With a plethora of underage internationals within both squads, the neutral spectator was not left disappointed with the standard produced on the big occasion.

Both sides could not be separated after 50 minutes of action as it finished 1-1 in a pulsating encounter. In the dreaded shoot-out, it would be Galway who would prevail in a 5-4 victory with Captain Aoife Lynagh stepping up to convert the crucial spotkick.

Both sides started the game with encouragement to play football, leading to plenty of opportunities for both sides. Galway thought they had taken the lead mid-way through the first half when Sadhbh Doyle connected with a cross which hit the net, but the celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised her flag for offside. This brought more focus to the MGL and they soon began to make inroads.

A corner was only half-cleared by Galway and when the ball was played back into the box Alannah McEvoy would meet it at the near post to give the Dublin side the lead, which they took into the interval.

The MGL played with more confidence at the start of the second half and pushed Galway deep into their own half, isolating Doyle up front from her team mates. With Tiegan Ruddy taking hold of the midfield for MGL, Galway struggled to maintain possession outside of their own half.

There were more opportunities out wide for Galway and Lucia Lobato was an outlet for them to relieve pressure. Lobato’s desire to win the ball proved to be the catalyst for Galway to force themselves back into the game. Winning a 50-50 against her marker, Lobato would loft a ball into the box which could only be cleared to the edge of the box where Doyle met it first time to volley the ball into the back of the net.

Galway finished the stronger and put the MGL under serious pressure with Player of the Tournament Heather Payne guilty of wasting an opportunity to seal victory within normal time. However, a winner could not be found and the rest is now history.

Donegal Women’s League would claim the Gaynor Plate in similar circumstances to Galway as they played out a 1-1 draw with Midlands Schoolboys/Girls League, before claiming a 5-4 penalty shootout victory as Niamh McDevitt scored the winning penalty.

Carla McManus had given the Midlands the lead but Donegal turned the screw and were awarded a penalty late on, which Tyler Toland would send into the bottom right corner to force the shootout.

Elsewhere, Mayo and Waterford recovered from semi-final defeats the previous night but required shootout victories to confirm their final placings in a number of play-offs on the final day with Cork, Inishowen, Limerick Desmond, Wexford, and Sligo/Leitrim all claiming victory as the tournament reached its conclusion for another year.

Results

Sunday 26 June

FAI U16 Gaynor Cup

Gaynor Cup Final

Galway and District League (S Doyle) 1-1 Metropolitan Girls League (A McEvoy) – Galway win 5-4 on penalties.

3rd/4th Place Play-Off

Mid-Western Girls Football League 0-0 Mayo Youth League – Mayo win 3-2 on penalties

Gaynor Plate Final

Donegal Women’s League (T Toland PEN) 1-1 Midlands Schoolboys/Girls League (C McManus) – Donegal win 5-4 on penalties

7th/8th Place Play-Off

Waterford and District Women’s League (A McGuigan) 1-1 North-Eastern Counties Schoolchildren’s League (L Kerley) – Waterford win 5-3 on penalties

9th/10th Place Play-Off

Cork Womens and Schoolgirls Soccer League (M O’Driscoll, C Nevin 2, R Grant PEN, E Lawlor) 5-2 Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League (S O’Donovan, L Hayes)

11th/12th Place Play-Off

Limerick County and District Schoolgirls League 0-3 Inishowen Youth League (L McDaid, M McDaid, K McClenaghan)

13th/14th Place Play-Off

Longford Schoolboys/Girls League (K Brady) 1-2 Limerick Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League (P Mulcair Shire, A Corbett)

15th/16th Place Play-Off

Kilkenny and District Schoolgirls League (O Casey) 1-3 Wexford Women’s League (F Ryan, S Murphy, A Wilson)

17th/18th Place Play-Off

North Tipperary Schoolchildren’s League 1-4 Sligo/Leitrim Youth League

18th/19th Place Play-Off

Sligo/Leitrim Youth League (R Kennedy 2, R McLoughlin 2) 4-1 Tipperary Schoolboys/Girls Southern Division (E O’Sullivan PEN)

Set up in order to recognise the diligent work being done by journalists to promote Irish football, the FAI Communications Awards stretches across all platforms including written, broadcast, digital and photographic.

Entries include any material created/recorded between July 20, 2015 through to July 1, 2016 and must fall under the below categories.

Best Feature (written or broadcast)
This award is open to journalists and contributors who have written or created a striking feature piece that gives a unique insight to Irish football. This can be related to domestic, national or international football, but must be a published piece from a recognised publication or platform e.g. newspapers, official websites etc.

Best Digital Initiative
This award aims to highlight the excellent work being done to promote Irish football across digital platforms with a particular emphasis on integration of social media. This piece should place its importance on innovation and engagement to showcase how the initiative has had a positive impact on showcasing Irish football, whether through a club website, online publication, or social media campaign.

Best Photograph
This award is open to amateur and professional photographers who have captured a striking image from grassroots football. The image can be in colour or black & white, but should have a theme associated with grassroots football that portrays the subject matter in a positive light.

Best PRO
This award is for the Public Relation Officers attached to clubs and Leagues who work tirelessly to promote Irish football in the best possible way. The entry for this should include a 500-word summary detailing the work carried out by the PRO together with supporting samples.

How To Enter
The application process for the 2016 FAI Communications Awards opens on Monday, June 13 and will close at 12pm on Monday, July 4.

The Awards will be presented at the pre-FAI AGM Delegates Dinner in Tipperary on Friday, July 29.

A maximum of three entries per category can be submitted and all entries should be sent to media@fai.ie with the subject line of 'FAI Communications Awards Application'

17-year-old Jamie, from Togher, Co Louth, will pick up the award on behalf of Republic of Ireland fans at a special Mayoral reception to be held in the French Capital this week. He will be joined for the presentation by Chairman of the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs, Joe McKenna.

The ‘Medaille’ will simultaneously be presented by Mayor Hidalgo to Northern Ireland supporters.

Jamie Monaghan was one of an estimated 100,000 Rep of Ireland fans who attended EURO 2016 in France, where the Irish team performed heroically, as their supporters created huge positivity off the pitch.

The teenager attended all four Rep of Ireland games of EURO 2016, and will accept the award at a special ceremony which will be held in the Fan Zone in Paris on Thursday July 7, ahead of the semi-final match between France and Germany.

In a letter to President Michael D Higgins announcing the award, Mayor Hidalgo said that the ‘Vermilion medal of the City of Paris’ would be presented to Irish supporters of EURO 2016 for their ‘exemplary’ behaviour during the tournament, in all cities attended, ‘particularly in Paris’.

“All the Parisians, the French people and our foreign visitors who came to attend the games or simply to visit our city were charmed and impressed by their goodwill, their singing and their good humour,” said the Mayor.

“Whilst international football is sadly sometimes tarnished by incivilities, misbehaviour, even violence, the supporters of Ireland show to all, for our greater good, what supporting a country and a sport truly means.”

John Delaney, CEO of the Football Association of Ireland said that the honour was the perfect finale for what was a “great tribute to both sets of supporters”.

“For our own fans, a new generation of footballing heroes have come along for them to support with such great enthusiasm, which was witnessed in France. These fans are the greatest ambassadors that we could have and we are extremely proud of them.

“I am delighted that Jamie Monaghan will collect this award on behalf of all of our fans and I would like to remember at this time James Nolan, who tragically passed away during EURO 2012. I would also like to remember the two Northern Ireland supporters - Darren Rodgers and Robert Rainey - who died during EURO 2016.”

Four years ago, following EURO 2012, Rep of Ireland supporters received a special award, which was presented to the family of James Nolan, who tragically died at the tournament.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, said:

"It should be a source of great pride to all of us on this island that Irish football fans are being honoured in this way,” said the Minister. 

"This tournament has given Irish supporters North and South memories to treasure for many years to come. The supporters of both teams excelled themselves as ambassadors for this island, and it was a great source of pride to see the welcome they received in every French city they visited."

He added: "We should also remember the families of the two Northern Ireland fans who died in France supporting the team they loved - Darren Rodgers and Robert Rainey. Our deepest condolences go to them in their loss". 

Ireland's Ambassador to France, Geraldine Byrne Nason, said that the Embassy in Paris has received many messages from French people praising the Irish fans for their contribution to EURO 2016 and hailing them as the best supporters in the world. "Many have told us that meeting the Irish fans has made them want to visit Ireland to see what type of special place can produce such wonderful fans,” said the Ambassador.  

"Once the football is over, we can expect to see an increase in visitors to Ireland north and south. I'm confident the welcome extended to the Irish here in France will be warmly returned.”

Additional Notes: 

Jamie Monaghan is 17 years old and suffers from a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 9 mosaicism (T9M), which means he cannot walk or talk. Despite his disability Jamie can communicate well with others and is very sociable. He follows the Republic of Ireland, Drogheda United and Liverpool FC.

Jamie travelled around France for UEFA EURO 2016 with his Dad Philip in a specially customized wheelchair, which the Irish Squad signed for him. He made French and Irish news during the tournament when his ‘Jamie on Tour’ flag was robbed outside a camper home he and his father were staying in before Ireland’s epic win over Italy on June 22. The story captured the public imagination and a French woman who read of Jamie’s plight sent a new flag to him in Lille.

Philip Monaghan said today: “Jamie is extremely honoured and proud to accept the Médaille de la Ville de Paris on behalf of the Republic of Ireland’s fantastic fans. This means so much to us.”

The aim of the Coach Education Festival is to raise the overall standard of coaching throughout the country, which in turn helps aid the Player Development Plan and produce the next generation of players.

Every year the Festival visits a different county in tandem with the FAI's Festival of Football. This is the 11th different county to be selected for the Festival following on from Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan, Wexford, Clare, Donegal, Wicklow, Westmeath, and Sligo/Leitrim.

This year's Festival takes place from Monday, July 25 through to Sunday, July 31, taking in five different clubs and putting on 11 different coaching clinics from fully qualified, Garda-vetted coaches.

Now is your chance to get involved. See below for the 2016 schedule:

Monday, July 25
Kickstart 1 - Newport Town AFC - 9:30-17:30
Safeguarding 1 - Holycross FC - 18:00-21:00

Tuesday, July 26
Fundamentals of Goalkeeping - Peake Villa FC - 9:30-17:30
4v4 Workshop - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 18:00-21:00
Football For All Workshop - Peake Villa FC - 18:00-21:00

Wednesday, July 27
Kickstart 2 - Peake Villa FC - 9:30-17:30
7v7 Workshop - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 18:00-21:00
Football For All Workshop - Peake Villa FC - 18:00-21:00

Thursday, July 28
Kickstart 2 - Peake Villa FC - 9:30-17:30
Strength & Conditioning Workshop - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 18:00-21:00

Friday, July 29
Youth Cert 1 - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 19:00-22:00

Saturday, July 30
Youth Cert 1 - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 9:30-18:00

Sunday, July 31
Youth Cert 1 - Two Mile Borris / St Kevin's FC - 9:30-18:00

Mr Byrne, 90, was an Honorary Life Member of the FAI having served the game for several decades. He was previously secretary of the Leinster Junior League then moved to the Combined Counties Football League in the 1990s.

A member of the Cherrywood Football Club, he served on the Leinster FA committee then became President for two years. He was also a member of the FAI National Council.

Kevin had been involved in the game for many years as a referee after returning from Australia where he had worked as a tram driver. After his retirement from refereeing, he became involved in Administration becoming Treasurer of the Leinster Football League for many years.

He was involved in the formation of the Combined Counties Football League who made him an Honorary Vice President in recognition of his help in their formation.

He is pre deceased by his wife Jean who passed away in April and they had five children Ann, Marie, Eamon, Aldo and Patrick.

"On behalf of the Board and staff of the Football Association of Ireland I would like to express our sadness at the passing of Kevin," said FAI CEO John Delaney.

"Kevin was a great football man, and a great servant of the game for many years. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends."

Both Jamie, 17 years old, and the Chairman of the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs, Joe McKenna, picked up the award which was presented to the Irish supporters for their "exemplary behaviour" during UEFA EURO 2016.

It was estimated that over 100,000 Ireland supporters travelled to France for EURO 2016 and received glowing plaudits from the world's media for their support and behaviour inside and outside the tourament stadiums.

The award was simultaneously presented to the Northern Ireland supporters at a special ceremony in the Fan Zone in Paris, which was also attended by the Irish Ambassador to France Geraldine Byrne Nason, ahead of the EURO 2016 semi-final match between France and Germany.

Jamie's father, Philip Monaghan, described the award as a "huge honour" and said that it's been the greatest experience of Jamie's life to accept the award on the Irish supporters' behalf.

Philip said: "This has been a huge honour bestowed on Jamie, and of course for our family. Ever since John Delaney asked him to represent the supporters at the reception, Jamie has been so excited and tonight has been one of the greatest experiences in his life."

Joe McKenna said: "I'm so proud to be here with Jamie and Philip, as well as the Irish Ambassador to Paris to represent all of the many great supporters of the Republic of Ireland national team. This honour proves that we are amongst the best in the world."

FAI CEO John Delaney said: "I was delighted to see our fantastic supporters receive this great honour from Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

"Our supporters are the greatest ambassadors our country could have and just like our new generation of footballing heroes, we're extremely proud of them.

"It was also great to see Jamie Monaghan collect this award on behalf of all of our supporters and I include the late James Nolan, who sadly passed away during EURO 2012. 

"It is fitting too that we remember the two Northern Ireland supporters - Darren Rodgers and Robert Rainey - who died during EURO 2016.”

The National 'C' Licence has been developed to bridge the gap from Youth Certificate to UEFA ‘B’ Licence. Up until the end of 2016 those who have complete the Youth Certificate in 2016, 2015 and 2014 would be eligible to apply for the UEFA ‘B’ License as long as they had completed CPD each year.

These Youth Certificate coaches will be required to attend a conversion course to the National 'C' Licence because the Youth Certificate they completed worked up to 5 v 5 and the National 'C' Licence is working to 7 v 7. These conversion dates are as follows, and the conversion course fee is €125:

September 25th 2016 Cork

October 24th 2016 Galway

November 27th 2016 Dublin

December 4th 2016 Sligo

For further information please contact Coach Education Manager Niall O’Regan on niall.oregan@fai.ie

Any coach who completed the Youth prior to 2014 and who has not completed FAI CPD would be required to complete the National 'C' Licence. There are a number of National 'C' Licence’s available to apply as part of the release of the course in 2016 and the courses are restricted to 20 participants so please ensure to apply as soon as possible.

Coaches applying for the course would be required to have been eligible to complete the current Youth Certificate, which includes completion of the Kick Start 1 and 2 and the Small Sided Games Work Shops.  Application forms can be obtained by emailing ross.kenny@fai.ie and/or warren.bolger@fai.ie

The National 'C' Licence Course Dates are as follows and the course fee is €600.

Course 1 Cork – Venue TBC

The dates are as follows:

Block 1: 10th & 11th August 2016 (2 days) 

Block 2: 31st Aug. & 1st Sept. 2016 (2 days) 

Block 3: 29th & 30th Nov. 2016 and 1st Dec (3 days)

Course 2: Dublin – Venue TBC

Block 1: 9/10 August 2016 (2 days)

Block 2: 28/29 November 2016 (2 days)

Block 3: 12/14 December 2016 (3 days)

Course 3: Sligo – Venue TBC

Block 1: 28th November – 2nd December 2016 (4 days)

Block 2: 30th January – 1st February 2017 (3 days)

Course 4: Galway – Venue TBC

Block 1 October (2 days)

Block 2: November (2 days)

Block 3: December  (3 days)

The Coach Education department are introducing a New Coaching Pathway as September 1st so please keep an eye for the release of the New Pathway and Coaches Association Website to be launched for January 2017.

For further information on any courses please do not hesitate to contact Coach Education Manager Niall O'Regan on niall.oregan@fai.ie and or Coach Education Coordinator warren.bolger@fai.ie

The gang of eight have performed superbly - going unbeaten in matchplay throughout the tournament - to set up a tussle with Egypt for the chance to win the Plate trophy in Glasgow.

Victories over Lithuania, Bulgaria, United States, Greece, and Sweden saw Morgan's team qualify for the second stage where they came up against Hungary, Chile, United Street Team, Northern Ireland, and India. They did enough there to progress through to the Trophy Stage.

In a game that is played at a frenetic pace, the Irish team showed incredible technique, poise, and temperament to match their highly-skilled opponents in each of their games. In fact, they outplayed many of the other teams.

Morgan, who is coach for the irish Homeless Street League World Cup team, and previously worked with the Homeless Street leagues in Wheatfield Prison before becoming a Development Officer with the FAI, could hardly hide his emotions after watching his team overcome Costa Rica in their Plate semi-final to set up the game with Egypt.

"The lads have been absolutely fantastic. It is such a good group to work with and they have all given so much that they deserve to go home as winners," said Morgan.

"Our plan going into the tournament was to reach the quarter-finals. We just fell short on that but we have gotten through to the Plate Final, which is a great achievement and it gives the players an opportunity to represent their country in a major international final.

"This is the second time in the last two years since I've been involved that we've reached the final and I couldn't be more proud of the players. I hope that this tournament changes their lives for the better when they go home - and they have winners' medals with them by then."

With 64 teams taking part in the tournament, Ireland's record - only losing twice on penalties - is something to marvel at and they have been one of the most exciting teams to watch when standing up to the world's elite.

Each of the eight players involved have made vital contributions to the team's performances, but they will be hoping for one last big push against Egypt.

For further information on the Irish Homeless Street soccer leagues  www.irishstreetsoccerleagues.com

Thomas Morgan's side overcame Egypt after one round of penalties following a 4-4 draw in normal time, which ensured they ended the tournament without losing a single game in match play.

Adrian Power was the hero as he confidently rolled a left-footed effort into the back of the net before Egypt struck the post as Ireland goalkeeper John Farrell stood tall. That is all that was needed to decide the tight contest.

While Ireland didn't manage to go all the way through to the main final, they can be incredibly proud of their strong finish and also their slick performances that saw them beat Lithuania, Bulgaria, United States, Greece and Sweden in the First Stage.

In the Second Stage, they came up against Hungary, Chile, United Street Team, Northern Ireland, and India, before competing in the Trophy Stage against Costa Rica where a victory on penalties set up their Plate Final with Egypt.

Morgan, who is an FAI Development Officer, helped to guide a very strong team with the assistance of Sean Kavanagh and the eight players who featured throughout the tournament proved just how good they were against some of the best street teams in the world.

"I'm delighted for the lads. You never know what way things will go in a final. I think we dug in deep and did enough to get over the line but they deserved to win it," said Morgan.

"The referee played an extra 10 seconds in the game and Egypt scored to make it 4-4. At that stage it felt like a defeat but we regrouped, got our heads right, and went into the penalties. Adrian Power stepped up first and scored, and they missed their one - and that was that.

"Over the course of 13 games in this tournament we haven't been beaten in match play, in the format of 14 minutes - it was only a couple of times on penalties. So we did fantastic to keep that record intact and the lads deserved to get into a Final.

"It's great that the lads get to go home with something for their efforts. It is sure to give them a huge lift and I hope that they can take the positives from this into their lives and go in the right direction."

For further information on the Irish Street Homeless Leagues visit www.irishstreetsoccerleagues.com

This will be the first time that the Festival of Football and AGM has visited Tipperary following previous years in Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan, Wexford, Clare, Donegal, Wicklow, Westmeath, and Sligo/Leitrim.

Among the events planned for the week-long Festival of Football are 30 club visits by FAI Development Officers, coaching staff, officials and well-known footballing personalities, with Sports Direct.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools taking place across the county.

The FAI Coach Education Department will run a festival in tandem for the week to offer a unique opportunity to complete introductory level coaching courses and workshops, while football fun days will take place in Nenagh, Cashel, Cahir, Carrick on Suir, and Thurles.

The FAI will make equipment, funds, match tickets and services available to clubs in Tipperary to mark the county's hosting of the 2016 FAI AGM.

Around 250 delegates representing every League and divisional association in Ireland are expected to attend the AGM and will arrive in Tipperary ahead of the Delegates' Dinner in the Hotel Minella, at which the FAI will announce its Aviva Club of the Year as well as presenting the following national awards: the John Sherlock Service to Football award, Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year, the Jeremy Dee Services to Women's Football award and the FAI Communications Awards.

Social Media
Keep up-to-date on all the latest updates from Tipperary on the Official FAI Social Media Channels by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube now!

Flood was well known throughout Irish football for his role as chairman of Shelbourne as they came within 45 minutes of reaching the UEFA Champions League in 2003. He played for the club as a goalkeeper from 1959 to 1962.

The FAI presented Flood with Hall of Fame award at the FAI Cup Final in 2011, recognising his fabulous contribution to Irish football.

He also enjoyed a remarkable  career outside of the game. Born in Dublin’s Oxmantown Road in 1938, he joined Guinness as a messenger boy at the age of 14 and progressed through the organisation to become Managing Director in 1989.

In 1994, Flood retired from Guinness and was appointed Deputy and later Chairman of the Labour Court, where he was associated with the resolution of many high-profile disputes. On retirement from the Court, he later became chair of the Regeneration Boards at Fatima Mansions, St Michael’s in Inchicore, and the Grangegorman ‘Labour and Learning Forum’ established in Dublin 7.

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) conferred the award of Honorary Doctorate on Finbarr Flood in 2012 in a ceremony held in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

"I am greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Finbarr Flood. He was a tremendous servant to Irish football and Shelbourne FC in particular," said FAI CEO John Delaney.

"I dealt with Finbarr on many occasions and always found him to be a passionate and knowledgeable football man. His achievements in and out of the game were extraordinary and he'll be very sadly missed.

"We will pay tribute to him at the Oman game next month and I pass on the condolences of the FAI to Finbarr's family and relatives."

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Removal on Tuesday evening to John’s Lane Church arriving for 5pm. Funeral on Wednesday morning after 10am Mass to Mount Venus Cemetery, Rathfarnham. No flowers by request, donations, if desired, to the Jack and Jill Foundation.  House private.

The FAI squad will meet Club Northern Ireland, Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Wolves over the course of the three days. The tournament is run by St Joseph's Boys AFC and takes place at their Pearse Park venue from August 19-21.

"What we're trying to do is to get them involved in the learning environment to prepare them for international football going forward," said Donohue.

"For some of the players it could be their first time going away with a group, outside of the SFAI Kennedy Cup. We'll teach them about elements of being involved in an international squad such as nutrition, rest and recovery.

"With so many games we'll look at everybody and the schedule will be testing for the players.

"We've picked players with versatility and will see them in a variety of positions.

"We've selected a squad for the Hibernia Trophy only from players who played in the SFAI Kennedy Cup this summer. We've had two assessment days where we had 60 players in. We also played the U16s yesterday and will have three training sessions ahead of the tournament."

FAI/ETP Development Squad Hibernia Cup 2016 Squad:

Aaron Davis (Ratoath Harps)

Jimmy Corcoran (Kells Blackwater)

Tega Agberhiere (Villa FC, Waterford)

Timi Sobowale (Villa FC, Waterford)

Padraic Moylan (Freebooters)

Alex Dunne (Belvedere)

Adam Maher (Lourdes Celtic)

Cormac Moore (St Francis FC)

Jack Funge (St Kevin's Boys)

Josh Guirgi (Leixlip United)

Brandon Holt (Belvedere)

Seamus Keogh (Benbulben Celtic)

Ronan McKinley (Bonagee)

Sean McGrath (St Brendan's Park)

Sean Kennedy (Tralee Dynamos)

Ronan O'Brien (Blarney United)

Paddy Moore (Torro United)

Troy Parrott (Belvedere)

FIXTURES

Hibernia Trophy Group B

Friday, August 19

FAI/ETP Development Squad v Wolves (5.00pm)

Saturday, August 20

FAI/ETP Development Squad v Club NI (10am)

FAI/ETP Development Squad v Ipswich (1.45pm)

FAI/ETP Development Squad v Sunderland (5pm)

Project Futsal (www.projectfutsal.ie) is an initiative with the aim of utilising football to provide education and work opportunities for people of all ages. The project provides an academic year of adult education, personal development, football coaching education and work/volunteer placements.

Participants will study for a QQAI level 4 award in Sport & Recreation as well as a range of FAI certified coach education courses and take the first steps on the path to a career in sports development. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete an ITEC Gym/ fitness Instructor course which is the standard qualification for people wishing to pursue a career in the fitness and leisure industry.

Places on the programme are open to both men and women and will be offered to up to twenty five participants. There is no upper age limit. While it’s not essential to be able to play football to participate on the course, an interest in the game would be an advantage due to the extensive programme of football activity on each course.

The full time course is free of charge and participants may be entitled to financial supports from the Department of Social Protection while on the programme. Interested people should check with their local Intreo office or job centre  to see if they are entitled to financial supports through existing schemes such as the Back to Education initiative.

FAI Development Officer Jamie Wilson who is based in Ballymun said:

“Project FUTSAL is an innovative partnership initiative spearheaded by the FAI and has produced excellent outcomes for many participants for a number of years now. Almost 60% of people completing the course progress to employment and many find their way to third level education via this alternative sports based route.

We are delighted to be able to cooperate with Dublin City Council, Whitehall College and the Waverley Academy  to pool resources to address common objectives of getting people back to work or on to further education.

The delivery of a comprehensive coach education programme is also providing a pool of newly qualified coaches in Ballymun and Finglas and has broadened the base of volunteers available to help local sports clubs.”                              .”

The course begins in September and applications for places are being accepted now.

Just log onto www.projectfutsal.ie and click APPLY.

Closing date for applications is Friday August 19th  2016 so if you’re interested, APPLY NOW.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest players to represent the Republic of Ireland, Given earned 134 senior caps over two decades and was part of squads in three major international tournaments.

Hailing from Lifford, County Donegal, Given made his senior debut in March 1996 against Russia at Lansdowne Road. The agile goalkeeper went on to play in every calendar year until his retirement with the exception of 2013.

The starting Number 1 in both the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2012, Given clocked up an amazing 52 clean sheets - in games where he played more than 60 minutes - and registered 11,121 minutes played overall.

Given was twice named as the FAI Senior International Player of the Year (2005, 2006) and was part of the Ireland team that lifted the Nations Cup in 2011.

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said: "There is no question that Shay was one of the best goalkeepers ever to don an Ireland shirt. I had the privilege of working with him these last few years.

"He came out of international retirement, worked his way back into the national team and was doing brilliantly until suffering an unfortunate injury against Germany last October. Despite not playing in France at UEFA EURO 2016 he was still a very positive influence in the camp.

"His club record speaks for itself. Those players who played in front of him all bear testimony to his brilliance. He is one of the best goalkeepers to have played in the Premier League since its inception."

FAI CEO John Delaney paid tribute to Given by saying: "Shay has been a magnificent servant to Irish football and he has been a fixture in Ireland teams for two decades, experiencing some of the greatest moments for our national team.

"I would like to wish Shay the very best on his retirement and for the future as he continues on with his club. Shay will be welcome back to the Aviva Stadium any time."

Given, 40, will focus solely on his club football with Stoke City, where he is about to enter into his 22nd season as a professional footballer.

Starting off as a youth team player with Celtic, Given went on to play for Blackburn Rovers, Swindon Town, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough before joining Stoke in 2015. 

Twice selected as part of the English PFA Team of the Year (2001/02, 2005/06), Given won the FA Cup in 2011, UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006, and the English First Division in 1996.

Given became the second Ireland senior player to make 100 appearance when he lined out against Montenegro in October 2009. He wore the captain's armband six times and steps away as Ireland's most capped goalkeeper.

Holders Dundalk will travel to Leinster Senior League side Crumlin United in the third round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup.

The draw, which took place in Clonmel as part of the FAI's Festival of Football week in Tipperary, was conducted by Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and FAI President Tony Fitzgerald.

The Lilywhites, who beat Cork City in last season's final at the Aviva Stadium, will face Crumlin who progressed past SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side Finn Harps in the second round.

Munster Senior League Ringmahon Rangers will host First Division side Cobh Ramblers in a local derby whilst First Division leaders Limerick will travel to St. Patrick's Athletic.

The full Irish Daily Mail third round draw is below:-

Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers
U.C.D. v Janesboro
Ringmahon Rangers v Cobh Ramblers
Bohemians v Derry City
Crumlin United v Dundalk
Wexford Youths v Sligo Rovers
St. Patrick's Athletic v Limerick
Longford Town v Cork City

All ties will be played the week ending Sunday, August 21st, with fixture dates and times set to be announced in due course.

The Future Developers programme has run for seven years. Players are selected from a group of players identified by FAI Emerging Talent Programme coaches who have a low Body Mass Index (BMI) but are technically excellent.

Rice and his coaching team have worked with the group of players for the past five weeks. Players who have come through the process in the past included Alan Browne and Brian Lenihan, who are now key members of the Irish U21s squad.

"We've had the player together for five training days and played two games against strong opposition. It's an opportunity for the players to show what they've learned over the past five weeks and more importantly to show Paul Osam that they can push for international opposition in the next 12 months," said Rice.

"Two of the players, Jack Moylan and Michael Garrihy, have already played for Paul against the Hibernia Trophy development squad. That already reflects the programme and how it's working."

Osam will take charge of Ireland U16 Development Squad for the tournament, which is hosted by Salthill Devon FC at their excellent facilities in Drom.

After competing in the Mayo International Cup earlier this month, Osam is looking forward to working with the squad in Galway next week.

"It's another opportunity for the players to make an impression and for myself and staff to see the players against decent opposition," said Osam.

"It'll give some players an opportunity to show what they can do and can get used to what we're looking for from them when representing their country."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U16 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD:

Harry Clarke (Cherry Orchard)

Kian Clarke (St Kevin’s Boys)

Connor O’Reilly (Bonagee United)

Jamin Nwanze (St Kevin’s Boys)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide United)

Ray O’Sullivan (St Kevin’s Boys)

Aaron Mulligan (Monaghan United)

Kevin O’Reilly (Cherry Orchard)

Adam O’Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Dean Murphy (Mervue United)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

Conor Behan (Shamrock Rovers)

Sean Mahon (Cherry Orchard)

Marc Walsh (Finn Harps)

Peter Shields (Malahide United)

Shane Flynn (St Joseph’s Boys)

Ciaran Brennan (East End United)

Tyriek Wright (Lakewood AFC)

FAI FUTURE DEVELOPERS SQUAD:

Michael Garrihy (Burren Utd)

Donal Higgins (Maree-Oranmore)

Oisin Griffin (Ferrybank)

Jason Woods (Shamrock Rovers)

Liam-Óg Horkan (Claremorris)

Jamie P O'Sullivan (Wilton)

Dawson Devoy (St Kevins Boys)

Jack O'Connor (Kiltimagh/Knock)

Tyler Stallard (Merville)

Jack Moylan (Malahide Utd)

Conor Fagan (Belvedere)

Ethan O'Neill (Cabinteely)

Jamie Holden (Thomastown United)

Harry Dunne (St Kevins Boys)

Ben Lynch (Edenderry Town)

Brendan Kirwan (Kilmacthomas)

Evan Dunne (St Joseph's Boys)

James Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)

FIXTURES

Macron Galway Cup

Wednesday, August 3

FAI Future Developers v Kildrum Tigers (11.50am)

Republic of Ireland U16 Development Squad v Ipswich Town (4.45pm)

Thursday, August 4

FAI Future Developers v NECSL (11.50am)

Republic of Ireland U16 Development Squad v Cherry Orchard (2.25pm)

Friday, August 5

FAI Future Developers TBC

Republic of Ireland U16 Development Squad v Leeds United (1pm)

Saturday, August 6

FAI Future Developers TBC

Republic of Ireland U16 Development Squad TBC

As part of the lead up to the FAI's Annual General Meeting, the Festival of Football has visited a different county for each of the last 10 years to showcase the excellent work being done at grassroots level.

With visits to 29 different clubs, the FAI were able to make presentations, supply over €100,000 in funding, put on special coaching clinics, and organise fun days all across the Premier County.

The week-long Festival of Football also allowed the FAI to highlight the superb efforts of Development Officers James Scott and David Lenane, who have been instrumental with aiding football development in Tipperary.

The Delegates Dinner widened the scope to recognise excellence in coaching, communications, club structures, administration, and women's football on a national level.

For the Aviva Club of the Year award, eight different clubs were shortlisted and given the opportunity to make presentations on the night to a jury. The clubs were Ballyoulster United, Cahir Park AFC, Cappoquin FC, Cullen Lattin AFC, Parkvilla FC, Shiven Rovers, Springfield Ramblers, St Ita's AFC.

It was a record year for entries in the Communications Awards, while there were notable winners in the Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year, Jeremy Dee Services To Women's Football, and John Sherlock Services To Football Awards.

Here is the full list of winners:

Aviva Club of the Year
Shiven Rovers

Communications Awards
Best Feature - Adrian Eames
Best Photograph - Megan O'Doherty
Best PRO - Joseph McSweeney
Best Digital Initiative - St Mochta's FC

Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year
Darragh O'Reilly

Jeremy Dee Services To Women's Football
Peter Doyle

John Sherlock Services To Football
Michael Halpin
Pat Henry
Dixie Currivan
Ian Barclay
Richie Friend
Michael Grace
Joe Hally
Jimmy Kelly
Jimmy Meaney
Gerry Smith

A total of €100,000 will be made available between the 20 clubs. 

The announcement comes following a meeting between the FAI and the Premier Clubs Association - which represents all League clubs - in Tipperary ahead of the FAI Annual General Meeting and is part of ongoing discussions on the future of the League following on from the Consultation Process Report in 2015.

"Strategic Planning is a fundamental part of any business and the need for all clubs to have five-year viable strategic plans can not be underestimated," said Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions.

"We have 20 independent businesses operating in the SSE Airtricity League and they all have individual priorities and goals. The Consultation Process Report outlined the need for our clubs to have clear strategies in areas of sport, business and community."

The funding agreed by FAI CEO John Delaney and the FAI Board all ensure the clubs complete their strategic plans over the coming months.

The FAI has been working closely with the Premier Clubs Association for the past eight months and this injection of funding was welcomed by representatives from the PCA.

This latest development is a positive way forward for both parties in the ongoing pathway of working towards the future development of the League.

The champions will kick off the new truncated season with the hope of making it three-in-a-row following their fantastic success in the last two years. But UCD will eyeing the League crown for themselves.

The two clubs will join five others - Cork City WFC, Galway WFC, Kilkenny United WFC, Peamount United, and Shelbourne Ladies - in a shortened season that starts this weekend and finishes in November to prepare for a new structure in 2017.

There was no shortage of drama last term as Wexford overcame Shelbourne in a first ever title play-off and captain Kylie Murphy believes this season can be just as exciting.

"It was fantastic for supporters to see the League go to a play-off game and we had a big crowd there who got to see just how good women's football is in this country," said Murphy.

"There are a lot of strong teams in the League, so we will have to work hard to be in amongst it again. I think we just have to prepare as best as we can because when the games come around they will be tough tests."

Wexford will be under the guidance of Gary Hunt for the new campaign, while there has been some notable signings made elsewhere with Seana Cooke checking in at Shelbourne, Dearbhaile Beirne switching to UCD, and Lisa Casserly joining Peamount.

With 194 goals scored last season, the League's reputation for quick, attacking football remained intact and new stars emerged, such as Cork's Saoirse Noonan, Galway's Chloe Maloney, and Kilkenny's Aislinn Carroll.

It is why Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions, is looking forward to the games getting underway again.

"This is an exciting time for women's football in Ireland as we continue to move forward with the development of all aspects of the game and the Continental Tyres Women's National League acts as the foundation for that," said Gavin.

"Continental Tyres have been fantastic sponsors for the League and they remain committed to the development of women's football we enter into a new season which provides a competitive platform for the clubs ahead of a move to a new set-up in 2017.

"The FAI remains in talks with an entity in the north west to join the League in 2017 and it points to a positive future as we have more international players than ever before competing in domestic fixtures. Last season showcased just how much quality there is in the League, so hopefully this new campaign is a repeat of that."

Check out the superb new promotional video from Continental Tyres for this season - https://youtu.be/lqUpZqN6GPs

Series 1
Saturday, August 6
Wexford Youths WFC v UCD, Ferrycarrig Park, KO 19:30

Sunday, August 7
Cork City WFC v Shelbourne Ladies FC, Bishopstown Stadium, KO 14:00
Kilkenny United WFC v Galway WFC, The Watershed, KO 14:00

The sides will meet at the National Football Centre, Brdo, on Tuesday and Thursday next week in O'Brien's first two internationals since being appointed as U17 national team coach.

Ireland will meet Kazakhstan, Greece and hosts Andorra in the UEFA U17 Championships Qualifying Round in October.

O'Brien is looking forward to working with the group in the coming days although he has previously worked with a number of these players through his previous role as Ireland U15 Head Coach.

"We've a good knowledge of the players having worked with them in the Emerging Talent Programme and with the Ireland U15s although a few new faces have popped up since they progressed to the U16s. There are three players involved that I'll be working with for the first time," said O'Brien.

"Many of these players have gone from schoolboy football to the SSE Airtricity U17 National League this summer so they're adjusting to that level and the different challenges involved in that.

"We held two home-based assessment days recently and a number of the players from those games are included.

"We're really looking forward to working with the players in Slovenia this week. One of our aims is to continue on with the style of play we introduced to them at U15 level and they worked on with the U16 management team last year and also see how the new players adapt to that.

"In the U17 level everything focuses on the qualifying campaign which begins in October over and these games are in preparation for those fixtures.

"One of our aims in the coming week will be giving players time on the pitch and it will be a good measure of what they can do. Slovenia will be a good test and we expect to be playing in warm conditions too so we will have to manage that."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U17 SQUAD:

Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic)

Tom Murphy (Everton FC)

Cian Lee (St Patrick's Athletic)

Luke Nolan (St Patrick's Athletic)

Lee O'Connor (Manchester United)

Dominic Peppard (Bohemians)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Gavin Kilkenny (Unattached)

Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers)

Conor Coventry (West Ham United)

Joe Dwyer (Athlone Town)

Sean Brennan (Belvedere)

Jordan Doherty (Sheffield Utd)

Rowan Roache (Blackpool)

Marcus Rowley (Malaga)

Aaron McColgan (Derry City)

Callum Thompson (St Joseph's Boys)

Dillon Robinson (Kerry District League)

Adam Idah (Corinthians Boys)

Thomas Caffrey (Celtic)

FIXTURES

Tuesday, August 9

Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo (4.30pm Irish)

Thursday, August 11

Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo (9.30am)