O’Neill reflects on the performance before rating Jon Walters as doubtful ahead of Saturday’s EURO 2016 clash with Belgium in Bordeaux.
Martin O'Neill's side picked up a valuable point against the Swedes as the two former SSE Airtricity League players combined as Coleman's cross found Hoolahan who swept the ball home at the start of the second-half.
Overall, there are eight former SSE Airtricity League players in Martin O'Neill's squad so we thought we'd take a look and highlight their SSE Airtricity League careers.
Eight current Ireland players who played in the SSE Airtricity League
Wes Hoolahan
Born: Dublin
Age: 34
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Shelbourne
Having played for Belvedere during his youth career, Hoolahan moved to Shelbourne in 2001.
It was a great period for the Shels who won the 2001-02 Premier Division title and were regularly competing at the top table of European football, the UEFA Champions League.
It was during this time that Hoolahan become a 'folk hero' for the club and although he didn't contribute much in terms of goals, his link-play with the likes of Jason Byrne and Stephen Geoghegan contributed to the club's success.
Hoolahan was a crucial member of the team who won the 2004 Premier Division title and drew against Spanish giants Deportivo La Coruna at Tolka Park in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, before losing to French side Lille in the UEFA Cup.
Hoolahan moved to Scottish side Livingston in 2005 to round off a successful spell for the Shels, one which he'll always be remembered fondly for.
Seamus Coleman
Born: Killybegs
Age: 27
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Sligo Rovers
Coleman's career owes itself to one particular friendly match between his Donegal side St. Catherine's and Sligo Rovers.
Originally a Gaelic footballer, Coleman played against Sligo Rovers in a friendly and impressed so much that Rovers snapped up the full-back on the spot.
Whilst Coleman was a promising prospect, it was only when former Sligo manager Paul Cook arrived at Showgrounds that he began to show his best form.
He went on to play 55 times for Sligo over three seasons, in which Rovers obtained 5th, 6th and 4th place finishes before moving to Premier League side Everton in 2009.
James McClean
Born: Derry
Age: 27
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Derry City
After starting his career at Irish Premier League club Institute, McClean moved to his hometown club Derry City in 2008.
He enjoyed a fantastic three-year spell for the Candystripes despite difficulties off-the-field for the club and was an important member of the squad who won the SSE Airtricity League First Division title in 2010.
He continued his impressive form for Derry as the club finished third in the Premier Division table in the 2011 season before he moved on to English Premier League side Sunderland.
Daryl Murphy
Born: Waterford
Age: 33
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Waterford United
Murphy came through the youth ranks at local side Southend United, where he scored over 300 goals in four years and led Waterford to victory in the 1998 U14 Kennedy Cup.
He moved to English side Luton Town to start his professional career but was released by the Hatters so he moved back to Ireland to join his hometown club Waterford United.
He flourished at United where he quickly built his reputation as a target-man and helped the side claim the 2002-03 SSE Airtricity League First Division title with eight goals that season.
He continued his impressive form for his hometown club and that was capped off with 14 goals during the 2004 Premier Division season which helped him claim the PFAI Young Player of the Year award, before moving to Sunderland.
Stephen Ward
Born: Dublin
Age: 30
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Bohemians
Having played schoolboy football for Home Farm and Portmarnock, Ward moved to Bohemians in 2003 and scored twice on his debut against Skerries Farm in the FAI Cup.
During his time at Bohs, Ward was used mainly as a striker, scoring nine goals in the 2005 Premier Division season but could also play in other areas of the pitch.
Bohs were struggling towards the bottom of the Premier Division with a 9th place finish in 2006 but Ward was shining light for the side and began attracting interest from English clubs.
Having made 93 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals, Ward moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2007.
Stephen Quinn
Born: Dublin
Age: 30
Former SSE Airtricity League club: St. Patrick's Athletic
Stephen came through the youth ranks at Premier Division side St. Patrick's Athletic where he was already attracting significant interest from the UK.
At the age of 18, Quinn made his debut for St. Pat's against Shamrock Rovers in a 2-1 defeat and he was quickly snapped up by English side Sheffield United.
Shane Long
Born: Gortnahoe
Age: 29
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Cork City
Impressive in the youth ranks at Cork City, Long was another player who was tracked by a host of clubs throughout his short youth career.
Originally a hurler, he played in consecutive Munster minor finals against Cork for Tipperary before Pat Dolan offered him a route into football with Cork City.
He only managed one substitute appearance with Cork City before moving to Reading as part of the Kevin Doyle deal.
David Meyler
Born: Cork
Age: 27
Former SSE Airtricity League club: Cork City
Another product of the famous Cork City production line, Meyler progressed through the youth ranks at Turner's Cross before he stepped up to the first-team in 2008.
He impressed immediately for Cork and after a handful of appearances for the Rebel Army, Meyler joined English Premier League side Sunderland later that year.
Cork followed up on their 2-1 victory over South Tipp on Tuesday morning, when Robert Geaney-O'Brien netted a brace, by beating Cavan/Monaghan 3-0 in their final group game.
Ronan O'Brien netted twice for the Leesiders, while Alex Hill added the third. Cork will now face the SDFL in Wednesday's quarter-finals.
Elsewhere, last year's finalists, the Dublin and District Schoolboy League (DDSL), booked a last eight meeting with the Limerick Desmond Schoolboy League after boasting a 100 per cent record of three wins in Group 7.
The DDSL scored a 3-0 victory over the Dundalk League in their final round robin game with Josh Guirgi, Alex Dunne and Brandon Holt on target for the Dubliners.
Limerick Desmond secured their place in the Cup quarter-finals when securing a hard-earned 1-1 draw with local rivals Limerick District.
The Desmond goal came courtesy of a first half penalty from Joey Rushe.
Holders, the Kerry League, will face the Galway League in another of the quarter-finals. Having beaten Carlow 6-0 in their second group game, Kerry fell to a 2-0 defeat to Donegal in their final pool game.
Results Day Two SFAI Kennedy Cup:
Group 1:
Kerry 6-0 Carlow; Donegal 0-1 Wicklow; Kerry 0-2 Donegal; Carlow 0-2 Wicklow
Group 2:
Limerick District 0-3 Midlands; Limerick Desmond 1-0 Clare; Limerick District 1-1 Limerick Desmond; Midlands 2-2 Clare
Group 3
NDSL 4-0 Roscommon; Waterford 4-1 Drogheda; NDSL 0-0 Waterford; Roscomon 3-2 Drogheda
Group 4
Galway 2-1 Inishowen; Athlone 2-2 Longford; Galway 1-1 Athlone; Inishowen 0-2 Longford
Group 5
Wexford 3-0 Limerick County; North Tipp 1-1 West Cork; Wexford 1-0 North Tipp; Limerick County 0-0 West Cork
Group 6
Cork 2-1 South Tipp; Cavan/Monaghan 2-0 WWEC; Cork 3-0 Cavan/Monaghan; South Tipp 1-0 WWEC
Group 7
DDSL 2-0 Sligo/Leitrim; Dundalk 0-3 Kilkenny; DDSL 3-0 Dundalk; Sligo/Leitrim 0-1 Kilkenny
Group 8
Kildare 0-2 SDFL; Mayo 2-1 NEC; Kildare 2-0 Mayo; SDFL 3-0 NEC
For more details see here: http://www.sfai.ie/index.php/kennedy-cup
Lee McLaughlin (19) from Inishowen, Co Donegal, arrived in Paris on Sunday with his father and another family member, and was due to fly back home to Ireland yesterday.
They attended Ireland’s opening Group E match v Sweden at the Stade de France on Monday evening before they returned to their hotel in Montmartre a number of hours after the game.
Sometime before midday on Tuesday Mr McLaughlin is believed to have left the hotel on his own, and he has not been seen since.
FAI CEO John Delaney has been in touch with the McLaughlin family and has offered every assistance and support to the family, including the activation of an extensive communication and social media campaign to help locate Lee.
The FAI has today communicated with the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs and has sought its help in locating Lee.
Anyone with any information can contact the FAI’s Rep of Ireland Ambassador Number at +353 83 816 4158 or email helpfindlee@fai.ie. The Irish Embassy in Paris can be contacted on +33 1441 76780.
Byrne passed away on Monday aged 70 after a battle with illness. Born in Rathdowney, Co Laois, he moved to London as a 12-year-old and played for Millwall before joining Southampton in 1964.
A talented midfielder who converted into defence, he won 14 caps for Ireland and spent ten years with the Saints before joining Hereford United and later had a stint with Newport County.
He made his Ireland debut against Denmark in October 1969. He was part of the Hereford United side that won the English Third Division in 1975-76.
FAI CEO John Delaney paid tribute to Byrne this afternoon. He said: “I was saddened to hear of Tony Byrne’s passing. He was an excellent servant for the national team at a time when it wasn’t glamourous to do so.
“He had an excellent career in the game and most notably was a first regular at Southampton in the top flight. His journey from Rathdowney in Co Laois to become a professional footballer was a remarkable story in its own right.
“We were delighted that he attended the gathering of the former international players at Croke Park in 2007. Our sympathies go to his family and friends. We will pay tribute to him at our next home international.”
Galway trailed their opponents 1-0 at half-time after Sean McGrath put the Kerry side in front on 12 minutes.
However, Charlie Concannon equalised for unbeaten Galway seven minutes into the second half.
Then, as the game ticked close to full-time, Luke Prendergast popped up with a precious winner for Galway to earn the Connacht side a semi-final showdown with Cork.
Cork, who scored 11 goals and conceded just one in the group phase, secured their semi-final spot with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the SDFL.
The Leesiders hit the front on 20 minutes with the in-form Robert Geaney-O'Brien firing home. Cork added a second goal through Ronan O'Brien five minutes later to close out victory.
Thursday's opening semi-final in the SFAI Kennedy Cup will be an all-Dublin affair as the DDSL take on the NDSL.
The DDSL, yet to concede a goal in the competition, recorded a hard fought 1-0 victory over 2015 beaten semi-finalists, the Limerick Desmond Schoolboy League.
The game's only goal arrived just before half time courtesy of the DDSL's Dylan Duffy.
2011 Cup winners the NDSL defeated the Wexford League 3-0 to book their place in the last four.
The NDSL goals were scored by Dennis Robu, two, and Darragh Curtin.
SFAI Kennedy Cup 2016 Day 3 Results:
Trophy quarter-finals:
NEC 2-4 Drogheda; WWEC 1-2 Dundalk; Limerick District 2-1 Carlow; Limerick County 3-5 Inishowen
Shield quarter-finals:
Roscommon 0-3 Mayo; North Tipperary 0-2 Clare; Longford 1-0 Wicklow; South Tipp 0-0 Sligo/Leitrim (South Tipp win 4-2 on pens)
Bowl quarter-finals:
Athlone 0-2 Midlands; Cavan/Monaghan 2-2 West Cork (West Cork win 5-4 on pens); Kildare 1-0 Waterford; Donegal 0-1 Kilkenny
SFAI Kennedy Cup quarter-finals:
Limerick Desmond 0-1 DDSL; Wexford 0-3 NDSL; Galway 2-1 Kerry; Cork 2-0 SDFL
More details available here: http://www.sfai.ie/index.php/kennedy-cup
Tresor Sangi kept his composure superbly to slot home the decisive spot kick which gave the Galway side a nail-biting 5-4 victory on penalties over their gallant Cork opponents. The Leesiders missed three of their seven penalties, with Galway failing to convert two.
The two sides had finished deadlocked 0-0 at the end of normal time. Defences held sway throughout a tense semi-final played out before a large and enthusiastic attendance.
Both sides struggled to create a clear-cut scoring opportunity in blustery conditions.
Galway, seeking to win the Kennedy Cup for the first time, face the DDSL, who are hoping to win the interleague U-14 title for the 30th time on Friday.
The DDSL recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to see over local rivals, the NDSL, 2-1, in another highly competitive semi-final.
2011 winners, the NDSL, took a first half lead through Darragh Curtin. It was the first goal the DDSL had conceded in their five SFAI Kennedy Cup games this week.
The DDSL refused to panic and backed by a strong wind hit back with two goals in the final quarter. Exciting striker Troy Parrot played in Brandon Holt for the equaliser in the 45th minute, with the goalscorer producing a composed finish.
Holt turned provider for Parrot four minutes from full time when he crossed for the Belvedere player who was fouled inside the penalty area.
The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Parrot netted the winner at the second attempt, after his initial effort was saved.
Elsewhere, on Friday, the Midlands and Kilkenny Leagues will contest the Bowl final, while the Shield final will be between Mayo and Longford.
Limerick District and Dundalk will meet in the Trophy final.
SFAI Kennedy Cup Day 4 Results:
Trophy semi-finals:
Inishowen 0-1 Limerick District;
Dundalk 3-0 Drogheda
Trophy quarter-final losers:
NEC 3-2 Carlow;
Limerick County 2-0 WWEC
Shield semi-finals:
Longford 0-0 Clare (Longford win 4-3 on pens);
Mayo 4-1 South Tipp
Shield quarter-final losers:
Roscommon 2-1 Wicklow;
Sligo/Leitrim 2-1 North Tipp
Bowl semi-finals:
Kilkenny 0-0 Kildare (Kilkenny win 5-4 on pens);
Midlands 3-0 West Cork
Bowl quarter-final losers:
Athlone 0-2 Cavan/Monaghan;
Donegal 0-1 Waterford
Plate semi-finals:
Kerry 1-2 SDFL;
Limerick Desmond 0-1 Wexford
SFAI Kennedy Cup semi-finals:
NDSL 1-2 DDSL
Galway 0-0 Cork (Galway win 5-4 on pens)
Play-offs:
(27th-28th positions)
Drogheda 1-0 Inishowen
(29th-30th positions)
NEC 0-1 Limerick County
(31st-32nd positions)
Carlow 5-0 WWEC
(19th-20th positions)
South Tipp 0-5 Clare
(21st-22nd positions)
Roscommon 1-1 Sligo/Leitrim (Roscommon win 5-4 on pens)
(23rd-24th positions)
Wicklow 2-4 North Tipperary
Plate semi-final losers (7th-8th positions)
Kerry 1-0 Limerick Desmond
Bowl semi-final losers (11th-12th positions)
West Cork 4-2 Kildare
(13-14th positions)
Cavan/Monaghan 0-7 Waterford
(15th-16th positions)
Athlone 0-3 Donegal
IrelandFans.fai.ie is a brand new website dedicated to the best fans in the world, the Republic of Ireland supporters.
The website will focus on bringing Ireland supporters the latest news from the national team, exclusive behind-the-scenes content and special features on Ireland’s team, past and present.
Not only is the portal for the fans, but it is also about the fans. Ireland fans are renowned for bringing their colour, passion and fervour all around the world, so this website aims to reflect that.
We’ll be looking for you to send in your photos and videos to the @FAIreland team, and you could feature on the fans portal.
Not only that, download exclusive wallpapers of your favourite Ireland stars, visit our social hub to keep track of all of the latest social media activity and sign up to the website to have your say!
FAI Development Officers from the Dublin City Council were on hand as over 200 Traveller men made their way to the Phoenix Park on 14th of June for health checks on Traveller Men’s Health Day, supported by the Eastern Regional Traveller Health Network and part of Men’s Health Week.
Organisations such as the Irish Cancer Society, Pieta House, Headstrong, Jigsaw and the Marie Keating Foundation provided health information and diabetes and cholesterol checks were made available by nurses from North County Dublin before a few rousing games of soccer. Boots also provided information on sun protection before the rain came.
Travellers and Roma came from as far away as Donegal to attend and included people from Fingal, Coolock, Condalkin Travellers Development Group, Tallaght Travellers Development Group, TravAct, Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group, Southside Traveller Action Group and for the first time there was a Roma football team involved. The Pavee Point team carried away the winner’s cup for the third year in a row and so remain the team to beat.
In 2014, the FAI established a Technical Advisory Group, which brought together experienced football people to review all aspects of how the underage game is played in Ireland and how we can make the changes required to increase standards across the country.
They set out to develop an overall philosophy that is based on a player-focused model. This required the FAI to adapt the game to meet the needs of children and not change children to meet the requirements of the game.
If children enjoy their earliest experiences of football then they are more likely to improve and to remain in the game. The reasons for children playing football and their expectations and values are quite different from those of adults.
Check out the video below and let the children play!
Wednesday, June 22
UEFA EURO 2016 Group E
Italy v Republic of Ireland, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille (20.00)
Friday, June 24
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Bohemians v Galway United, Dalymount Park (19.45)
Derry City v Wexford Youths, Brandywell (19.45)
Dundalk v St Patrick’s Athletic, Oriel Park (19.45 )
Sligo Rovers v Bray Wanderers, The Showgrounds (19.45)
Shamrock Rovers v Cork City, Tallaght Stadium (20.00)
Longford Town v Finn Harps, City Calling Stadium (20.00)
SSE Airtricity League First Division
Shelbourne v Waterford United, Tolka Park (19.15)
Athlone Town v Cobh Ramblers, Athlone Town Stadium (19.45)
Cabinteely v Limerick, Stradbrook (19.45)
Drogheda United v UCD, United Park (19.45)
SSE Airtricity League U17 Northern Elite Division
Finn Harps v Derry City, Finn Park (19.30)
Saturday, June 25
SSE Airtricity League U17 Northern Elite Division
Dundalk v Shelbourne, Oriel Park (12.00)
Bohemians v Monaghan-Cavan FP, Oscar Traynor Centre (15.00)
Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United, Showgrounds (14.00)
SSE Airtricity League U17 Southern Elite Division
Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers, Tallaght Stadium (12.00)
Cabinteely v UCD, Whelan Park, Larkview FC (12.00)
Mervue United v Limerick FC, Fahy's Field (12.00)
SSE Airtricity League U19 Northern Elite Division
Athlone Town v Drogheda United, Athlone Town Stadium (14.00)
Derry City v Sligo Rovers, Brandywell (14.00)
Shelbourne v Longford Town, Tolka Park (14.00)
SSE Airtricity League U19 Southern Elite Division
Cabinteely v Waterford United, Stradbrook (14.00)
UCD v Limerick, AUL Complex (14.00)
Wexford Youths v Bray Wanderers, Ferrycarrig Park (14.00)
Sunday, June 26
SSE Airtricity League U17 Northern Elite Division
St Patrick Athletic v Longford Town, ALSAA (14.00)
SSE Airtricity League U17 Southern Elite Division
Kerry League v Salthill Devon, Mounthawk Park (14.00)
Wexford Youths v Cobh Ramblers, Ferrycarrig Park (14.00)
Cork City v Waterford United, Bishoptown (14.00)
SSE Airtricity League U19 Northern Elite Division
St Patrick's Athletic v Finn Harps, IT Blanchardstown (14.00)
SSE Airtricity League U19 Southern Elite Division
Cobh Ramblers v Shamrock Rovers, St Colman's Park (14.00)
Galway United v Cork City, Eamon Deacy Park (14.00)
Wednesday, June 29
SSE Airtricity League U19 Northern Elite Division
Dundalk v Bohemians, Oriel Park (20.00)
**All fixtures are correct at time of publication but are subject to change
Exciting striker Troy Parrot scored the winning spot kick in a tense shoot-out after the sides had finished 0-0 after extra time.
In all, this is the DDSL's 30th success in 40 years of the Kennedy Cup competition. The DDSL were regaining the title won by the Kerry League 12 months ago.
The DDSL created the better of the chances during normal time, with Karl O'Callaghan's fine header on 17 minutes crashing against an upright, while penalty shoot-out hero Parrot headed just over shortly before half-time.
Galway grew more into the game in the second period and Colm Cunningham was only prevented from giving the Connacht side the lead by an excellent save from the DDSL 'keeper with four minutes remaining.
As the stalemate prevailed through extra-time, the decider went to a penalty shoot-out with the DDSL converting four of their five spot kicks, while Galway managed to score just three.
It was tough luck on a brave Galway side, but on the evidence of the five days of keen competition, the DDSL were deserving winners, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one in their six games.
Elsewhere, the Cork League claimed a third-placed finish with a 4-2 win on penalties over the NDSL in their play-off clash.
The game had finished 1-1 after normal time. Ope Abiru put the Dubliners in front in the first half, while Robert Geaney-O'Brien equalised for Cork late on.
In the Plate final to decide fifth and sixth place, the SDFL beat Wexford on penalties after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.
Kilkenny won the Bowl final beating Midlands 1-0, while Mayo beat Longford 5-3 in the Shield final to claim a 17th-placed finish in the 32-team competition.
The Trophy final went the way of Limerick District who defeated Dundalk 3-0.
Kennedy Cup Day 5 Results:
Trophy Final (25th-26th positions)
Limerick District 3, Dundalk 0;
Shield Final (17th-18th positions)
Mayo 5, Longford 3;
Bowl Final (9th-10th positions)
Kilkenny 1, Midlands 0;
Plate Final (5th-6th positions)
SDFL 1 Wexford 1 (aet) (SDFL win on pens)
(3rd-4th place play-off)
Cork 1, NDSL 1 (Cork win 4-2 on pens)
Kennedy Cup final 2016
DDSL 0, Galway 0 (aet) (DDSL win 4-3 on pens)
All supporters without tickets are advised to not travel to the stadium as there are no facilities on site. But those with tickets should allow for more time than normal to access the stadium due to extra security checks and due to the stadium's location.
Fan Zone
Located in Bordeaux centre the UEFA Fan Zone opens from 11:00 but supporters are advised to arrive as early as possible due to security checks.
Gates open at 12:00 where a team of helpful fan ambassadors will be located at the stadium entry points 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
#BELIRL
Official Ireland Tags
#COYBIG
#IRL
Match Info
Belgium v Republic of Ireland
Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Group E
KO 15:00 (14:00 Irish Time)
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
After a goalless first-half, the Belgians made their pressure tell in the second 45 minutes with a brace from Romelu Lukaku and a header from midfielder Axel Witsel.
Martin O'Neill made just one change to the side which claimed a point against Sweden with Stephen Ward coming into the side for the injured Jon Walters, a change which saw Robbie Brady start in midfield.
A defensive, hard-working display was always going to be required against a Belgian side which featured Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and Chelsea winger Eden Hazard.
It was De Bruyne's corner from the right which saw Toby Alderweireld glance wide in the 13th minute before Hazard fired a warning when he picked up a loose ball in the area, but blasted over eight minutes later.
Marc Wilmots' side thought they had taken the lead with 24 minutes gone. De Bruyne crossed for Yannick Carrasco to force the ball home at the second attempt following an excellent Darren Randulph save, but the Irish defence stepped up at the right time to see the flag raised.
Two minutes after the break, Belgium did take the lead. De Bruyne broke down the right following an Irish attack to find Lukaku just outside the area and he swept home to score Belgium's first goal of the European Championships.
Ireland responded well with several crosses from Brady just out of the reach of Long and Brady had a shot blocked from within the area by Thomas Meunier in the 58th minute.
Belgium doubled their lead just three minutes later as Meunier found space on the right to cross for Witsel to ghost in and head home unchallenged.
As Ireland committed more players forward, Belgium exploited the space left at the back to stretch their advantage. In the 69th minute, Hazard skipped past the challenge of Ciaran Clark to find Lukaku who made no mistake from 10 yards out to seal the points.
Ireland continued to work hard on and off the ball in the late stages of the game as striker Robbie Keane was introduced with 12 minutes remaining, but couldn't get the goal Ireland's play deserved.
Belgium move up to second in Group E with Ireland now dependent on a win against leaders Italy in their final group game to stand any chance of progression to the knock-out stages.
Teams
Republic of Ireland: Randalph (GK), Coleman, O'Shea (C), Clark, Ward, Whelan, McCarthy (McClean 63), Hendrick, Brady, Hoolahan (McGeady 73), Long (Keane 78).
Subs not used: Westwood (GK), Given (GK), Keogh, Duffy, Walters, Christie, Meyler, Murphy, Quinn.
Belgium: Courtois (GK), Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne, R. Lukaku (Benteke 83), Hazard (C), Carrasco (Mertens 63), Meunier, Dembele (Nainggolan 56).
Subs not used: Mignolet (GK), Gillet (GK), Fellaini, Denayer, Origi, Kabasele, J. Lukaku, Batshuayi, Ciman.
Yellow card(s): Hendrick (41).
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (TUR)
Ireland have picked up one point from two games played and O'Neill knows that Wednesday's clash with Italy in Lille is one that carries greater significance.
Yet the manager knew that they would always require at least one victory to make it out of a difficult group and that remains the same.
“I always said from the outset that we would have to win a game in the competition to give ourselves a proper chance of going through to the next round of the tournament, and that is still the case,” said O’Neill.
“Obviously there is disappointment immediately after the game because we were upbeat going into the match following the performance against Sweden.
“The first goal (for Belgium) was a really vital goal, possibly because we could have had a penalty, and then they went and scored from the breakaway. But they were a very fine side, and I’m not taking anything away from that.
“But now we have a really great game against Italy to look forward to, to put our immediate disappointment to the side, and if we can win this game we give ourselves an incredible chance of qualification.”
The Irish side are currently preparing for their final Group E game against the leaders Italy knowing that only a win will do if Ireland are going to progress into the knock-out stages.
Ireland suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Belgium on Saturday in Bordeaux which leaves Martin O’Neill’s side bottom of Group E on goal difference.
Speaking to the media earlier today, Keane wants to see the players physically ready for the third Group E clash and has hinted at possible changes.
Keane said: “What we certainly need, on top of everything else is to look after the ball a little better, cut out individual mistakes and our energy levels have to be pretty high.
“Generally speaking, over the years we’ve had to do a lot of chasing in games and when you do get on the ball, they’ve got to know how to deal with it.
“You get the recovery right, you get the team selection right and whatever team goes out there have to be ready physically.
“The players who’ve been left out have probably felt that even more so in training and deep down, and rightly so, feel as though they’re going to get their chance on Wednesday.
“We constantly speak to them, you’ve got to be ready. The squad players or the substitutions have to be ready to be called upon and that could happen in the next 48 hours.”
Watch the assistant manager Roy Keane at today’s press conference…
The Grab a Game mini euros saw players representing 6 teams currently in Euros 2016, includingIreland, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Romania and France. Players were from a variety of national backgrounds ranging from Brazilians, Mexicans, French, Irish, Romanians, Italians and Koreans with the Grab a Game min euros champion being players from the team that choose to represent Ireland.
About Grab a Game:
Grab a Game is a series of informal Turn up and Play opportunities held every Thursday and supported by the FAI’s Intercultural Programme, FAI Dublin City Football in the Community Development Officers and organised in conjunction with the Leinster Football League with great media promotional support from Eamon Scott of the Herald/Striker throughout the series- the Grab a Game concept was designed to allow people to simply turn up and grab 60 minutes of free football, get some exercise, meet new people in a friendly environment and perhaps think about joining the Leinster Football League if they were interested to go on and get involved in regular structured football in a league.
(Photo:Ed Scannell/Herald Striker)
Mr Dolan, 48, was a former Ireland youth and U21 international and was well known to the football community here in his role as Academy Manager of Reading FC.
Eamonn played alongside his twin brother Patrick for Ireland’s youth teams under Liam Tuohy and played for West Ham United, Bristol City, Birmingham City and Exeter City. He managed Exeter City briefly and had a spell as caretaker boss of Reading.
“Eamonn Dolan was a real gentleman and fought a courageous battle against cancer in recent years. It is such sad news to hear of his passing,” said FAI Chief Executive John Delaney.
“I have great memories of meeting Eamonn many times at games during his time with Reading. He was just a brilliant person and very engaging. He contributed greatly to the development of many talented Irish players and was very proud of being from Ireland.
“The sympathies of all in Irish football go to Eamonn’s family, his brother Patrick in particular, and his many friends in the game who will be very upset at his untimely death.
“We will rightly pay tribute to Eamonn at our next home international game. May he rest in peace.”
In December 2015, at the FAI National Council meeting, the FAI announced that a new project “FAInet” would be introduced in partnership with DFB-Medien, a software company owned by the Deutscher Fussball Bund (Germany national football association).
The FAInet system will be rolled out nationally to all leagues with the on-boarding process beginning in July 2016. This on-boarding process will continue over the coming years and places will be allocated in year one on the following basis:
The FAI is delighted to now receive expressions of interests from leagues that wish to begin using the FAInet system.
Each following year places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. National Leagues and leagues currently using Project INFORM will receive a separate direct communication.
Please contact fainet@fai.ie for further information on the functionality and requirements of use.
The round of 16 game started in dramatic fashion with Ireland taking the lead in the second minute via a Robbie Brady penalty.
Brady slotted home his second goal of Euro 2016 off the post after Paul Pogba had fouled Shane Long. Ireland taking the lead without a French player having touched the ball.
Darren Randolph was equal to the French threat in the first half, denying Paul Pogba’s free kick effort and Dimitri’s Payet’s long range drive.
Daryl Murphy had French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris sprawling on 20 minutes when his goal-bound volley was clawed away by the French stopper.
Antoine Griezmann equalised for France 12 minutes into the second half, powering a header past Darren Randolph after an excellent cross from Pogba.
Griezmann gave the hosts the lead on 61 minutes after striding onto Pogba’s knock down and riffling the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Ireland were reduced to 10 men after Shane Duffy received a red card on 66 minutes having fouled Grizemann who was in on goal, Duffy having been the last defender.
The Irish defence withstood French pressure as Andre-Pierre Gignac rattled the Irish cross bar with 13 minutes remaining. Substitute Jon Walters flashed an effort wide with four minutes remaining.
Darren Randolph denied Gizemann a hat-trick in the final minute as brave Ireland bowed out of Euro 2016.
France: Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Kante (Coman HT (Sissoko 90+1)), Matuidi, Griezmann, Giroud (Gignac 72), Payt
Substitutes not used: Mandanda, Costil, Jallet, Cabaye, Martial, Schneiderlin, Mangala, Digne, Umtiti
Republic of Ireland: Randolph, Coleman, Keogh, Duffy, Ward, Brady, McCarthy (Hoolahan 71), Hendrick, McClean (O’Shea 68), Long, Murphy (Walters 65)
Substitutes not used: Westwood, Given, Clark, Whelan, McGeady, Keane, Christie, Meyler, Quinn
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)
