delighted for the players. From day one this season they’ve created lots of opportunities in games and have competed in every game,” he said.

“No so-called superior nation that they’ve played this season has been over them. They came off the pitch each time realising that. They’ve threatened to score goals in every match and this time they finished off some good opportunities and I’m pleased for them.

“I feel that there are exciting players in this age group but I also believe that’s the case with the other age groups I’ve worked with. Maybe there is doom and gloom in some quarters but it’s just people’s opinions – we know how we’re educating the players and we feel that they’re getting their minds opened to how we want them to play.

“A lot of people won’t see the work that’s done off the pitch. They’ve been a credit to their clubs and the centre of excellence that they worked in. From team meetings, to acting in the hotel, their routine for the week with us. People don’t see that.

“They’re a smashing bunch of lads. I’ve seen some great players in recent years and they just need to be put into an environment where they can continue to develop. Hopefully these players can continue that process now with the U16s.”

The attacking play was a testament to the quality in this group with Adam Idah and Sean Brennan each scoring twice in Clonmel on Monday with Seanie Mahon adding the fifth.

O’Brien feels that over the course of the campaign this crop of young players has made great strides as a group.

“We’ve worked very hard all through the year with the four team functions – attack, defence and the transitions – and that’s what we look for when we play. They learn through practical work on the pitch, some visual stuff, they’ve been excellent with that all season.

“The game on Wednesday is another opportunity for the other players to start. We’ve worked this week on pressing and the high intensity work. You could see in the last few minutes of the game players were beginning to tire as energy levels dropped but for 75 per cent of the game they carried out the game plan very well.

“We’ll have the lads prepared for the second game. A lot of countries underestimate us but now the Czechs will be coming at us on the front foot tomorrow and our lads will have to be ready for that.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15 SQUAD:

Adam Idah (Corinthians Boys)

Tyriek Wright (Lakewood)

Adam O'Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Sean Brennan (Belvedere)

Jason Knight (Cabinteely)

Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard)

Kevin O'Reilly (Cherry Orchard)

Seanie Mahon (Cherry Orchard)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide United)

Callum Thompson (St Joseph's Boys)

Max Murphy (St Joseph's Boys)

Kian Clarke (St Kevin's Boys)

Jamin Nwanze (St Kevin's Boys)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Ray O'Sullivan (St Kevin's Boys)

Marc Walsh (Gweedore Celtic)

Sam O'Gorman (Mervue United)

Hakeem Ryan (Mervue United)

Ciaran Brennan (East End Utd)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

RESULTS & FIXTURES

U15 Friendly Internationals

Monday, April 11

Republic of Ireland 5-2 Czech Republic, Clonmel Celtic FC

Wednesday, April 13

Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, Cahir Park AFC (12.00pm)

A controversial penalty decision in just the 2nd minute handed Spain the opportunity of a dream start. Captain Veronica Boquete stepped up to drill the ball to Emma Byrne’s left only for the Ireland keeper to make a stunning save.

The hosts continued to command possesion but failed to create another clear cut chance in the first half hour. 39 minutes in, a dangerous cross from the left wing saw Celia Jimenez head towards goal only for Niamh Fahey to stop the goalbound header.

Alexis Putellas came closest to breaking the deadlock when she beat the offside trap in the 41st minute and with a delicate chip over the advancing Emma Byrne, her shot went narrowly past the far post.

Ireland came more and more into the game and following a cynical foul on Denise O’Sullivan, Julie-Ann Russell’s free kick was nodded down in the box by Louise Quinn and Stephanie Roche was mere centimetres away from giving Ireland the lead.

Such was Ireland’s first half performance, the Spaniards made two changes at the break. Playing into the wind in the second half, Ireland came out fighting. A marauding run from Katie McCabe saw the winger win a free-kick on the edge of the Spain area. Stephanie Roche steped up to take the resulting free kick only for Dolores Gallardo in the Spanish goal to save.

Disaster struck in the 59th minute as a quick one-two saw Alexia Putellas get to the end line and cross for Veronica Bouquet to fire home. Ireland faced an uphill battle from there and just six minutes later Spain added a second.  Leila Ouahabi found space on the left flank to whip an inviting ball to the back post where Veronica Boquete powered a header into the far corner to score her second of the game.

Sue Ronan made immediate changes with Jessica Gleeson and Ruesha Littlejohn coming on for Niamh Fahey and Julie-Ann Russell as Ireland pushed to get back in the game. Spain showed just why they are top of the group with maximum points as they continued to look dangerous in the final third. Louise Quinn came to Ireland’s rescue in the 80th with a vital block from substitute Jennifer Hermoso’s shot.

Hermoso did eventually find the net in the 86th minute. Louise Quinn cleared a cross from Celia Jimenez but Hermoso buried the loose ball past Emma Byrne from 18 yards to give Spain a third and sealed the 3-0 win.

Next up for Ireland is a trip to Finland in June before hosting Montenegro four days later with qualification for the finals still firmly in Ireland’s hands.

SpainWNT: Dolores Gallardo (GK), Celia Jimenez, Leila Ouahabi, Andrea Pereira, Ruth Garcia, Virginia Torrecilla, Marta Torrejon, Veronica Boquete, Alexia Putellas, Erika Vasquez, Amanda Sampedro.

Substitutions: Vicky Losada for Ruth García, Marta Corredera for Erika Vázquez (both HT), Jennifer Hermoso for Veronica Boquete (75 minutes).

RepublicofIrelandWNT: Emma Byrne (c), Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Karen Duggan, Diane Caldwell, Aine O’Gorman, Denise O’Sullivan, Julie-Ann Russell, Stephanie Roche, Katie McCabe, Meabh De Burca

Substitutions:

Ruesha Littlejohn for Julie Russell,
Jessica Gleeson for Niamh Fahey (both 69 minutes), Fiona O’Sullivan for Katie McCabe (69 mins) 

Declan Sheridan's side will act as hosts for a 2pm kick-off on Wednesday, April 13 and he is expecting a tough game from an opponent who might still be hurting from a recent loss on home soil to Ireland.

A run-out last week against the Colleges & Universities team proved to be a useful exercise and Sheridan is keen for his players to make the most of this latest test ahead of the European Championships kicking off in May.

"We were fortunate in that we were able to get such as a challenging game against the Colleges & Universities, but this will be another big game for us," said Sheridan.

"We won't have too many games to play before the European Championships so this is a chance for players to prove that they deserve to be in the final squad. There is a panel of 20 players for that tournament, so there are places up for grabs.

"On top of that this is another opportunity for players to represent their country. That isn't anything new to them because they are all full-time professional soldiers serving their country abroad but this is a high level of football and one for players to aspire to."

Sheridan is right on the competitive aspect of these games and his squad selection backs that up with four players part of the Wexford Youths set-up in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

Ireland may have their long-term sights set on their Group A clashes with France, Greece and Azerbaijan in the European Championships, but they will not underestimate their opponents in this next outing.

Certainly, Sheridan will be reminding his players of the 'friendly rivalry' that exists between Ireland and the UK team, but once that first whistle goes the action will take care of itself.

Irish Defence Forces

Goalkeepers: Aidan Brown (Willow Park), Kenneth Deegan (St Hearts)

Defenders: Craig Shortt (Birr Town), David Long (Conninstown), Lee Grace (Wexford Youths), Lee Delaney (St Peter's), Dave Stack (Cobh Wanderers), Keith Duffy (Ballina)

Midfielders: Craig Wall, Aidan Friel (Wexford Youths), Shane Dempsey (Northend United), Trevor Gethins (Castlefin), Jonathan Deegan (Tolka Rovers), Gerry Walsh (Carrick United)

Forwards: Chris Kenny (Wexford Youths), Ian Finlay, Jodie Dillon (Portlaoise)