Crumlin took charge of matters right from the kick-off, Rory Kelly saving Conor Murphy’s weak shot after 30 odd seconds.

Ryan Lonergan’s instinctive sliding challenge cut out Gregory Moorhouse’s low cross on 13 minutes with Alan McGreal loitering in front of an open goal.

Moorhouse opened the scoring two minutes later for Crumlin, James Lee finding space behind Letterkenny left back Jonathan Minnock, squaring for Moorhouse to blast home.

Letterkenny goal keeper Rory Kelly produced a solid save two minutes later from Luke Kelly’s 25 yard drive.

The Letterkenny keeper could do nothing about Crumlin’s second goal which arrived 60 seconds later, Moorhouse getting his second after Carl Forsyth had opened up the Letterkenny defence.

Alan McGreal made it 3-0 to the defending champions on 55 minutes, stepping past Ryan Lonergan and finding the bottom left corner of Kelly’s net.

Kelly produced a super save five minutes later when Carl Forsyth’s close range shot took a deflection, Kelly jumping off the ground to claw the ball away.

Kelly denied Moorhouse his hat-trick on 75 minutes, Moorhouse collecting Meleady’s ball and shooting from the edge of the six yard box. Kelly staying big and saving with his knee.

Letterkenny’s best chance came on 78 minute’s substitute Okakpu-Emeka right wing cross was deflected by Daniel McGuinness, Darren McElwaine could only head over the bar with the goal gapping.

Dean Hurley made It 4-0, securing Crumlin United’s fourth FAI Intermediate Cup win, scrambling the ball home from five yards, just two minutes after being introduced.

Man of the match Gregory Moorhouse claimed his the match ball in the final minute of normal time.

Carl Forsyth was the provider down the right hand side with a rasping ball back from the by-line, Moorhouse deftly flicking the ball into the far corner of the net.

Letterkenny Rovers: Kelly, Lonergan (McGrath 73), Boyle, Bradley, Minnock (Ferris 62), Shiels, Forker, Connaghan, McVeigh (Okakpu-Emeka 56), McElwaine, Shovlin

Crumlin United: Supple, Kavanagh (Brophy 79), Hyland, Murray, McGuinness, Forsyth, Kelly (Meleady 67), Lee, McGreal (Hurley 73), Moorhouse, Murphy

Referee: Edwin McNally

The meeting of the two Dublin teams lived up to the expectations of it being a thrilling derby with four goals scored in the first half - two apiece for Noelle Murray and Aine O'Gorman - before Leanne Kiernan netted the all-important goal.

Shels took the lead on 11 minutes when Murray controlled the ball, looked up and struck a long-range shot that UCD goalkeeper Monica McGuirk simply couldn't get to.

It didn't take long for Eileen Gleeson's side to hit back though as O'Gorman - top scorer in the Continental Tyres Women's National League this season - headed in after connecting with a cross from Jetta Berrill.

There wasn't much between the teams in the opening exchanges and even when Murray got her second goal of the game - through a neat finish inside the penalty area - it didn't rattle UCD.

In fact, UCD were quickly back on level terms as O'Gorman raced on to a through ball to coolly slot the ball past Shels stopper Amanda McQuillan. And it stayed at 2-2 going into the interval.

After the break, Kiernan finally got a reward for her hard work when she broke the offside trap to meet Siobhan Killeen's pass and convert a left-footed shot. That proved to be the winning strike.

Shels can still go on to become double champions should they conquer Wexford Youths WFC in the Continental Tyres Women's National League Play-Off on Sunday, May 22 at Tallaght Stadium.

Shelbourne Ladies: McQuillan; Keenan, Slattery, Walsh, Beirne; Graham, Creagh, Murray; Watters, Kiernan, Killeen.

UCD Waves: McGuirk; Berrill, Hackett, Cahill, Prior; Russell, Mustaki, Duggan, Ryan-Doyle (Grant 69); Nolan, O'Gorman.

Referee: Deirdre Nolan.

On Wednesday, May 18, the Irish team take on the French Universities at Whitehall in their final fixture of the season. Victory would make it three from three for the new head coach.

Since coming onboard, Yelverton has led the team to wins over their Scottish and Welsh counterparts, but he predicts a very different kind of challenge against a strong French team.

"We did really well to defeat the Scots 3-0 in our first outing on a rain-sodden pitch last month and then take an excellent 1-0 win from the visit to Wales a few weeks laster but we expect the French to be a step up in class," said Yelverton.

"The French are strong at this level as football in Colleges and Universities is taken very seriously over there and is highly organised, which gives them a huge number of top class players to select from.

"At World level too the French have always performed to a high standard at the World University Games."

Yelverton has given a first call-up to former Ipswich Town midfielder Shane O'Connor, who plays in the SSE Airtricity League with Cobh Ramblers, while Sean O'Mahony returns to the squad.

Irish Colleges & Universities Squad

Goalkeepers: Matthew Connor (Waterford IT), Joe Coll (Galway-Mayo IT)
Defenders: Aaron Brilly (Dublin IT), Sean O'Mahony (UCC), Paul Rooney (Maynooth University), Ross Taheny (St Patrick's College Drumcondra), Gavin Kearney (DCU), Gerard O'Boyle (IT Carlow)
Midfielders: Anthony McAlavey (IT Carlow), John McKeon (Maynooth University), Conor Barry (NUI Galway), Danny O'Connell (Cork IT), George Poynton (O'Fiaich Institute of FE Dundalk), Kieran McDaid (IT Carlow), Shane O'Connor (Cork IT), Jason McClellan (UCD)
Forwards: Jason Lyons (Athone IT), Dean Broaders (IT Carlow)

International Friendly
Irish Colleges & Universities v French Universities
Whitehall
Kick-off: 14:30

On the back of another very successful year of FAI SportsWorld Soccer Sisters Camps, 10 clubs were chosen to attend the event in the Aviva Stadium. Each of those clubs had the chance to bring 10 lucky young girls for a once in a lifetime opportunity of playing fun games in the Aviva Stadium.

As the FAI continues to increase the awareness of women’s and schoolgirls football in Ireland, it was an opportune time to link one of the largest grassroots programmes for girls to the launch of the FIFA Live Your Goals campaign.

Emma Martin, National Coordinator Women’s Football, highlighted the importance of the campaign: "The FIFA Live Your Goals campaign is key for us as we work to raising the awareness of female participation. To be able to bring 100 young girls here today, to play in the Aviva Stadium is something they’ll be talking about forever more. Some of these young girls have never played football before this year, however through getting involved in our Soccer Sisters camps programme, they were given the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Not only did they get to play here, but they got to meet some of our roles models in the women’s game. Rianna Jarrett, Wexford Youths & senior women’s national team player; Maz Sweeney, former women’s national team player & current Under 19 women’s coach; and Sue Ronan, Head Coach of Women’s National Team and Head of women’s football in FAI."

Jarrett, who is currently an ambassador for the Soccer Sisters & Live Your Goals programme said: ‘I only got to play here in the Aviva for the first time last November in the Senior Women’s Cup Final. I’ve no doubt that these girls will leave the Aviva dreaming of one day being back here again."

There are a number of Live Your Goals festivals planned over the summer months.

• May 24th – Westport, Co Mayo, linking with local schools
• May 29th – Portlaoise, Co Laois
• July 2016 – West Cork*
• July 28th – Tipperary (FAI AGM Festival of Football)
• September – Donegal*
• September 30th – Waterford

*exact date to be confirmed shortly

The Live Your Goals festivals are an opportunity to promote the game locally, particularly in areas where there’s a need for development of the game. The FAI create links with the campaign and their grassroots programmes to ensure there is sustainability and opportunities for girls to stay involved.

For any further information please email women@fai.ie 

The newly launched white away jersey will be worn for the first time when Martin O’Neill’s side face the Netherlands at Aviva Stadium on Friday, May 27. Four days later, Belarus are the opposition in Turner’s Cross where the green home jersey will be worn.

At UEFA EURO 2016, the Republic of Ireland face Sweden in the Stade de France in their opening Group E game. The Republic of Ireland are the designated home team for the match and as a result will wear the green home jersey.

The following Saturday, Belgium are the opposition in Bordeaux, where the white away jersey will be worn at UEFA EURO 2016 for the first time.  The final group game against Italy in Lille will see the Republic of Ireland once again wear the white away jersey.

Upcoming Fixtures

Three International Friendlies 

Republic of Ireland v Netherlands, 19:45, Friday, May 27, Aviva Stadium. Tickets available HERE

Republic of Ireland v Belarus, 19:45, Tuesday, May 31, Turner's Cross. Limited tickets on general sale this Friday

UEFA EURO 2016 - Group E

Republic of Ireland v Sweden, 17:00 Irish Time, June 13, Stade de France, Paris.

Belgium v Republic of Ireland, 14:00 Irish Time, June 18, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.

Italy v Republic of Ireland, 20:00 Irish Time, June 22, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille.

The Republic of Ireland home and away kits are available to buy now from FAIShop.com 

The title race has not yet been decided - Shelbourne Ladies FC take on Wexford Youths WFC in a unique Play-Off on Sunday, May 22 at Tallaght Stadium - yet there was still plenty to celebrate.

UCD Waves' Karen Duggan was named as the Player of the Year ahead of both team-mate Aine O'Gorman and Wexford captain Kylie Murphy.

The Young Player of the Year award went to Peamount United midfielder Roma McLaughlin, who edged out Cork City WFC's Evelyn Daly and Shelbourne's Keeva Keenan.

The Irish Daily Mail Golden Boot award was presented to UCD striker O'Gorman, who finished the regular season with 17 goals to cap off another fine campaign.

The Services to Women's Football Award was given to Peter Doyle, who will be presented with his award at the FAI AGM in July.

Senior Player of the Year
Karen Duggan (UCD Waves)

Young Player of the Year
Roma McLaughlin (Peamount United)

Irish Daily Mail Golden Boot
Aine O'Gorman (UCD Waves)

2015/16 Team of the Season
Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies FC)
Keeva Keenan (Shelbourne Ladies FC)
Meabh De Burca (Galway WFC)
Ruth Fahy (Wexford Youths WFC)
Shauna Fox (Galway WFC)
Karen Duggan (UCD Waves)
Emma Hansberry (Wexford Youths WFC)
Roma McLaughlin (Peamount United)
Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne Ladies FC)
Claire O'Riordan (Wexford Youths WFC)
Aine O'Gorman (UCD Waves)

Season Ticket holders, Club Ireland members, and Jack Charlton Lounge patrons retain exclusivity to these Open Training Sessions, but the team would like to open this session to all supporters ahead of their departure to France.

Martin O'Neill will use the training session to build towards the 'Three' International Friendly against Netherlands on Friday, May 27 at Aviva Stadium and it provides the perfect opportunity to see the team off in style. Gate open at Aviva Stadium at 10:30am on Tuesday for the Open Training Session. 

In order to attend the Open Training Session simply complete the form via the link HERE. 

Limited tickets remain for Republic of Ireland v Netherlands. Purchase your tickets now to avoid disappointment - TICKETS

The visitors produced an impressive performance displaying superior strength, sharpness and technical ability to out play the Irish for long periods.

After a tame first half hour with both goalkeepers seeing little action the French went ahead on 33 minutes when Mathieu Blasco cleverly flicked the ball past Matt Connor from close in for the opener following the Irish defence’s failure to clear a corner.

Jason Lyons had a couple of half chances grab an equaliser but he headed straight into the hands of the French ‘keeper Charles Cieslinsky with his first effort from an Anthony McAlavey corner and then saw another chance blocked by defender Valentin Sanson.

The visitors made wholesale changes at half time and were soon two ahead on 52 minutes with Romain Daniellou beating Connor with a high lob that went in off the far post after Paul Rooney had been dispossessed by Emmanuel Thibault inside his own half.

The Irish although still full of effort created little opportunities after that to get back on terms and apart from Dean Broaders under pressure from two defenders failing to test Brice Cognard the game ended with the French well in command.

Irish Colleges & Universities: M Connor; A Brilly, R Taheny, (S O’Mahony 57), P Rooney. G O'Boyle; J McKeown (C Barry 57); K  McDaid, G Poynton (D O’Connell 73), A McAlavey, J McClelland (G Kearney 73); J Lyons (D Broaders 57).

French Universities: C Cieslinsky (B Cognard h-t); Q Bernugat (T Garcin h-t), V Sanson (D Diarra h-t), M Louchart (T Delplace h-t), Q Gregorio (E Thibault h-t); Y Tairi (C Minselebe h-t), M Pottier (R Daniellou h-t), G Denis, M Blasco (J Paillard h-t), O Vasseur; F Chavanon (E Hinsinger h-t).

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).

The FAI has acquired extra tickets to cater for the most loyal Republic of Ireland supporters and brings the total of additional tickets obtained to 8,107.

With over 275,000 ticket applications made by Ireland supporters, the demand for tickets for this summer's tournament in France far outweighed the supply but the FAI has continued to campaign for extra tickets.

In January, the FAI secured 6,502 extra tickets for the three Group E games against Sweden (June 13), Belgium (June 18) and Italy (June 22). In February, 832 more tickets were made available to the Association, while another 773 tickets were acquired this week.

FAI CEO John Delaney thanked UEFA for their ongoing assistance in securing extra tickets for Irish supporters and added that he would continue to appeal for more from the governing body.

"It is fantastic news that UEFA have heeded our calls for extra tickets for EURO 2016 because it was clear from the very beginning that many of our supporters who were most deserving of tickets were going to miss out," said Delaney.

"The FAI refused to give up the fight to secure more tickets and we have been in regular contact with UEFA over the last few months. I would like to thank UEFA for recognising how important it is to have as many of the most passionate supporters in the world at these finals.

"I would also like to thank our loyal supporters for their patience and the FAI Ticketing team who have done tremendous work. We will continue to canvass for more tickets right up until our first game against Sweden in Stade de France on June 13."

A Ticket Appeals Portal was set up to identify the most loyal supporters who were left without tickets following UEFA's initial allocation process and the FAI were able to cater for many of the most resolute Ireland supporters through that.

The latest batch of tickets will be distributed directly to those loyal supporters who missed out on the Ticket Appeals Portal. There will be no appeal process for these tickets.

This exciting emerging partnership will bring together two Irish household names in a spirit of collaboration to work towards granting more wishes to children with life threatening conditions throughout Ireland.

“Make-A-Wish Ireland is a fantastic charity that the Football Association of Ireland are delighted to support. The difference the organisation make to those in need is remarkable and we look forward to working alongside Make-A-Wish Ireland to bring hope, strength and joy to as many people as possible,” Football Association of Ireland CEO, John Delaney, commented at the announcement.

“As UEFA EURO 2016 is set to kick off in France on June 10, we anxiously count down the days to Ireland’s first appearance against Sweden on June 13 in Stade de France, I am particularly delighted that Make-A-Wish and the FAI will be partnering on a number of events throughout 2016 and 2017,” said Susan O’ Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish, Ireland.

“Our wishes turn fantasy into reality. A wish can provide a positive and very often once in a lifetime experience for an ill child and their families. What better association for Make-A-Wish Ireland than to be working with the supporters, staff and players of the FAI; it sends a strong, supportive and inspiring message to our Wish children as they take on their opponent, their own illness”.

Shelbourne 3-0 Salthill Devon

Salthill Devon were first to make an impression on the game with Lucia Lobato rattling the Shels cross bar in the second minute.

Shels however took control from there on with Salthill keeper Rita McPhiblin denying Jessica Ziu two minutes later. McPhiblin then kept out Aoife Fennell’s drive on 21 minutes.

The Reds took the lead two minutes later with Ziu grabbing her first of a quick fire double, turning on the edge of the box and firing the ball under McPhiblin.

Ziu got her second on 26 minutes, Salthill’s Maghen Hengerer and McPhiblin initially blocked Ziu’s route to goal, with all three players on the ground, the Shels forward recovered to force the ball home.

Tara Cully had the chance to make it 3-0 six minutes into the second half. McPhiblin raced out of her goal to block Cully’s run.

Aoife Fennell centred the loose ball to Cully who struck at an empty net only to see Shauna Butler head the ball clear off the line.

Salthill’s best chance of the second half came on 62 minutes, Shels keeper Erica Turner flapped at Heather Payne’s cross. Fennell got a brave block in on Lucia Lobato’s scrambling effort.

Katie Doyle sealed the cup with two minutes of normal time remaining with a speculative effort from just inside the half way line, which McPhiblin couldn’t keep out.

Shels substitute Mia Dodd had the ball in the net in the first minute of stoppage time, but saw her effort chalked off after the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.

McPhiblin foiled Dodd’s next effort in the second minute of stoppage time, but there was no doubting it was Shelbourne’s day.

Shelbourne: Erica Turner, Katie Doyle, Ciara Maher, Katie Burdis (Rachael Kelly 65), Laoise McAleenan (Emma Campbell 57(Rachael O’Rourke 71)), Sophie O’Donoghue, Sorcha McAleenan, Aoife Fennell, Tara Cully (Mia Dodd 71), Jessica Ziu

Salthill Devon: Ria McPhiblin, Kate Connaughton, Maghen Hengerer, Aoife Lynagh, Shauna Butler, Lucia Lobato, Heather Payne, Sadhbh Doyle, Lilly Hengerer, Lisa Blaney (Alison Blaney HT), Megan Mulleady (Jade O’Toole 76)

Referee: Sarah Dyas

O'Brien, who had been in charge of the Ireland Under 15 Boys team since 2013, moves up to become Under 17 head coach, while Crawford, who was assistant to Paul Doolin with the U19s, takes over as U18 head coach.

Both enjoyed successful playing careers before moving into coaching where they have excelled - firstly as assistant coaches and more recently as head coaches.

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter feels the appointments are a big step forward in the development of underage Ireland international players.

"Colin has been an international coach with the FAI for many years and he has done great work with the Under 15s. It is now a step up to the Under 17s and we are very pleased to have him take on that role," said Dokter.

"Colin is an expert in underage international football and it is the right time for him to take on this new challenge. He knows the players, the international environment, and now he will get to experience competitive UEFA games.

"For Jim it is also an exciting opportunity. He becomes the head coach of a team that we view to be very important in our age group training programme and Jim has experience from his time with the Under 19s and the Under 18 home-based teams.

"Jim has also been a long-serving coach with the FAI and his knowledge of the international arena will be vital as he helps to prepare players for the Under 19 squad, where he worked closely with Paul Doolin.

"Both Colin and Jim have proved to be excellent coaches so it is a natural fit for them to step up to these new roles. I look forward to working with them over the coming months and years."

The backfill of Colin's role with the U15s will commence immediately.

In what was a first for the League, this Play-Off was required to divide two highly competitive teams who had previously won the other trophies on offer this season in the WNL Shield, WNL Cup, and WFAI Cup.

The final game of the regular season saw Shelbourne come out on top and they took the lead in this fixture through captain Pearl Slattery, who nodded in a free-kick from Keeva Keenan.

Wexford were dealt a second blow soon after that when defender Jessica Gleeson limped off injured, so manager Will Doyle was forced to shuffle his pack and introduce Becky Cassin.

Similar to their previous meetings this season, the game was played at a high intensity and acted as a fantastic showcase for women's domestic football in terms of skill and passion.

The teams were back on level terms on 42 minutes when Claire O'Riordan notched in a header from close range following good work on the right flank by Linda Douglas.

The crowd of 710 spectators were treated to a spectacle in the second half as both teams refused to give the other an inch. The result was a period of drama-filled football that kept everyone on edge.

Wexford eventually got out in front on 70 minutes when O'Riordan was in the right place to capitalise on a slip by Niamh Walsh to race through and slot the ball into the back of the net.

Shels almost forced the game into extra-time in the final minute but Walsh's header was superbly saved by goalkeeper Tamara Furlong. Shels then had Keeva Keenan sent off for two yellow cards.

Yet even with Shels throwing everything at them, Wexford were able to hang on to successfully defend their WNL title and end the campaign as triple winners following their successes in the Women's FAI Umbro Cup and Continental Tyres WNL Shield.

Shelbourne LFC: McQuillan; Keenan, Slattery, Walsh, Timoney (Watters h-t); Graham, Murray; Killeen, Creagh (Kavanagh 65), Beirne; Kiernan.

Wexford Youths WFC: Furlong; Sinnott, Gleeson (Cassin 36), Dwyer, Conlon; Douglas (Walsh 90), Fahy, Murphy, Frawley; Hansberry; O'Riordan (Webb 90). 

Referee: Alan Carey.

With just three weeks to go until the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 opening game in Paris against Sweden, the Football Association of Ireland today unveiled the official anthem to accompany Ireland’s campaign in Europe performed by Irish band Seo Linn. 

Written and produced by Seo Linn and James Darkin, ‘The Irish Roar’ commemorates the stirring memories of the Irish team over the past 26 years and features a special tribute to the late, great and ultimate football man, Bill O’Herlihy. 

‘The Irish Roar’ will be performed exclusively for the first time by Seo Linn at next Friday’s Republic of Ireland 'Three' International Friendly against Netherlands in the Aviva Stadium, the team’s last game at the Aviva before EURO 2016. 

Football fans can tune up their vocal chords when the full song is unleashed on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on Today FM this Monday morning, 23rd May.

The FAI commissioned Seo Linn, one of Ireland’s most exciting young bands, to write and produce the piece and the results are quite spectacular.

FAI CEO John Delaney said today: ‘This is a distinctively Irish song for the Rep. of Irish team as they go to France to make the Nation proud. I would like to thank Seo Linn for composing such an exciting and uplifting song for the Irish Fans and I look forward to hearing The Irish Roar live at the Aviva in front of our great supporters at the Holland game on Friday night.’

Seo Linn have come a long way since their humble beginnings in Coláiste Lurgan where they bonded over their love for both the Irish language and music.

Having racked up over 20 million views on their cover of Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’ on YouTube, playing for President Higgins on more than one occasion and most recently closing RTÉ’s Centenary Show in the Bord Gáis Theatre, the Euros will be no challenge to them! 

‘The Irish Roar’ will be available to download through iTunes and Google Play from 27th May.

Listen to the track in full: 

In excess of 2,500 supporters watched the Boys in Green train followed by a meet and greet session where the players signed autographs, took photographs and mingled with the Green Army. 

The training session was used to build towards the 'Three' International Friendly against Netherlands on Friday, May 27 at Aviva Stadium and it provided the perfect opportunity to see the team off in style. 

Limited tickets remain for Republic of Ireland v Netherlands. Purchase your tickets now to avoid disappointment - TICKETS

In what is a crucial period for the Republic of Ireland, Sue Ronan has emphasised that the aim for the two games is six points.“Right now all the focus is on Finland because it’s the first game, and therefore the most important.  But we are at the stage in the group where we can’t afford any more slip-ups, so maximum points from these two games is the target. I have named a squad of 21 players, although Karen Duggan is unavailable for the first game due to suspension. She was recently voted Continental Tyres Women’s National League Player of the Year by her peers, which shows how much she has progressed in the last 12 months and the form she’s in, so she will be a huge lose to us.  Jessica Gleeson also misses out due to an injury picked up last weekend playing for Wexford Youths, but I’ve replaced her with team-mate Lauren Dwyer, who had a superb game in the league decider and has been consistently good over the last few months for Youths.”

Discussing the players that have been recalled to the squad, Ronan added, “We welcome back Megan Connolly who was unavailable for the last camp due to college commitments in the USA.  Also returning is Savannah McCarthy who’s participation in the Under 19’s Elite Phase prevented her being involved last time out. If that tournament hadn’t clashed with our games, she would have been in the senior squad, but for her development at the time it was better to have her with the 19’s, who while they didn’t qualify for the Finals, did really really well.”

With Finland one place and three points ahead of the Girls in Green, Ronan has targeted this game since their opening day defeat to the same opposition.“The home fixture against Finland was the first game of the campaign so to get off to a bad start was a big disappointment for everyone involved.  When we analysed that game, we all agreed that we didn’t do ourselves justice on the night, we had created some really good chances to score but didn’t take them, then conceded two soft goals.  But ever since we have been looking forward to the away fixture knowing we had to win to stay in the group.  And while the players took confidence from our victory over Finland in the Cyprus Cup earlier this year, they also know that a friendly tournament is different from a competitive game, so will not underestimate them in any way.” said Ronan.

The club form of players in the squad has been encouraging in the lead up to the players congregating in Dublin. As well as Karen Duggan being named Continental WNL Player of the Year, Aine O’Gorman claimed the Golden Boot and Meabh De Burca made the Team of the Season alongside them.  In England Niamh Fahey was also named in the Team of the Season, while Emma Byrne and Katie McCabe were part of Arsenal Ladies’ squad that won the FA Cup. Just last month, Denise O’Sullivan made her debut in the USA for Houston Dash and has already opened her goalscoring account.

This form is something Ronan is looking to build on over the next two games,“. It’s great to see the girls get these accolades at club level and I’m hoping they can transfer the confidence they’ve gained from those successes onto the international stage when they come into camp next week.  There’s already a fantastic bond between the players in the squad so I’ve no doubt they’ll be delighted with the successes their team-mates have had at club level.  That bond can only help us on the pitch as we strive to get the points we need to keep our challenge going right up until the end of the campaign.  The players are certainly focussed and determined to pick up six points from these two games.”

Republic of Ireland WNT Fixtures

Finland vs Republic of Ireland, June 3, 18:05 (Live on Setanta Ireland)

Republic of Ireland vs Montenegro, June 7, 19:00, Tallaght Stadium

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Squad:

Emma Byrne (Arsenal Ladies FC)

Grace Moloney (Reading Ladies FC)

Niamh Reid-Burke (Shelbourne Ladies FC)

Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United DFF)

Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion WFC)

Meabh De Burca (Galway WFC)

Savannah McCarthy (Glasgow City FC)

Niamh Fahey (Chelsea Ladies)

Jetta Berrill (UCD Waves FC)

Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths WFC)

Denise O'Sullivan (Houston Dash) 

Diane Caldwell (FC Koln) 

Ruesha Littlejohn (Glasgow City FC)

Julie-Ann Russell (UCD Waves FC)

Emma Hansberry (Wexford Youths WFC) 

Aine O'Gorman (UCD Waves FC) 

Megan Connolly (Florida State)

Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies) 

Stephanie Roche (Sunderland AFC)

Fiona O'Sullivan (California Storm)

Karen Duggan (UCD Waves FC)

Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland squad trained at FAI National Training Centre this afternoon as preparations for the game against Netherlands continued. FAI TV were on hand to catch some of the session, which began with an impromptu puck around and ended with a sublime free kick by Robbie Brady. Check out all the action below: 

On Tuesday afternoon, over 2,500 supporters descended on Aviva Stadium where the team held an open training session. One of the highlights of the day was a crossbar challenge between Robbie Keane, Steve Guppy and Roy Keane. Here is how they got on.. 

Remaining tickets for the Republic of Ireland vs Netherlands are available HERE 

The Official EURO 2016 song of the FAI, 'The Irish Roar' by Seo Linn will be performed on the Aviva Stadium pitch at 19:30. All proceeds from the song will be donated to the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People and the John Giles Foundation. Listen to the song below:

Remaining tickets are available to purchase online from Ticketmaster HERE. Match day sales are also available from the Ballsbridge Hotel or the Ticketmaster van on the corner of Pembroke Road and Lansdowne Road from 3pm. Ticketmaster collections are available only from the Ballsbridge Hotel.

Ticket prices and availability: 

Premium: €100.00

Category A: €60.00 (limited availability) 

Category B: €40.00

Kids: €10.00 (in all sections bar Premium)

FAI collections only will be in operation from the stadium tours office located beside the Elvery’s store on Lansdowne Road from 2pm.

Gate open this evening for general admission at 18:15 with Premium and Suite Levels opening at 17:45. 

Follow all the action live on the Official FAI Social Media Channels by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube now! 

Substitute Luuk De Jong then deflated the evening somewhat when popping up to equalise for the Netherlands in an entertaining friendly clash before an Aviva Stadium send off crowd of 42,438.

With O’Neill not announcing his squad for the finals until after Tuesday’s game with Belarus at Turner’s Cross, there were places in the panel of 23 up for grabs as central defender Shane Duffy, midfielders Harry After and Stephen Quinn, along with striker David McGoldrick, among those given starts looking to stake their claim for a seat on the plane to Paris.

The Netherlands, who failed to qualify for EURO 2016 despite their having been World Cup semi-finalists just two years ago, started the better, looking composed in possession early on as Ireland struggled to get on the ball.

In the first notable attack of the game 10 minutes in, it was Ireland skipper John O’Shea who had to produce an excellent defensive header to clear Jetro Willems’ arced cross out for a corner. 

Ireland got tighter in the middle of the park and gradually came into the game to launch their first threat 17 minutes in. Quinn read a stray Dutch pass well to break from midfield, but overhit his cross with Jonathan Walters lurking at the far post.

Arter then showed some promise when cutting in from the left with his right-foot drive taking a deflection to present Jasper Cillessen with a comfortable save.

Cillessen had a bit more to do minutes later, coming to dive full stretch to punch Robbie Brady’s free kick clear.

Well in the game now, Ireland deserfedly took the lead from their first corner of the night on 29 minutes.

Brady’s delivery was headed goalwards by O’Shea only to be parried off the line by a combination of Cillessen and Vincent Jansson. Long was fully alert to the loose ball to sweep it home from close range for his 16th goal for his country and 17th of his season.

Another superb Brady deadball caused the Dutch problems four minutes into the second half. Duffy rose to meet it with defender Jeffrey Bruma getting there just ahead of him. But the ball dropped for Walters whose header from an angle was gathered by Cillessen.

Bruma then put another Brady free kick into the visitors’ area out for a corner.

The danger very much remained with Brady’s precise corner headed over the bar by the unattended Duffy.

Ireland’s positive start to the second half continued as Long then headed off target from close in following Walters’ cross.

Triggered by substitute Steven Berghuis curling not far wide from a free kick, the Netherlands reasserted themselves to enjoy a good spell midway through the half with Randolph having his first save of note to make on 69 minutes. 

Willem’s deep cross picked out Janssen at the back post and his downward header was stopped by the Ireland keeper.

Another diagonal ball from Willems found substitute Bas Dost who out-jumped O’Shea to plant his header just wide of Randolph’s left-hand post.

Ireland weathered that pressure, though, with yet another sublime ball in from a corner by Brady picking out Duffy whose glancing header was wide.

But defensive hesitancy undid Ireland’s good work as the Dutch levelled on 85 minutes.

Willems once more put over a fine cross from the left. Randolph and Duffy were uncertain in dealing with it to allow De Jong, on the pitch just minutes, a free header to the net. 

Republic of Ireland:  Randolph; Coleman, O’Shea, Duffy, Brady; Arter (O’Kane, 82), Whelan (Gibson, 67), Quinn (Hendrick, 67); McGoldrick (Hoolahan, 76); Walters, Long (McClean, 67).

Netherlands: Cillessen; Veltman, Bruma, van Dijk, Willems; Bazoer, Wijnaldum (De Jong, 82), Strootman (van Ginkel, 70); Promes, Janssen (Dost, 75), Depay (Berghuis, 61).

Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal).