Shane Long opened the scoring for Martin O'Neill's men before an equaliser with five minutes to go gave the Dutch a share of the spoils. Following the game, goal scorer Shane Long spoke to FAI TV about his goal, the backing of the supporters and looked ahead to his return to Turners' Cross.

The graduates received their certificates from the Mayor of Fingal Co Council, Cllr David O’Connor and the Chief Executive of Fingal Co Council, Paul Reid.

The course delivers training in a number of football and general sports skills and also provides participants with an ITEC Professional Gym Instructor qualification as well as a range of FAI certified football coaching licences. The programme involved participants working in the community to deliver a wide range of sports projects designed to meet various community needs. These included Late Night Soccer, Disability Groups, After-School Drop-ins, Girls Only, Futsal, Youths Services and Schools. It provided over 4,500 additional coaching hours to the wider community and resulted in the participation of approximately 30,000 children and adults.

The Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr David O’Connor, said: “Fingal County Council recognizes the huge value of sport in the community.  It not only helps break down barriers, it also helps develop character in young people because it teaches them a whole range of skills, creates positive pastimes and provides role models. Our course participants have been role models for a huge amount of children and adults during the work experience section of the course and earned some very positive feedback from the many schools and organisations they worked in.”

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said: “I would like to congratulate the participants on successfully completing this innovative course. Initiatives like this are so important in targetting those who have missed out on opportunity for work or training. The Council has worked hand in hand with the FAI to redevelop this course and we are extremelly gratefull to Sport Ireland who provided funding for this course, and to Blanchardstown Area Partnership for their support.   This course uses sport as a means to provide a unique chance for unemployed,  who may be out of education,  to get back to work or further education. This course could open many doors for them in the areas of Sport and Fitness and past graduates have gained employment in a range of jobs both at home and abroad as well as using it to access to further education.“

Felix Gallaher of Blanchardstown Area Partnership said: “It is great for Blanchardstown Area Partnership to work with Fingal County Council and the FAI and everything ran very smoothly because a lot of the different work that we have done over the years has come into play in this project.”

Denis Hyland, FAI Development Officer and Course co-ordinator, said: “Everyone was involved in an extensive work experience programme as well as devising a programme to teach adults how to use the outdoor gym equipment in Millennium Park. This work experience programme provided huge benefits to the wider community as well as giving participants the opportunity to develop very practical and useful skills.”

Special thanks were extended to Corduff Sports Centre Manager, Lorraine Talbot, and her staff as well as the tutors from Litton Lane Training and BAP Tech. A special tribute was paid by all speakers to the FAI Development Officers for Fingal, Denis Hyland and Martin Doyle, who worked tirelessly in planning, motivating, teaching, guiding, inspiring and encouraging the participants to successfully complete the course. 

For further information please contact press@fingal.ie

Mohan, who was recently appointed as the new U19 national team head coach, will take charge of the squad for these games as this group of players will all be eligible for the UEFA U19 Championships Qualifying Round in October.

The Irish will meet Hungary on Thursday afternoon then two days later face the hosts Sweden in the three-team tournament.

Ireland's U18s recently drew 2-2 with Germany and also had a 4-1 loss to England at St George's Park in March. Jim Crawford will take over as U18 national team head coach in the season ahead.

"These games come at the end of this particular season for the U18s and there are some players missing but it’s a great opportunity for the lads that are in," said Mohan.

"We'll have two competitive games and another opportunity for me to see and work with more players and help us prepare for next season's competitive games.

"We've a number of home-based players in the squad which is testament to how they are progressing at their clubs. Some have already progressed to first team football and it's pleasing to see their progression.

"There is competition for places at this age-group. The players that are in can stake a claim to show that they can play a part next season."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD: 

Mark Travers (Unattached)

Eric Donnelly (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd)

Tom Cadman (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Conor Masterson (Liverpool)

Tristan Noack Hofman (Longford Town)

Conor McCarthy (Cork City)

JJ Lunney (Unattached)

Jake Doyle Hayes (Aston Villa)

Conor Levingston (Wolves)

Liam Scales (UCD)

Michael O’Connor (Dundalk)

Liam Brady (Stevenage)

Simon Power (UCD)

Luke Wade Slater (Stevenage)

Anthony Scully (West Ham)

Sean Boyd (Shamrock Rovers)

Ronan Hale (Birmingham City)

Jamie Aherne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Eoghan Morgan (Shamrock Rovers)

FIXTURES

U18 International Tournament

Thursday, June 2

Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Kastvallen (6.00pm Irish)

Saturday, June 4

Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Stålringens ishall (11.00am Irish)

Ticket collections will be available from the Ticketmaster van at the junction of Curragh Road and Kinsale Road from 3pm onwards. Gates open at Turners Cross from 18:15.

The match is completely sold out. No tickets will be available to purchase around the stadium.

Road closures will be in operation – Curragh Road will have a stop & go system in place from 11am. The Curragh Road will also be closed to vehicles from 17.15hrs.

Parking will be available in the Blackash car park adjacent to Blackash industrial estate.

Bus number 206 will operate extra buses from South Mall to Evergreen Road.

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

Kick-off for the game is 19:45 with the game being screened live on Setanta Ireland.  

The three goalkeeping positions went to Shay Given, Darren Randolph and Keiren Westwood. Derby County duo Cyrus Christie and Richard Keogh were named amonst the defenders with John O'Shea, Stephen Ward, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark and Robbie Brady also being selected.

David Meyler, who won promotion to the Premier League at the weekend with Hull City, has been named alongside fellow midefielders Stephen Quinn, James McCarthy, Jon Walters, James McClean, Aiden McGeady, Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan and Wes Hoolahan.

Captain of the team, Robbie Keane, takes his place among the forwards with Southampton striker Shane Long and Daryl Murphy.

The Repubic of Ireland UEFA EURO 2016 squad in full: 

Louise Quinn is aiming to emulate the Republic of Ireland MNT and qualify for UEFA Women’s Euro 2017.

The Irish are three points behind Finland who currently occupy the play-off place in group two, Finland having beaten Ireland in Dublin last September.

“Words can’t really describe what we want to happen” explained Republic of Ireland WNT vice-captain Quinn.

“We have been together for a long time and we want to succeed together, so to get to a massive tournament like Euro 2017 would be a dream come true.”

While Finland recorded a 2-0 victory in Dublin last September, the Irish turned the tables to defeat Finland by the same score line in the Cyprus Cup last March.

Quinn adding a 13th minute penalty to Ruesha Littlejohn’s third minute opener.

“We were really disappointed after that game in Tallaght” explained Quinn. “What we should have done in Tallaght we did in the Cyprus cup.”

“We won 2-0 but we need to step that up now and we want to go on and win in a place in the European championships.”

While Quinn made a short hop from Sweden to the team’s base in Tampere, Finland, the central defender believes Ireland made the right decision in taking some extra-days to prepare.

“It is similar weather to Sweden” explained Quinn who plays club football for Eskilstuna United.

“It’s nice and hot bright nights, you’re not sure what time of the day it is” joked Quinn.

“It’s been one of those week’s where the hot weather has been unexpected so it was the right call to come out here a couple of days early.”

Watch the full interview with Louise Quinn below: 

UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 Qualifier

Friday June 3rd, Finland WNT v Republic of Ireland WNT, Valkeakoski, 16:05 (Irish Time) Live on Setanta Ireland

It was a historic evening in Turners Cross on Tuesday night as the Republic of Ireland side returned to Cork for a senior international for the first time in more than 25 years. FAI TV were there to catch all the events of the day from behind-the-scenes. 

Robbie Keane talks to FAI TV about his comeback from injury while also looking ahead to EURO 2016 and the appreciation the team have for the Ireland fans.  

Tom Mohan's side meet the Hungarians in Kestvallen at 6.00pm GMT today. Hungary drew 0-0 with Sweden in the first game in the tournament on Tuesday.

"We watched that game and Hungary are decent good attacking players so will provide our lads with a really good test," said Mohan.

"With travelling we've had to pack a lot into the week already but we've had good few days with the players. The players and the staff are all looking forward to this game and the Sweden fixture.

"It's a good chance for these lads to show they can perform at international level and they can make an impression to show that they can be options at U19 level next season."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 SQUAD:

Mark Travers (Unattached)

Eric Donnelly (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Canice Carroll (Oxford Utd)

Tom Cadman (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Conor Masterson (Liverpool)

Tristan Noack Hofman (Longford Town)

Conor McCarthy (Cork City)

JJ Lunney (Unattached)

Jake Doyle Hayes (Aston Villa)

Conor Levingston (Wolves)

Liam Scales (UCD)

Michael O’Connor (Dundalk)

Liam Brady (Stevenage)

Simon Power (UCD)

Luke Wade Slater (Stevenage)

Anthony Scully (West Ham)

Sean Boyd (Shamrock Rovers)

Ronan Hale (Birmingham City)

Jamie Aherne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

Eoghan Morgan (Shamrock Rovers)

FIXTURES

U18 International Tournament

Thursday, June 2

Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Kastvallen (6.00pm Irish)

Saturday, June 4

Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Stålringens ishall (11.00am Irish)

The event was a fundraiser for the centre in conjunction with the John Giles Foundation and the cheque was presented to Brother Kevin by FAI CEO John Delaney, John Giles and Emma English, Freedom of Dublin Event Coordinator.

The Capuchin Day Centre in Bow Street, Dublin 7, is a charity which provides a service for people in need since 1969 including providing more than 200 breakfasts each day, a dinner service and a designated family area where parents and their children can enjoy nutritious meals in safety.

Established in 2011, the John Giles Foundation helps to foster positive change within communities by using football as a way to promote health and encourage lifelong participation and learning.

The Freedom of Dublin fashion show took place in April at CityWest Hotel and was sponsored by Manhattan.

"We are very pleased to support such a fantastic cause as the Capuchin Day Centre and are proud that the FAI and the John Giles Foundation could bring people together to make this contribution to such a worthy charity," said FAI CEO John Delaney.

Sitting third in Group 2, Ireland have collected six points from five games so far and they know that this latest test is one that they must pass. All that matters is taking the three points on offer.

The 5-0 victory over Montenegro in April showed that Ireland can turn on the style when it is required - Ronan just wants to see that again as they chase a third win in qualifying.

"There is a very positive feeling in the camp. We've stepped up training every day since we've been in Finland on Monday, the players and staff reacted positively to the results," said Ronan ahead of the game in Valkeakoski.

"The full panel is available and I am confident we can secure a victory which will keep us in contention for a play-off. We're ready and focused to get a result and stay in contention for EURO 2017."

Captain Emma Byrne echoed those comments as the goalkeeper feels that Ireland must enact revenge on Finland, who beat them 2-0 in Dublin last September.

"It's probably the most important game of our qualification so we need to win and we're going out to win," stated Byrne.

With no injuries to report and a positive atmosphere in the squad, everything is in place to help Ireland take a giant leap towards EURO 2017.

UEFA Women's EURO 2017 Qualifier
Finland v Republic of Ireland, Valkeakoski, KO 16:05, LIVE on Setanta Sports 

Republic of Ireland WNT
Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne, Grace Maloney, Niamh Reid-Burke
Defenders: Sophie Perry, Meabh De Burca, Louise Quinn, Savannah McCarthy, Niamh Fahey, Jetta Berrill, Lauren Dwyer
Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan, Diane Caldwell, Ruesha Littlejohn, Julie-Ann Russell, Emma Hansberry
Forwards: Aine O'Gorman, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe, Stephanie Roche, Fiona O'Sullivan

Tom Mohan's side went into the fixture with plenty of confidence after a 2-2 draw in Germany last month and goals from Conor Levingston, Ronan Hale and Michael O'Connor handed them the victory.

Levingston opened the scoring after 27 minutes following an Irish corner which saw Tom Cadman cut the ball back for the Irish midfielder to fire home.

Hungary levelled in the 43rd minute when Mate Kemenyffy found the net after connecting with a clever pass by Bence Toth.

Ireland regained the lead ten minutes into the second half when Hale grabbed his third Ireland goal in two appearances. Hale found the net with a neat finish after good work by Anthony Scully.

Hungary might have levelled just two minutes later but Irish keeper Mark Travers denied them after a quick counter.

O'Connor sealed the Irish win injury time when he turned the ball home after connecting with a right wing delivery by Simon Power.

"We’re very pleased with how we performed overall. That was a good result against a good side. The game had a good intensity about it and Hungary pushed us hard," said Mohan.

"To be fair, in the first half we didn't start that well on a hot evening. Many of the lads hadn’t played in a few weeks and it showed. We'd a few good spells in first half but we knew we had to lift it in the second half.

"We conceded just before half-time which was disappointing but we started  the second half very well. We were very pleased with that response from the players and we scored three good goals on the night.

"All three goals were good finishes after good player. The boys at the back did well too against a direct side with Hungary throwing a lot of bodies forward.

"Another plus was that five players made their debuts at this level tonight and the confidence will be good going into Saturday's game against Sweden."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Mark Travers, Canice Carroll, JJ Lunney, Conor Masterson, Tom Cadman, Conor Levingston, Luke Wade-Slater, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Ronan Hale, Michael O'Connor, Anthony Scully. Subs: Jamie Aherne for Hale 79 mins; Simon Power for Wade-Slater 79; Sean Boyd for Scully 83; Liam Scales for Lunney 92, Eoghan Morgan for Levingston 92, Tristan Noack-Hofmann for O'Connor 92.

RESULTS & FIXTURES

U18 International Tournament

Thursday, June 2

Hungary 1-3 Republic of Ireland, Kastvallen, Sweden

Saturday, June 4

Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Stålringens ishall (11.00am Irish)

Tom Mohan's side produced a polished second half performance to run out 3-1 winners over Hungary in their first fixture in the competition while the Swedes were held to a 0-0 draw by the Hungarians.

Mohan is looking at players for next season's UEFA U19 Championships qualifying campaign so has taken charge of the U18s in recent weeks.

"There's a few knocks and Michael O'Connor, Conor Levingston and Canice Carroll are all unavailable from the side that played Hungary on Thursday," said Mohan.

"We'll have a lot of new faces in the side tomorrow so they will get a chance and that's what this tournament is all about from our perspective.

"We watched Sweden's draw with Hungary and they looked a strong physical side, direct in open play and dangerous from set-pieces. They'll be a handful. The lads will be fresh and they'll be playing tough opponents so it's a good opportunity for them.

"It's very hot here so we have to be mindful of the conditions but we're looking forward to a good challenge."

RESULTS & FIXTURES

U18 International Tournament

Thursday, June 2

Hungary 1-3 Republic of Ireland, Kastvallen, Sweden

Saturday, June 4

Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Stålringens ishall (11.00am Irish)

NOTE: The match tomorrow will be streamed live by the Swedish FA and can be accessed via the following link: https://svffplay.solidtango.com/live/p18-landskamp-sverige-irland

The Republic of Ireland defence worked hard early on with Emma Byrne and Louise Quinn combining to keep out Nora Heroum, while Katie McCabe was quick to block Linda Sallstrom’s follow up with nine minutes on the clock.

Ireland started to get more into the game as the half progressed, Denise O’Sullivan connecting with McCabe’s left wing cross on 21 minutes but failed to trouble Finland’s Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

Megan Connolly saw her 25 yard effort sail just over the Finnish cross bar eight minutes later as the Irish midfield started to cause Finland problems in the evening sun.

The Finn’s took the lead on 32 minutes somewhat against the run of play, Sallstrom finding space down the Irish left.

From the touch line Sallstrom pull-back cross was headed home by the on rushing Emmi Alanen who diving header flew past the reach of Ireland captain Emma Byrne.

Finland doubled their lead three minutes before half-time, Hyyrynen playing a one two with Kuikka whose cross found Jenny-Julia Danielsson free in the box who volleyed home.

Finland picked up where they left off in the second half Kuikka worked her way into the Irish penalty area with a little trick. Emma Byrne and Louise Quinn clean up the danger.

Natalia Kuikka made it 3-0 to the hosts on 71 minutes, Ireland’s attack was undone as Emmi Alanen led a counter-attack down the Irish left and found Kuikka who finished.

Second half substitute Stephanie Roche gave Ireland hope with 14 minutes remaining, Roche planting a header past Korpela having connected with Sophie Perry’s cross.

Linda Sallstrom sealed the victory for Finland with three minutes remaining. Ria Oling catching Ireland out down their left hand side before finding Sallstrom who finished past Byrne.

Finland: Korpela, Hyyrynen, Westerlund, Saari, Kukkonen, Engman (Oling 81), Alanen, Heroum, Kulka, Danielsson, Sallstrom (Franssi 88)

Subs Not Used: Vallmaa, Painilaninen, Ahtinen, Kempii, Saarinen,

Republic of Ireland: Emma Byrne, Sophie Perry, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Meabh De Burca, Julie-Ann Russell (Ruesha Littlejohn HT), Denise O’Sullivan (Fiona O’Sullivan 64), Diane Caldwell, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe, Aine O’Gorman (Stephanie Roche 74)

Subs not used: Niamh Reid-Burke, Jetta Berrill, Emma Hansberry, Savannah McCarthy

Referee: Cristina Dorcloman (Romania)

Tom Mohan’s side featured nine home-based players in the starting line-up. They were given a sharp lesson in international football early on and were 1-0 in the eighth minute when a cross was deflected into the Irish net by Eoghan Morgan.

The Irish then went 2-0 down two minutes later after Felix Beijmo found Isac Lindberg and he slotted the ball past Irish keeper Eric Donnelly.

Ireland settled down after that and grew into the game with home keeper Marko Johansson keeping out a header in the 20th minute.

Donnelly made a couple of decent stops before Ireland were caught on the break just before half-time as Lindberg found the net with a low strike from the edge of the box.

Ireland improved after the break and pulled one back in the 67th minute when Ronan Hale slipped through St Patrick’s Athletic striker Jamie Aherne and he slotted home with a neat finish after beating a defender.

Luke Wade-Slater struck the Swedish crossbar in the 75th minute as the Irish upped the tempo. Unfortunately for the Irish the Swedes added a fourth through Carl Johansson in the 88th minute.

"After a poor start we got back into then we conceded another just before half-time. We gave away cheap goals which was frustrating. They were the better side in the first half and capitalised on our mistakes," said Mohan.

"After the break we were better and scored a decent goal through Jamie Aherne then Luke Wade-Slater hit the bar and it was going well until we conceded the late goal.

"You've got to take the positives. It was about giving people an opportunity at this level. There were some good performances and we've learned a bit more about these players. We'll turn our heads to the UEFA U19 qualifiers in the autumn now."

IRELAND: Eric Donnelly, JJ Lunney, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Tristan Noack-Hofmann, Conor McCarthy, Eoghan Morgan (Luke Wade-Slater 73), Liam Brady (Ronan Hale 65), Jamie Aherne, Sean Boyd (Anthony Scully 81), Liam Scales, Simon Power.

RESULTS

U18 International Tournament

Thursday, June 2

Hungary 1-3 Republic of Ireland, Kastvallen, Sweden

Saturday, June 4

Sweden 4-1 Republic of Ireland, Stålringens ishall

Primary schools across the country have been receiving copies of the booklet over the last few weeks as the excitement builds ahead of our opening game on June 13th.

The guide is available to download free of charge at http://www.fai.ie/kidseuroguide so download your copy now and enjoy learning through football!

The 48 time capped Sunderland forward headed home what proved to be a consolation goal as the Republic of Ireland saw their Euro 2017 dream end with a 4-1 defeat to Finland on Friday.

“It was a bad result” declared Roche. “I think we all wanted to win the game so much, it wasn’t the result we wanted but it’s our own fault at the end of the day.

“We needed to win the game and we didn’t it’s all very disappointing” added the 26-year-old.

Roche now aims to start Tuesday night’s qualifier game with Montenegro in Tallaght stadium as the Republic of Ireland will look to build toward their World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I always want to play for Ireland” Roche explained with passion in her voice. “It’s one of my biggest goals to get to a final’s Tournament, so I’m very disappointed to have lost out.”

“I want to be playing for Ireland,” added Roche who came off the bench against Finland to head home as she looks to claim a regular starting place in Sue Ronan team “it’s something I will be working on.”

“We need to start putting things right” explained Roche. “We have two games left in this campaign it’s obviously out of our reach to qualify.

“But we need to get ourselves ready for the World Cup Qualifiers and put our focus on that now.”

It’s now 12 months since the Dubliner landed in Sunderland and Roche has worked her way into the Sunderland WSL team.

“I’m just happy to be playing to be honest with you” smiles Roche. “I’m starting to get a bit of consistency playing. I’ve played every minute of the (Sunderland) games since we played Spain” in April.

“I feel like I’m as settled now as I probably was at Peamount, which was a long time ago now, it’s just nice to settle down now and play football.”

The former Peamount United forward has no complaints over the season set up in England, unlike some of the critics of the English game.

“A lot of people where giving out about the scheduled games and where they were,” Roche explains with a smile.

“We played Reading three times at the start of the season so it’s a bit weird but you just have to get on with it and get it out of the way.

“We have a break now for June so we just can enjoy it one the international games are over. Then I’ll get back into the

swing of things at the end of the month.”

The Finn’s had too much for the Girls in Green with Stephanie Roche heading home what ended up being a consolation

goal as the Republic of Ireland Euro 2017 dream came to an end.

“We’re all bitterly disappointed” explained Ronan “We came here to try and get a result, but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.”

“We knew we needed to win the game to stay in contention in the group, so to lose the way we did has particularly left us all bitterly disappointed.”

While Ronan felt preparation had gone well, the Irish head coach was without the suspended Karen Duggan, while Megan Campbell continues to recover from injury.

“Apart from Karen & Megan we had a full panel to pick from” explained Ronan. “We went into the game with a particular plan that we felt could win us the game, but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way and we didn’t implement it the way we needed to.”

“But even though we conceded four goals, we had good chances at vital times in the game to score ourselves which we should have taken and which would have put us right back in it.  But the longer the game went on the more we had to take risks at the back leaving us open for a counter-attack.  You can’t do that against a fast, athletic, direct team and that’s what did the damage in the end.”

Stephanie Roche appeared to have worked Ireland back into the game with a bullet header, two minutes after being introduced on 74 minutes.

“It was a fantastic goal by Steph” explained Ronan, “The timing of her run and how she got across the defender was quality, so all credit to her, it’s the second time in two games she has come on as a sub to score with her head.”

The Irish head coach was quick to praise the effort of the players who took to the field in the bright Finnish evening sunlight.

“I can’t fault any of my players for the effort, commitment and energy they put into the game.  They ran themselves into the ground, some of them were physically exhausted at the end, however they know they could have played better, so they’re extremely disappointed with that.

"But they’re professional enough to pick themselves up pretty quickly as we've another game on Tuesday and we want to get the three points against Montenegro.”

Christy McElligott's men began the tournament with an impressive 1-1 draw in blistering heat with the host nation, who are ranked third in the world.

Ireland were without their long-serving captain Simon Baker and prolific striker James Boyle but kept good possession of the ball and we're encouraged going in at the break having held Poland scoreless.

The second half saw the Poles apply more pressure on the Irish team with saves from James Convoy and some good defensive work by Garry Hoey and Kevin Cahillaine holding them at bay. Midway through the second half Ireland took the lead through a brilliant free-kick from Alan Wall which flew into the top corner after a great dummy from Neil Hoey.

With five minutes to go Ireland caught the Poles on the counter but Keven O'Rourke could not convert. With a minute remaining in the game fatigue was a factor in the Irish conceding a last minute goal to deny Ireland what would have been a memorable victory.

Ireland's second encounter was against Ukraine, who came into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Germany, and once again the Irish had to settle for a point.

Ukraine got players behind the ball and invited the Irish players to come and try break them down. Craig Downing had an early chance for Ireland when he punished some sloppy Ukraine defending but the keeper managed to keep out his chipped effort with his head!

Ireland kept up the pressure and unfortunately chances went a begging as two headers from Keven O'Rouke and attempts from Dave Saunders and Alan Wall were somehow kept out.

Outside of the fear of being caught by a counter attack the Irish continued to dominate with reward after the break and the game finished scoreless with both side feeling the strain of a hard contested encounter.

That set up Ireland for their final encounter against Germany and they produced a brilliant display to run out 5-3 winners. A slip of concentration in the Irish defence allowed the German attackers to open the scoring although there was controversy as the ball was knocked into the goal with the crutch so should not have been allowed.

The weather turned into more Irish style with the rain clouds opening and Kevin Cahillane tapped home the equaliser after a shot from Alan Wall the hit the post. Ireland went 2-1 after a set-piece corner and a thunderous header from Dave Saunders. Unfortunately some sloppy play from Ireland enabled Germany to bring the score level just before half-time.

Ireland needed to win the game to be guaranteed second place and they regained the lead with another deflected shot from Kevin Cahillane. The fourth Irish goal was a great shot from 25yards from Craig Downing, who captained the team in his last international game before heading to Canada. The Germans clawed one back with a deflected shot sending keeper Justin Gauiney the wrong way but with two mins left Dave Saunders curled home with a shot from the right to seal the win.