After falling behind early on, the Dublin girls dug deep to break down their opponents and come away with a 3-1 victory.

In the Plate Final, Inishowen Youth League would need an extraordinary penalty shootout to take the spoils at the expense of Tipperary Schoolboys/Girls Southern District League.

Both cup finalists inflicted 3-0 defeats upon their semi-final rivals earlier in the day, with the MGL knocking Donegal out, with Cork seeing past Mayo. Jessica Ziu and Shauna Carroll would both receive the perfect birthday present for MGL as they both scored either side of a finish from Orla Prendergast. In the other semi, Cork were much the sharper team in the opening period and raced into a 2-0 lead through Molly Kelleher and Lauren Egbuloniu. Egbuloniu would go on to grab her 7th goal of the tournament to secure the Munster side’s place in the final.

Fast forward a few hours and Cork once again had the brighter start as Zara Foley met a cross first time, smashing the ball into the net and giving her side the advantage. This proved to be a wake-up call for the Dublin girls and they soon were back on level pegging as Mia Dodd unleashed an unstoppable free-kick from the edge of the box. The MGL would soon have the lead as Ziu got beyond the Cork defence to grab her second of the day and her side’s second of the match.

Not long after, the MGL had the chance to seal it before half-time as they were awarded a penalty. Up stepped captain Elle Ferguson, who struck her spot-kick well, but the ball would cannon off the post and back into play. Cork had plenty of second half chances to get back into the game, with Player of the Match Egbuloniu threatening but were soon battling against the clock. Seconds before the final whistle, the MGL would seal it as Aoife Glennon fired the ball into the net.

In the 3rd and 4th place play-off, Mayo overcame Donegal in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Helena McGee would open the scoring early on for Donegal before Rolayo Aramide would equalise in the first-half. Mayo would score all three of their spotkicks with Donegal having their first saved by Ronayle before missing their 3rd and 4th attempts.

Penalties were also on the agenda in the Plate final, after Rosanna Kiely rescued South Tipp at the death, minutes after Grace McColgan thought she had won it for her side. A shootout was needed and Niamh Doherty the hero for Inishowen as she saved three penalties in what could be described as a battle of the goalkeepers with South Tipp stopper Saoirse Teer also blocking two penalties.

Inishowen had advanced to the final after Erin McLaughlin and Megan Havlin helped them come from behind against Limerick Desmond who took a second half lead through Anna Shine. South Tipp had already faced a shootout before the final as Sarah Armshaw would net the winning spotkick after a 2-2 draw with Clare in the regulation period. Robin Carey netted both Tipp goals early on before Clare staged a revival through Amidat Karimu and Chloe Barry, also from the spot. Desmond would take 7th place later in the day as Eve O’Sullivan, Courtney Duhig, Sophie Liston, and Anna Mullane all found the net in a 4-1 win with Clare only finding a consolation through Karimu.

All nineteen places were decided on the day, with Galway and Wexford needing penalties to claim 9th and 13th respectively after goalless stalemates. Sligo/Leitrim would take 11th through an OG and goals from Leah Duffy, Aoife McLaughlin, and Leah Fox, with Aisling Hanley finding a consolation for Mid-Western. Longford would finish 15th after a Kayla Brady hat-trick against Waterford who found Nadine Seward on the scoresheet. Limerick County would finish 17th after 4-0 and 4-2 victories against NECSL and Carlow respectively.

Results

Monday 6th June

FAI U14 Gaynor Cup 2016

Cup Semi-Finals

Metropolitan Girls League (J Ziu, O Prendergast, S Carroll) 3-0 Donegal Women’s League
Mayo Schoolboys/Girls League 0-3 Cork Womens and Schoolgirls Soccer League (M Kelleher, L Egbuloniu 2)

3rd/4th Place Play-Off
Donegal Women’s League (H McGee) 1-1 Mayo Schoolboys/Girls League (R Aramide) – Mayo win 3-1 on penalties

Gaynor Cup Final
Metropolitan Girls League (M Dodd, J Ziu, A Glennon) 3-1 Cork Womens and Schoolgirls Soccer League (Z Foley)

Shield Semi-Finals

Inishowen Youth League (E McLaughlin, M Havlin) 2-1 Limerick Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League (A Shine)
Tipperary Schoolboys/Girls Southern District League (R Carey) 2-2 Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League (A Karimu, C Barry PEN) – Tipperary win 5-3 on penalties

Shield Final (5th/6th Place Play-Off)
Inishowen Youth League (G McColgan) 1-1 Tipperary Schoolboys/Girls Southern District League (R Kiely) – Inishowen win 3-2 on penalties

7th/8th Place Play-Off
Limerick Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League (E O’Sullivan, C Duhig, S Liston, A Mullane) 4-1 Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League (A Karimu)

9th/10th Place Play-Off
Galway and District League 0-0 Midlands Schoolboys/Girls League – Galway win 5-4 on penalties

11th/12th Place Play-Off
Sligo/Leitrim Youth League (L Duffy, A McLaughlin, L Fox, OG) 4-1 Mid-Western Girls Football League (A Hanley)

13th/14th Place Play-Off
Wexford Women’s League 0-0 North Tipperary Schoolchildren’s League – Wexford win 3-1 on penalties

15th/16th Place Play-Off
Waterford and District Women’s League (N Seward) 1-3 Longford Schoolboys/Girls League (K Brady 3)

17th/18th Place Play-Off
Carlow and District Juveniles League (B Kingsley 2) 2-4 Limerick County and District League (L Lyons 2, E Barrett, L Ni Aodha)

19th Place Play-Off
Limerick County and District League (L Lyons 2, K O’Donnell, C Griffin) 4-0 North-Eastern Counties Schoolchildren’s League

The Girls in Green take to the Tallaght Stadium field for the first time since November in their third UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifying home game.

“They have always got behind us in the games we have played here” declared Ronan. “We’re hoping for another big crowd to get behind the girls as we’re looking to get three points.”

The side’s last met in Petrovac last April with Ireland coming out 5-0 victors thanks to goals from Louise Quinn, Aine O’Gorman, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O’Sullivan and Stephanie Roche.

“We’re not going to underestimate Montenegro, you don’t underestimate any team at international level” explained the Irish head coach.

“They’ve proven tough opponents in all the game they’ve played, in fact they took the lead against Finland the week after we played them.”

“We certainly won’t underestimate them but in saying that, the girls are anxious to get back on the pitch and put the defeat to Finland behind them and hopefully come out with a victory.”

Ireland are without the suspended Niamh Fahey who received a yellow card in Friday night’s defeat to Finland.

However Continental Tyres Women’s National League Player of the season Karen Duggan is available having completed her one game suspension.

Republic of Ireland WNT v Montenegro WNT

UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 Qualifier

Tuesday June 7th

Tallaght Stadium

Kick off 7pm

The new agreement will see O’Neill continue his role with the Ireland team for the FIFA 2018 World Cup campaign, along with Roy Keane, Steve Guppy, Seamus McDonagh and Steve Walford.

Speaking today, O’Neill said he was “delighted” to commit his future to the Ireland team, coming on the eve of the squad’s departure for UEFA EURO 2016.

“I am delighted that John Delaney and the FAI Board have extended our contracts for the World Cup campaign,” said O’Neill.

“It has been an absolute privilege to have been in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team, these last 30 months, and we go to France tomorrow in good spirits, with a strong desire to do well in the next few weeks.

“The players have done brilliantly in the campaign so far and they are ready for the big challenges ahead.”

FAI CEO John Delaney said that the new contract agreement with O’Neill and management team marked a “great day” for Irish football.

“I am delighted we have agreed terms with Martin and his team of Roy Keane, Steve Guppy, Seamus McDonagh and Steve Walford,” said Delaney.

“The board of the FAI were unanimous in offering Martin and his full management team a renewal of their contracts.

“Since Martin has taken over we have achieved the objective of qualifying for the EUROs and he has lead the project in helping to develop some of the emerging talents in Irish football, including Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy, right up to the recent introduction of Callum O’Dowda, who made his senior debut last week.

“I am delighted to have worked with Martin and his team through qualification for the Euros, and I and all of the staff in the Association, look forward to working with them into the future.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish the management team, the players and the backroom team the very best as we embark on our journey to France tomorrow for the European Championships.”

FAI President Tony Fitzgerald said today that O’Neill is the ideal manager for the job.

“Martin is one of the great managers in football and on behalf of the Board of the FAI, we are extremely happy that he and the Association will continue to work together into the future," said Fitzgerald.

“I would also like to pay tribute to his backroom team and wish Roy Keane, Steve Guppy, Seamus McDonagh and Steve Walford the very best of luck as they bring our talented squad to EURO 2016.”

Megan Connolly gave the hosts the lead after three minutes, Aine O’Gorman’s pull back across the box found Stephanie Roche.

Roche’s shot was blocked by Montenegro keeper Obradovic with her foot, Megan Connolly was on hand to slot the ball into an empty net.

Aine O’Gorman doubled the lead on the 11th minute with a speculative left footed effort from the edge of the box which curled in behind the post.

Armisa Kuc rattled the cross bar on 14 minutes, heading a corner off the top of Emma Byrne goal.

Ireland came close to extending their lead on 23 minutes, Obradovic kept out Karen Duggan shot, Megan Connolly’s follow up header was straight at the keeper.

Stephanie Roche landed an exquisite free kick in the final minute of the first half. Roche left footed free left Montenegro keeper Obradovic flat footed.

Ireland picked up where they left off after the break Julie-Ann Russell unlucky not to add to the score on 47 minutes her left footed curler just wide of the far post.

Aine O’Gorman made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half. Katie McCabe’s free kick found Stephanie Roche who headed the ball into O’Gorman’s path to blast home.

O’Gorman sealed her hat-trick on 58 minutes with a super strike from 30 yards which gave Montenegro keeper Obradovic no chance.

Louise Quinn made it 6-0 on 62 minutes heading Jule-Anne Russell’s corner home. Stephanie Roche made it seven three minutes later.

The referee waved play on after Katie McCabe was fouled in the box, Roche drove into the bottom left corner of the net.

Roche completed her hat-trick on 68 minutes with a deftly header, heading McCabe’s cross past the stranded Obradovic.

Fiona O’Sullivan made it 9-0 heading home Julie-Ann Russell’s cross with seven minutes remaining.

The final score is a joint record score the Republic of Ireland WNT having previously beaten Malta 9-0 away in 2003.

Republic Of Ireland: Emma Byrne, Sophie Perry, Louise Quinn, Savannah McCarthy, Meabh De Burca, Aine O’Gorman (Fiona O’Sullivan 77), Megan Connolly(Katie McCabe HT, Karen Duggan, Ruesha Littlejohn (Denise O’Sullivan 63), Juile-Ann Russell, Stephanie Roche

Substitute’s not used: Grace Moloney, Jetta Berrill, Diane Caldwell, Emma Hansberry

Montenegro: Obradovic, Radanovic, Rondovic, Trutic, Djurkovic (Bozic 78), Djukic, Kuc, Vulic, Bulatovic, Bojat, Djokovic (Zlaticanin)

Substitutes not used: Cadjenovic, Vesovic, Radunovic, Popovic

Referee: Ivana Projkovska (Macedonia)

The Continental Tyres Women's National League will host their European fixtures at Ferrycarrig Park while the RSC, Waterford, will also be used for the four-team group, which takes place from August 22-29

UEFA will make the draw for the group stages in Nyon on Friday, June 24.

Wexford Youths won two out of their three games at the same stage last year but went out to host club, Polish champions KKPK Medyk Konin, who topped the group with nine points.

Eamon Naughton Chairman of FAI Continental Tyres Women's National League believes the news from UEFA about this year's hosting will be a boost for the Irish champions.

"I see this as great news for Wexford Youths WFC and for the Continental Tyres Women's National League as a whole. I wouldn't want to put any pressure on them but they showed last year that they can compete at this level and with last year's experience behind them hopefully they can build on it and progress this time around," he said.

The FAI in partnership with a number of Education and Training Boards throughout the country and supported by the European Social Fund operate Local Training Initiatives that provide a unique blend of educational and football development for talented young footballers and future football coaches.

Former trainees that have participated in the course have benefitted greatly with over 110 players from all eight courses countrywide progressing to professional football in the Airtricity Premier and First Division League of Ireland.

A number of students have done particularly well in the recent past with many players progressing to represent Ireland at U18, U19 and U21 level. Recent trainees including Enda Stevens, Kevin Long,  Matt Doherty, Ian McLoughlin, Jay O'Shea and Dylan Connolly went on to play in the UK while other trainees have taken up football scholarships in the U.S.

The education programme co-ordinates and delivers this aspect of the programme which consists of theory and practical sessions in the areas of health, fitness, business and computers.

Students are prepared for a FETAC Level 5 qualification (Leaving Cert equivalent) in Sport, Recreation & Exercise studies and if a certain standard of performance is achieved during this phase students then prepare for the internationally renowned and recognised, ITEC Gym Instructors Diploma.

Trainees who meet the required level of points in FETAC 5 are eligible through CAO to apply to the Institutes of Technology countrywide. 

The course participants will also take part in Kick Start 1 and 2, and Youth Cert coaching courses, the first three steps on the way to becoming a qualified coach.

Registrations for the 2016 courses can be made by contacting course co-ordinators below:

Player Development LTI  FETAC Level 5 Courses: Clondalkin, Dublin, Contact: Harry Kenny 086 0437764; Cabra, Dublin, Contact: Harry McCue 086 6097544; Irishtown, Dublin, Contact: Gerry Davis 087 2830470; Limerick, Contact: Trevor Lovell 087 2398718; Castlebar, Mayo, Contact: Leo Tierney 087 6816442; Carrigaline, Cork, Contact: Mick Conroy 086 8030149.
Player Development LTI  FETAC Level 4 Course: Blarney, Cork, Contact: Ray Claffey 086 0434515.
Coach Development LTI   FETAC Level 5 Course: Ringmahon, Cork, Contact: Billy Woods 086 6025509

FAI TV went behind-the-scenes to capture all the footage as the Boys in Green arrived in France ahead of Monday's Group E clash with Sweden. 

Republic of Ireland Manager Martin O'Neill sat down with FAI TV this afternoon to give his first impressions on the Republic of Ireland's EURO 2016 base camp in Versailles while also discussing his new contract agreement. 

Born in Omagh in 1929, McCaffrey was best known as the first winner of the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Personality of the Year award after guiding Drumcondra to the title in 1960-61. He was top scorer in the league that season with 29 goals. McCaffrey attended every subsequent SWAI Awards night up until 2014.

During his two years with Drumcondra he also appeared in the FAI Cup Final in 1961 where he scored the opening goal as his side were beaten 2-1 by St Patrick's Athletic. The 1960-61 season also saw McCaffrey's side win the Dublin City Cup, the Top Four Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup as McCaffrey bagged 50 goals in all competitions. He then helped Drums to the League of Ireland Shield and the Presidents Cup in 1961-62.

He emerged in the Irish League with Derry City in the 52-53 campaign then later played for Crusaders before joining English Southern League clubs Worcester City, Yeovil Town and Boston United before Sligo Rovers brought him to the League of Ireland in 1959.

He later played for Waterford, Cork Hibernians, Drogheda, Castlebar Celtic and Omagh Town. He also played inter-county GAA for Tyrone and won one Amateur international cap for Northern Ireland against England at Selhurst Park in 1954.

FAI CEO John Delaney paid tribute to McCaffrey's contribution to the game. "Dan McCaffrey was a real gentlemen and had a marvellous career in the League of Ireland. I met him at a number of SWAI Awards evenings and he was rightly proud of being the first ever winner of their Personality of the Year Award," said Delaney.

"It is sad day for the league and we send our sympathies to his family at this time. We will pay tribute to his memory at our next home international."

Dan is survived by his wife Bridie,  daughters  Geraldine, Noelle and Ursula, grandchildren Daniel,  Janet and Ella,  brother Don and his wife Isobel and large family circle. Funeral will take place in The Sacred Heart Church in Omagh on Sunday  at 11am.

Donohue is a UEFA Pro Licence holder who has worked with various underage international sides in recent years.

FAI High Performance director Ruud Dokter said: "Jason has been an assistant for three years with Colin O'Brien with the U15 national team so now is a good time for him to step up and take charge of this team.

"Jason had also been involved with many of the underage sides in a number of roles in recent years. We feel that it's the right time for him. He has good international experience and knowledge and he's ready for it.

"This is a very important role as it's the first step on the international ladder for the players. He is an excellent coach and has a lot of experience from a player identification perspective, which is hugely important aspect of this role."

The Dubliner has also coached at SSE Airtricity League level with St Patrick's Athletic in recent seasons but will be stepping down from that role. He is one of the FAI's lead Coach Education tutors.

Donohue has expressed his delight at being handed the opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland U15 international team.

"I'm delighted to get this role. I view it as a great honour. Having been assistant coach for three years and worked with all of the international teams from U19 down I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to be head coach of the U15s," said Donohue.

Donohue has worked with the FAI for ten years having started off as a Development Officer in Dublin then worked in Player Development and Coach Education 2011. He has been Head Coach for development teams which travelled to Belgium and other sides which participated in the Galway Cup and Foyle Cup competitions.

"I am particularly looking forward to working within the framework of the Player Development Plan and with the Emerging Talent Programme," added Donohue.

Martin O'Neill's squad welcomed over 2,000 locals to the Stade Montbauron, Versailles, this afternoon as the countdown to Monday's game continued. FAI TV met some of the supporters who shared their delight at having the Boys in Green in town:

Former South Tipperary County Manager Ned O'Connor will work with Waterford United and the local football community to address the issues concerning the First Division club.

Mr O'Connor completed an independent report on the future development of senior football in Galway in 2012 that led to the return of a restructured Galway United to the SSE Airtricity League.

Peter McLoone, former general secretary of IMPACT trade union and ex-chairman of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' Public Services Committee, has been appointed to conduct an independent interim review into the situation at Athlone Town.

Mr McLoone is to meet with all of the relevant stakeholders of Athlone Town FC, including the Chairman, Board members, Management and Players, as well as supporters groups and potential investors, to discuss recent issues and the long-term future of the club.

"Ned O'Connor and Peter McLoone are two highly regarded individuals who will bring a wealth of experience to assist in both situations. These two clubs have great histories in our league and we wish to ensure that great traditional is maintained to the level required. We hope that the experience of these individuals will assist them to secure stability and re-establish the structures to fulfil their potential as SSE Airtricity League clubs," said FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin.

O'Neill issues an update on the fitness of Robbie Keane, Jonathan Walters and James McCarthy from the team hotel in Versailles. 

The refinance agreement was completed with Bank of Ireland today, and reduces the Association’s bank debt from €45m to €35m, and marks another significant step in the debt reduction programme, related to the construction of the Aviva Stadium.

The FAI has now halved its overall debt in the past seven years.

FAI CEO John Delaney said today that the new agreement marks a hugely significant chapter in the ongoing stability of the Association.

“The Board of the FAI and I would like to pay tribute and thanks to Denis O’Brien and his advisory support through Island Capital Ltd to achieve this positive outcome for Irish football.”

“Denis has been a great supporter of the FAI for many years, and will continue to contribute to the salaries of our senior management team with the Republic of Ireland squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.

“I would like to thank Bank of Ireland for their continued support, and they are a key sponsor of our Post-Primary Schools Cup Competitions,” said Delaney.

Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking, Tom Hayes, said, "We are delighted to partner with the FAI on this refinancing deal, an organisation which plays such a key role in promoting and supporting Irish football from grassroots to international levels.

“Bank of Ireland has worked with a number of sporting organisations over the years on initiatives including sponsorships and funding, so we're particularly proud to collaborate on this important transaction which ensures the FAI has a sound financial platform and is well positioned for continued success and growth.

“We also send our best wishes to the management and team as they embark on their EURO 2016 Finals campaign."

Further details of the finance deal will be disclosed to all of our members at the upcoming FAI AGM in July.

As Martin O'Neill's team prepare to kick off their first of three Group E games - against Sweden, Belgium, and Italy - get up to date with all of the relevant statistics, results, and information.

From the opening qualifier in Tbilisi through to the Play-Off victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina, this Media Guide charts the road to France and provides flashbacks to previous EURO Finals appearances by Ireland.

Also included is a full squad list with an exclusive profile on each player with their entire senior international match history. This Media Guide is for anyone with a passion for the Boys in Green.

Tetrarch's sponsorship over the next two-and-a-half years will assist the growth of the Football For All programme and facilitate greater accessibility for aspiring players. With over 3,500 players participating in the programme, and significant plans for expansion, Football For All caters for players of varying disabilities, such as blind, deaf, powerchair and amputee players.

Tetrarch Capital is an Irish-owned company that is a market leader in real estate investment and development with an extensive property portfolio across several asset classes. Tetrarch Hospitality, the Group's captive hospitality management platform, oversees the operation of some of Ireland's largest and best know hotels, resorts and golf courses. Tetrarch's current hospitality investment portfolio includes Citywest, The Marker, Mount Juliet, Powerscourt Hotel, Killashee Hotel, The Dawson Hotel, Mount Wolseley and Clonmel Park Hotel.

FAI CEO John Delaney welcomed the deal: "The FAI are delighted to work with Tetrarch for the next two and a half years. The FAI works incredibly hard to cater for as many people as possible who want to play football, so our Football For All programme is an initiative that we treasure greatly. To have a company of Tetrarch's esteem come onboard as title sponsor for that programme will prove invaluable."

Damien Gaffney, Managing Director of Tetrarch Hospitality, remarked: "With EURO 2016 kicking off this week it is important we don't forget that football is a game that can be played and enjoyed by everyone. As an Irish-owned company we are extremely proud of our sponsorship of the FAI's Football For All programme and we look forward to helping John Delaney, Oisin Jordan and their FAI colleagues to expand the programme's reach and number of events. This is a particularly important initiative for all of us in Tetrarch and we will be actively involved in the promotion of the programme throughout our period of sponsorship."

Oisin Jordan, National Coordinator for Football For All, said: "This new sponsorship deal with Tetrarch Hospitality is a fantastic opportunity to increase the FAI's investment in creating an environment of inclusivity in its sport in Ireland and will continue to ensure opportunities for players with disabilities to access the sport they love at a level that suits them."

All supporters are advised to allow for extra time than normal to access the stadium due to security checks

Fan Zone
Located in Saint Denis the UEFA Fan Zone opens from 15:00 but supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible due to security checks.

If seated in the Nord stand, supporters should follow signs for M13 or RER D.

A team of helpful fan ambassadors will be located at the stadium entry points from 14:30 to answer any queries that supporters may have.

For more information visit - http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/fanzone/index.html

Safety Advice
The FAI wishes a safe and immensely enjoyable trip for all our supporters travelling to support the team in France. To help keep supporters informed with useful travel advice, we would like to highlight a new service offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Minister Charlie Flanagan has launched TravelWise, a new smartphone application offering travel advice and connecting Irish citizens with the Department in the case of an emergency.

The application offers users with information on 200 countries, useful travel tips, a handy pre-travel check-list and a facility to register your details with the Embassy. It is also possible to set up alerts for selected countries and receive security updates.

You can access the app in the app store here or in the Google play store here.  

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

Official Match Hashtag
#IRLSWE 

Official Ireland Tags
#COYBIG  
#IRL

Match Info
Republic of Ireland v Sweden
Stade De France, Saint Denis
Group E
KO 18:00 (17:00 Irish Time)
Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

The FAI would like to express its sympathies to the family of Darren Rodgers from Ballymena.

FAI President Tony FItzgerald said today: “Our hearts go out to all of our friends in the Irish Football Association and to all Northern Ireland supporters following this terrible tragedy.

“I would like to express our sincerest condolences on behalf of myself and the board of the FAI.”

John Delaney, FAI CEO, said that it was a terrible day for football and a tragic day for the young man’s family.

“This should be a wonderful day for football and for all football supporters at the UEFA EURO 2016 tournament - instead it is a day of deep sadness for everyone associated with football,” he said.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies, and those of everyone at the FAI, to the family and friends of Mr Rodgers, and to offer our support at this time to the IFA and its President Jim Shaw and CEO Patrick Nelson,” said Delaney.

“A young man who went to enjoy a football tournament will not be coming home, and we are saddened by such a sad loss.

"The FAI would also like to take this time to remember the family and friends of James Nolan who tragically passed away four years ago in Poland at EURO 2012."

Kerry, who ended up 6-2 winners of this entertaining Group 1 clash, led 4-0 at half-time. 

The holders had goals from Leo Gaxha as early as the sixth minute as well as Sean McGrath, Gearoid Hassett and Mervin Shalamba during the opening half. Shalamba added a second goal after the break and Ryan O'Grady completed the Kerry scoring when his free-kick was deflected into the Wicklow net.

The tournament's most successful side, the Dublin and District Schoolboy League (DDSL), opened their campaign with a hard-earned 2-0 win over a battling Kilkenny League side in wet, misty conditions on Monday night.

The DDSL lead 1-0 at half-time, thanks to a goal from St Francis' Dylan Duffy. The Dubliners wrapped up the three points late on when Troy Parrot netted his side's second goal.

2015 beaten semi-finalists, the Limerick Desmond Schoolboy League, got their Group 2 campaign off to a winning start when defeating the Midlands League 2-1.

Two goals, one in either half from the lively Brian Ahern, helped the Desmond side secure the precious three points on offer.

Kennedy Cup Results, Day 1:

Group 1:

Kerry League 6, Wicklow League 2; Donegal League 3, Carlow League 1

Group 2:

Limerick District League 0, Clare League 2; Limerick Desmond League 2, Midlands League 1

Group 3:

NDSL League 4, Drogheda 1; Waterford League 4 Roscommon League 0

Group 4:

Galway League 1, Longford League 0; Athlone League 3, Inishowen League 1

Group 5:

Wexford 0, West Cork 1; North Tipperary 5, Limerick County 0

Group 6:

Cork 6, WWEC 0; Cavan/Monaghan 2, South Tipperary 0

Group 7:

DDSL 2, Kilkenny 0; Dundalk 0, Sligo/Leitrim 2

Group 8:

Kildare 3, NEC 1; Mayo 2, SDFL 0

Further details available here: http://www.sfai.ie/index.php/kennedy-cup 

PICTURED ABOVE: DDSL Kennedy Cup squad 2016 pictured before their 2-0 victory over the Kilkenny League