Dave Bell has named a squad of 19 to travel to Spain for a double header with Switzerland in Castellon this week. Ireland will face the Swiss on February 15 and 17 in preparation for the Elite Qualifying Round in March.

Bell’s charges will travel to Serbia next month for a place in this summer’s finals in the Czech Republic. Standing in their way will be Serbia, Hungary and Scotland who also prevailed from October’s qualifying round.

The Girls in Green qualified top of their group following wins over Iceland, Belarus and the Faroe Islands and Bell will aim to use this double header to fine-tune his squad ahead of the crucial games in March.

Kick-off tomorrow is 14:00 and make sure to subscribe to FAI TV on YouTube where highlights of the game will be posted following the game.

Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 17 Squad:

Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne LFC), Erica Turner (Shelbourne LFC), Alannah McEvoy (Enniskerry), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Megan Mackey (Chelsea FC), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Tiegan Ruddy (Peamount United), Doireann Fahey (Peamount United), Sadhbh Doyle (Galway WFC), Taylor White (Shelbourne LFC), Roisin McGovern (Enniskerry), Lauryn Grier (Kentstown Rovers), Aisling Spillane (Peamount United), Bethany Carroll (Piltown FC), Carla McManus (Peamount United), Gillian Keenan (Peamount United), Chloe Singleton (Peamount United), Eabha O'Mahony (Lakewood), Harriet Lambe (Southampton). 

Sacred Heart School, Westport 1-2 Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale  

Jenny Chambers (66),                                                            Eadaoin Lyons (42), Phoenix Mulcaire Shire (61)

The Limerick ladies only started playing soccer in the school in 2014 which saw them advance to their first FAI Schools National Cup Final a year later under the stewardship of PE teacher Killian Phair. Coláiste na Tróciare narrowly lost that encounter to Convent of Mercy, Roscommon in the Junior Cup decider, a Gráinne Whyte goal the deciding factor! A lot of the girls on the squad that afternoon were lining out again this afternoon with another Connacht opponent to face.

This Valentine’s Day special was sure to stir up some heartache and unfortunately it was Sacred Heart School, Westport that came out second best in this finale.

A superb brace of goals in the second period ensured a smooth transit for the Rathkeale contingency but they didn’t have it all their own way as Westport’s determination ensured a tense affair at the end.  

The half time team talk worked wonders as the Limerick side scored two minutes in, Joint Captain Eadaoin Lyons with a brilliantly timed effort that saw the ball rebound and past keeper Michelle Treacy for the game’s opener. 

Their lead was doubled just after the hour mark as the pacy Phoenix Mulcaire Shire netted a peach to give Phair’s crew some breathing space.

The reprieve was short-lived as the talented Jenny Chambers grabbed a lifeline for Westport with her classy effort five minutes later.  

Rathkeale were smart in their endeavours forward and ensured a strong defence to keep McNulty, Nugent and Chambers at bay and yet another clean sheet for the versatile Noirin Lenihan. 

An historic moment for the School as they captured their first FAI Schools title in empathic style. To add icing on the cake, joint captain and goal-scorer Eadaoin Lyons was named Bank of Ireland POTM for her heroic accomplishments on the park. A day to remember for Coláiste na Trócaire.  

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, WESTPORT: Michelle Treacy, Ellie Dillane, Feena McManamon (Vice Captain), Aisling McNulty, Ann Sheridan, Leah Moran, Saoirse Ludden (Captain), Megan Nugent, Jennifer Chambers, Tara Mc Nulty, Megan Dever

SUBS: Roisin Carney, Ciara Moran for Dever (62), Ava Lambert for Sheridan (65), Emma Gibbons, Sarah Forrestal, Sherin El Massry, Lucy Wallace

TEACHER: Seamas Mac Eachmharcaigh ASSISTANT: Declan Moran

COLÁISTE NA TRÓCAIRE, RATHKEALE: Noirin Lenihan, Sarah Fitzgerald, Rachael Anderson, Kate Geary (Joint Captain), Siobhan Tangney, Tara Coleman, Eadaoin Lyons (Joint Captain), Claire Gohery, Phoenix Mulcaire Shire, Anna Shanagher, Grace Mullane 

SUBS: Joanne Foley for Mullane (80), Maeve Power, Aine Tangney, Orla O'Doherty for Mulcaire Shire (73), Anna Mullane. Amy Harnett, Ciara Houlihan (GK), Valerie Sheehy, Sophie Alymer, Hannah Moran, Molly O'Connor, Ciara O'Connor, Chloe Mullins

TEACHER: Killian Phair

REFEREE: Deirdre Nolan (Dublin)

IMAGES | https://www.facebook.com/pg/faischools/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1447310648633828

The President's Cup is set to take place on Friday, February 17th, with kick-off at 7.30pm, as the SSE Airtricity League holders Dundalk and the FAI Cup winners Cork City go head-to-head.

Managers Stephen Kenny and John Caulfield, and captains Stephen O'Donnell and John Dunleavy were able to meet the President at his residence ahead of Friday's match. 

The President, who was once President of Galway United, was delighted to welcome the officials from both sides to Áras an Uachtaráin and wished them luck for the coming 2017 season. 

The President said: "I’m taking the opportunity of inviting in the representatives from the FAI, Dundalk and Cork City as unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the President’s Cup as I’m out of the country. 

"It is always a very interesting game between Dundalk and Cork City, and I was always look forward to it. 

"Dundalk have defeated Cork City in the league last season and of course, Cork City beat Dundalk in the FAI Cup, and on it goes. They’re two great teams who are playing to a very high standard."

The game, which takes place at Turner's Cross, will continue the rivalry between the two clubs before the start of the 2017 SSE Airtricity League on Friday, February 24th.

It is a date the President is looking forward to as he admitted his love for SSE Airtricity League football and urged clubs to continue the connection with their local community.

The President added: "The standard is very high. The league is where I really have a strong feeling. 

"When I go to games, whether it’s out in Tallaght, Dalymount or even Galway, I know people from different generations whose families have supported football. 

"I think something must be done to make sure the clubs keep the connection to the local community."

Dave Bell's side bounced back from 2-0 down to score through a Carla McManus penalty in the 67th minute and a Heather Payne equaliser five minutes later.

The fixtures in Spain this week will help the Irish girls prepare for their UEFA Elite Qualifying Round test in March when they travel to Serbia to face the hosts, Hungary and Scotland vying to secure a place in this summer's finals in the Czech Republic.

Switzerland took the lead on the stroke of half-time after an Irish pass was intercepted in midfield and the Swiss capitalised with a clever through pass that sent Jost Jael through to fire home.

The Irish suffered a blow when they went 2-0 down in the 61st minute but Bell was delighted with the resolve his side showed to turn their fortunes around and secure a draw.

After having a penalty appeal for a challenge on Heather Payne dismissed the Irish were awarded a spot-kick in the 67th minute after a Swiss defender was penalised for hand-ball and Carla McManus stepped up to shoot home from the spot-kick.

An excellent flowing move was finished off by Payne in the 72nd minute to seal the draw and with such a young group of players in the squad Bell believes it augurs well for the future.

"For us this is a great result. The Swiss players train together all the time and are in school together so they get to work together far more often than our players," he said.

"I'm very pleased with how our younger players have really excelled including two U15s in this squad, Eabha O'Mahoney and Taylor White, who've been super. It's a great experience for them. They're really good players and are in the squad because they're good enough.

"I felt the girls did really well today. They had played very well in the first half and the opening goal came just on half-time and I felt it was against the run of play as we were the stronger side before that.

"The second goal might have knocked our confidence but the girls responded brilliantly and fully deserved to draw the game. These games are about preparing for the UEFA WU17 Championships Elite Qualifying Round but with a young squad and a lot of them eligible again next season, we're learning a lot here.

"Another bonus this week has been having the Ireland assistant coach Steve Guppy here with us. He's been of great benefit to myself and the girls and I know that they have really learned a lot from working with him."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Erica Turner, Lauryn Grier, Sadhbh Doyle, Tyler Toland, Tiegan Ruddy, Alannah McEvoy, Megan Mackey, Doireann Fahey, Carla McManus, Eabha O'Mahony. Subs: Aisling Spillane for O'Mahony 49 mins; Taylor White for Fahey 65; Roisin McGovern for Grier 68; Gillian Keenan for McManus 68.

The Live Your Goals campaign outlines clear messages, that women’s football is an authentic and attractive expression of a modern lifestyle.  It shows optimism, fun belonging and physical beauty.  Women’s football is not just socially accepted but highly respected and has become an integral part of football development in the country. Goals’ was launched and promoted in 2011 as part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.  

Sue Ronan, FAI Head of Women's Football, spoke of the importance of these young girls to keep involved in the game, as they are the future of the National teams.  “We are delighted to yet again be involved in the FIFA Live Your Goals campaign.  Last year we ran a very successful campaign nationwide and many girls were introduced to the game.  It gave the girls the opportunity to attend our Women’s National League and International games.  This year, we are delighted to be able to bring these Festivals of Football to each of our 8 regions as we begin to promote this year’s campaign in the build up to the World Cup Qualifying games later this year.  Young girls will have the opportunity to meet the national league or national team players at the festivals and as a result have role models to aspire to.

The FIFA Live Your Goals campaign is a great opportunity for all the local international and national league players to share their experiences with young fans, giving them advice and encouragement for them to stay involved in the game no matter what level they play at, and maybe even inspire a few more to become future international players.
This year’s events take place in:

• Limerick, Broadford United, Sun 26th Feb
• Meath, MDL Grounds, Sat 11th March
• Roscommon, Lecarrow, Sat 25th March
• Leitrim, Leitrim Village, Wed 18th May
• Kildare, Tougher Park, Sat 21st May
• Dublin, Irishtown Stadium, Sun 28th May
• Kerry, Killarney Celtic, Wed 7th June
• Kilkenny, TBC, FAI AGM Festival of Football in July

To register your daughter or a whole group / school / team go to www.fai.ie/fifalyg or for more information email women@fai.ie 

The Welsh entered the opening match of their season without Cai Powell-Roberts due to illness which saw the introduction of Sam Richards and a starting position for the young Ysgoi Garth Olwg scholar. Another late withdrawn due to injury was Rhydian Morgan, who made way for Harri Hughes (Coleg Menai).

O’Reilly had made some changes to the starting eleven that entertained Australia last month where they went down 2-0 that afternoon. St. Oliver’s James Carroll took the spot of Mount Sion man Tunmise Sobowale. Gorey’s Vinny Quinlan was in for Carlow’s John Martin who was just returning from injury and Neill Byrne made the cut ahead of Seán McDonald at the starting post.

The impressive winger Neil Farrugia of St. Andrew’s College, Blackrock had given the home side an interval lead when he ran on to a clever through pass from Carrigaline CS scholar Alec Byrne to beat goalkeeper Jack Atkinson (Ysgol Castell Alun) with a clinical finish with just a minute before half time.

The goal although brilliantly taken gave the Irish a rather flattering lead after a lack luster opening half with Farrugia providing their only likely threat in front of goal.

For Wales midfielder Callum Saunders (Gower College) had an excellent half and he certainly stood out as a player who could do some damage later in the game.

Wales resumed after the break in attacking mode and substitute Conor Harwood (Coleg Cambria) was only on the pitch two minutes when he pulled them level.

A well delivered Saunders free on 58 minutes deep into the Irish area was met by Harwood and from close in he headed the deserved equaliser past a helpless Paul Martin of Presentation DLS, Bagenalstown.

The goal sparked the home side back into action and Dunshaughlin CC pupil Neill Byrne and Farrugia both went close.

While defender James Carroll (St. Oliver’s CC, Drogheda) forced replacement ‘keeper Iwan Roberts into making a brilliant save from his fiercely driven shot.

The Irish were now looking the more likely to come out winners after Wales were reduced to ten men with ten minutes remaining when goal scorer Harwood was sent off by referee Brendan Clarke.

However Wales might have grabbed a winner themselves when Saunders delivered another great free kick into the home area and skipper George Coulton (Coleg Cambria) headed just over the crossbar.

Coulton was then involved in the dramatic final minutes of injury time when he fouled Athlone CC star Conor Layng as the Irish player was attempting to fire in a close range effort.

Referee Clarke awarded the penalty with the Wales skipper receiving his marching orders.

Clonkeen College man, Seán McDonald, a second half substitute stepped up and coolly beat Roberts to claim all three points for Paddy O’Reilly’s side and join Farrugia his UCD U19s team mate on the score sheet.

The Irish will now go on to face Northern Ireland in Bangor on March 2, Scotland in Glasgow on April 6 before ending their campaign with a home game against England at Home Farm FC on April 13.

Wales will bounce back from this narrow defeat as they host Scotland at Bala FC on March 17. Their penultimate game is another home tie in Cardiff on April 12 when Northern Ireland come to visit. The Welsh Dragons will finish their campaign on the last day of Shield action when Bristol Rovers plays host on April 21 against defending Champions England.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Paul Martin (Presentation De La Salle, Bagenalstown); James Carroll (St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda), Evan Murphy (St. Enda’s College, Salthill), Shane Blaney (Captain) (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Darryl Walsh (St. Declan’s Community College, Waterford), Alec Byrne (Carrigaline Community School), John Mahon (Coola Post Primary School, Sligo), Neill Byrne (Dunshaughlin Community College), Neil Farrugia (St. Andrew’s College, Blackrock), Ronan Manning (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Vinny Quinlan (Gorey Community School).

SUBS: John Martin (Presentation De La Salle, Bagenalstown) for Mahon (HT), Seán McDonald (Clonkeen College, Blackrock) for Quinlan (HT), Conor Layng (Athlone Community College) for N Byrne (78), Steven Nolan (St. Aidan’s CBS, Whitehall) for A Byrne (78), Tunmise Sobowale (Mt Sion CBS Waterford) for Manning (88), Connor Gormley (Loreto Community School, Milford), Jamie Bell (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar).

WALES: Jack Atkinson (Ysgol Castell Alun), Liam Testino-Lee (Coleg Sir Gar), Sam Richards (Ysgoi Garth Olwg), Carn Thomas (Bridgend College), George Coulton (Captain) (Coleg Cambria), Kurtis Rees (Gower College), Callum Saunders (Gower College), Danny Williams (Gower College), Cameron Keetch (Bridgend College), Owain Jones (Yagol Dyffryn Conwy), Keane Watts (Ysgol Maesteg).

SUBS: Iwan Roberts (Coleg Menai) for Atkinson (HT), Harry Hughes (Coleg Menai) for Richards (HT), Conor Harwood (Coleg Cambria) for Jones (55), Keane Royall (Coleg Gwent) for Williams (84), Liam Snowden (Bridgend College).

REFEREE: Brendan Clarke (Dublin)

Ballinasloe Town's Curragh Grounds will host a meeting between the sides on Tuesday evening (7.00pm) then Mervue United will host a second encounter on Thursday afternoon (12.00pm).

The Irish U16 side won the Victory Shield in November with wins over Wales, Northern Ireland and hosts Scotland and Osam is looking for similar performances from his squad next week.

"It's nice to be back together with the squad as outside of a friendly against Jason Donohue's U15s and a Christmas session we have not had much opportunity to work with the players since the Victory Shield," said Osam.

"We will be looking to continue on the work we've done with the players and what they did at U15 level last season in these two fixtures then turn the focus on the UEFA development tournament in May before we hand the squad over to the U17 Head Coach Colin O'Brien for next season.

"The work we're doing is about adding to the players knowledge of international football and it's also an opportunity for some players that we need to have a look at before they progress to the competitive games at U17 level.

"There's some very good players at this age level and some have already done gone up to u17s while the likes of Adam Idah, Sean Brennan and Callum Thompson were unavailable for these games through injury.

"The standards the players have reached already this season means that it's a big ask for anybody coming in to this squad but we've seen in the past that some players can be better suited to international level than club football and I'm sure they can adjust.

"We'd be hopeful we can get good results next week but we are more focused on getting the performances required at this level of the game and help with the development of the players."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U17 SQUAD:

Harry Clarke (St Patrick's Athletic)

Kian Clarke (Bohemians)

Max Murphy (St Joseph's Boys)

Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide Utd)

Ray O'Sullivan (St Kevin's Boys)

Mark McGuinness (Arsenal)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Jason Knight (Cabinteely)

Jordan McEneff (Coleraine)

Jordan Carr (Athlone Town)

Marc Walsh (Finn Harps)

Adam O'Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

Jack Nolan (Reading)

Ciaran Brennan (Waterford FC)

Ryan Cassidy (St Kevin's Boys)

Tyreik Wright (Lakewood AFC)

FIXTURES

U16 International Friendlies

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 

Republic of Ireland v Hungary, The Curragh Grounds, Ballinasloe (7.00pm)

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Republic of Ireland v Hungary, Fahy’s Field, Mervue, Galway (12.00pm)

In an enthralling first 45 minutes, it was the visitors who had the first opportunity. Patrick McEleney’s precise through ball found Ciaran Kilduff with only Mark McNulty to beat. Kilduff’s goal-bound effort was splendidly pushed to safety by the Cork ‘keeper.

The Lilywhites were left to rue that missed opportunity just six minutes later as Sean Maguire found space out on left flank. Maguire evaded the attention of Paddy Barrett before firing a fierce left footed strike through Gabriel Sava’s legs from an acute angle.

The lively McEleney continued to be a threat for the visitors and he was again the creator just after the half hour mark. His delightful ball was headed back across goal by John Mountney who was denied the equaliser by the outstretched McNulty.

Dundalk continued to press for an equaliser after the restart but it was Cork City who doubled their lead midway through the second half. Kevin O’Connor curled a stunning free kick over the wall and into the top corner of Gabriel Sava’s net from 25 yards.

City could have added a third moments later. The lively Karl Sheppard’s whipped cross was inches away from finding the onrushing Maguire at the back post.

Dundalk showed the spirit that has been a key trait for them in recent seasons and never let up, but an inspired McNulty denied Patrick McEleney and then Ciaran Kilduff to preserve Cork’s lead.

As the clocked ticked into the fifth minute of additional time, Karl Sheppard put the icing on the cake, dribbling through space in the Dundalk area before firing past Sava and into the far corner as the Leesiders ran out worthy winners.

Cork City: McNulty (GK,), Delaney, Bolger ©, Keohane, McCormack, Beattie, Dooley, O’Connor, Morrissey, Maguire, Buckley.

Dundalk: Sava (GK), Gannon, Gartland, Barrett, O’Donnell ©, Duffy, Mountney, McEleney, Massey, Kilduff, Benson.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

Jim Crawford's side is made up of players who were selected from the FAI Inter-Provincial Youths tournament which took place in Dublin last October. Players in that competition come from outside of the SSE Airtricity League structure but they remain eligible for the Home-based U18s if they subsequently move on to that league.

Wales won this competition on penalties last year after two keenly contested fixtures in the South East. The Welsh won 1-0 at Tramore AFC then the Irish won 3-2 at the RSC to level matters 3-3 on aggregate.

"The fact that there is a trophy on offer is a nice incentive for the players but overall the main priority for these games is to give players an opportunity to taste international football and provide them with a chance to show what they can do at a higher level," said Crawford.

"These games have produced players who have progressed on to the SSE Airtricity League and then onto the U19 international side in the past so it would be lovely to think some of the players we have here can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Alan Browne or Pierce Sweeney who used it as a stepping stone in their careers.

"We've worked hard as a staff to bring the players together for assessments and played training games against Bray Wanderers U19s and Shelbourne U17s and we've been delighted with how much learning the players have taken on board.

"The aim for the first game is to get a performance based on the principles of play that we've worked on with the players - defence, attack and the transitions - and if we can get that we believe we have players capable of doing well here this week."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Adam Kenny (Crumlin United), Daniel Houghton (Derry City), Arron Legget (Galway United), Jason Hogan (Ballingcollig), Daniel Grant (Bangor Celtic), Greg Barrett (Blarney United), Eoin Hunter (Cabinteely), Michael Friel (Clonmany Shamrocks), Ethan Hurley (College Corinthians), Tomas Collins (Cork City), Dylan Fleming (Gorey Rangers), Jordan O'Reilly (Hardwicke), Lee Jordan (Hardwicke), Leon Hayes (Hardwicke), Karl Fitzsimons (Drogheda United), Keith Campbell (Home Farm), Tom McCarthy (Home Farm), Jordan Muldoon (Merville United), Adam Duffy (Duncarnagh), Matthew Barrett (Oranmore).

FIXTURES

John Coughlan Memorial Cup

Tuesday, February 21

Wales v Republic of Ireland, Bala Town FC (7.30pm)

Thursday, February 23

Wales v Republic of Ireland, Latham Park, Newtown AFC (2.00pm)

Paul Osam’s team started their two games against Attila Belvon’s men in fine form and will look to make it two wins out of two when they travel to Mervue on Thursday.

Early on, Barry Coffey reacted quickly to a dropped ball, but his shot from the edge of the area was too weak and bobbled wide of Agoston Kiss’ left-hand post.  Then, Kameron Ledwidge was awarded a free kick on the left flank after a foul and his delivery was curled in nicely to the 18-yard box, only for Oisin McEntee’s headed effort from eight yards out to be safely collected by the goalkeeper.

McEneff had Ireland’s best chance of the opening quarter that didn’t go in after he was supplied with possession by Jason Knight, however the Coleraine man’s effort was straight at the ‘keeper after he connected well with it from a central position, 20 yards from goal.

Attila Belvon’s men attempted to rally an attack shortly after but they failed to beat the first man with a corner and then a series of attempted crosses. They did fashion something when Nathan Collins fouled Marcell Papp in the 19th minute in a dangerous position on the edge of the box, but Csaba Bukta’s delivery went over everybody for a throw-in.

The 25th minute saw Ireland eventually break the deadlock as Barry Coffey connected expertly at the back post with a deep Ledwidge cross from the left wing, sparking jubilant celebrations in the main stand.

Osam’s troops could have doubled their lead in the 32nd minute after an effort from the edge of the area from Ledwidge was only parried away to Ryan Cassidy’s feet but the St Kevin’s Boys striker couldn’t react sharply enough to turn home the loose ball as Kiss gathered.

Following the restart, Jason Knight had a great chance as he latched onto a bobbling loose ball, but the captain couldn’t make it 2-0. Then, Ledwidge blasted a cracking effort at goal from distance, but he was denied by a good save.

Domink Cipf found himself in space inside the Irish area in the 48th minute after a nice through-ball, but ‘keeper Kian Clarke did ever so well to come out to narrow the angle as Cipf’s right-footed shot arrowed past the far post much to the relief of the home defence.

The home side conceded late on from a headed effort from Kevin Kormendi but showed great spirit to rally once again in the dying embers through goalscorer McEneff whose header from a corner sealed a great win.

Republic of Ireland: Kian Clarke; Max Murphy, Kameron Ledwidge, Jason Knight, Mark Walsh (Jack Nolan 64), Jordan McEneff, Ryan Cassidy, Oisin McEntee (Mark McGuinness 66), Nathan Collins, Tyreik Wright (Jordan Carr 77), Barry Coffey (Adam O’ Reilly 58).

Hungary: Agoston Kiss; Laszlo Siktu (Laszlo Papp 40), Oliver Kalmar (Kevin Kormendi 40), Benjamin Lakatos, Vince Nyiri, Marcell Papp, Felix Saghy, Patrick Nyari (Balint Szabo 57), Peter Beke (Bence Kiss 76), Domink Cipf (Kristof Toth-Gabor 40), Casaba Bukta.

Referee: John McLoughlin.

Jim Crawford's side showed great attacking intent right from the off and had the home side on the back foot from early on with Daniel Grant firing narrowly over in the sixth minute.

Eoin Hunter came close to breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute when he fired narrowly wide but less than 60 seconds later the Irish took the lead when Grant broke through and drilled the ball past the home keeper Iwan Roberts.

Jordan O'Reilly tested Roberts with a flicked effort from a Grant cross in the 18th minute but four minutes later the Irish went further ahead when Hunter capitalised on a hesitant home defence to slot the ball past the advancing keeper.

Irish captain Karl Fitzsimons fired over in the 38th minute as Crawford's side looked to further stamp their authority on proceedings but the Welsh should have pulled one back when Aron Hughes Jones fired narrowly wide across the face of goal two minutes later.

Grant had an effort saved by Roberts in the second minute of the second half then Fitzsimons shot wide again in the 51st minute and Roberts again denied O'Reilly on the hour.

Wales had come close in the 55th minute when Andy Vale fired a low shot wide of the right-hand post but they were punished when O’Reilly curled home a third Irish goal brilliantly in the 66th minute.

Matthew Barrett came off the bench to volley home a fourth after a corner wasn’t cleared by the Welsh defence and in injury-time the home side had the ball in the net after a Vale shot was saved by keeper Daniel Houghton and Cameron Keetch was flagged offside to rule it out.

The two teams meet again on Thursday at Newtown AFC’s Latham Park (2.00pm) with the Irish 4-0 up going into the second leg.

"Overall I am extremely pleased with what the players have produced here. It's not easy coming together in such a short space of time and trying to learn so much but the players put into practice what we showed them in the meetings, on the training pitch and in analysis," said Crawford.

"It's very rewarding when you see some of the attacking play that we worked on coming off in such fashion but the players deserve great credit for their attitude and willingness to learn and develop themselves. This is a rare opportunity for them to represent their country and we're very pleased with how they've performed.

"Having a commanding lead going into the second game is obviously a nice position to be in but that does not mean we'll accept anything less from the players on Thursday than the approach that they took into this fixture."

WALES: Iwan Roberts, Daniel Slawson, Jordan Pike, Tyler Aylward, Owen Williams (Zebb Edwards, 18), Jack Rimmer, Andy Vale (Samuel Haddon, 90), Jack Todd (Daniel Williams, 60), Aron Hughes Jones, Harri Horwood (Cameron Keetch, HT), Michael George (Samuel Ashworth, 55).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Daniel Houghton, Tom McCarthy, Dylan Fleming, Keith Campbell, Greg Barrett (Thomas Collins, 78), Karl Fitzsimons, Jordan O’Reilly (Jordan Muldoon, 70), Eoin Hunter (Matthew Barrett, 70), Leon Hayes (Arron Legget, 84), Daniel Grant (Mikey Friel, 84), Lee Jordan (Adam Duffy, 54).

The 2017 SSE Airtricity League season is set to start on Friday, February 24th with SSE Airtricity League Champions Dundalk set to start their defence at home to Shamrock Rovers, live on eirSport.

The new SSE Airtricity League website has been developed to bring the league into the modern digital age with a live match centre, enhanced player profiles and better video integration.

The new website is also fully mobile-optimized meaning SSE Airtricity League supporters will be able to track their team live anywhere in the world, on the move.

SSE Airtricity League has also recruited a brand new team of reporters who will be at every league game across the Premier Division, First Division, Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup and EA SPORTS Cup to report live through the new match centre.

FAI Director of Competitions, Fran Gavin, said: "We're delighted to launch this brand new website for the SSE Airtricity League ahead of the Friday's season kick-off.

"There has been a lot of hard work accomplished behind the scenes at the FAI and we're delighted with the final product, and I'm sure club officials and fans will be also.

"We'll continue to develop the website over the next few weeks as we're currently in the process of getting head-shots of every league player and official.

"The new website will also provide greater coverage on the Under-19 and Under-17 leagues whilst also providing match highlights of every Premier Division game throughout the season.

"Overall, this is a great step forward for the SSE Airtricity League and we can't wait until the season starts on Friday."

Visit the new SSEAirtricityLeague website HERE

The opening exchanges were quite scrappy as both sides battled for dominance, with half chances falling to both outfits. In the fourth minute Kristof Toth-Gabor had a scuffed effort directed at goal while two minutes later the Irish created an opportunity themselves through a sharp turn and shot from Ciaran Brennan in the six-yard box, but neither team netted early.

Ireland reduced Hungary to long balls for much of the opening half and the rear-guard martialled most of the threats well, Mark McGuinness using his sizeable frame to his advantage while goalkeeper Harry Clarke mopped up any loose balls in behind.

Paul Osam’s men created most of the chances and should have netted on 16 minutes when Cabinteely FC’s Jason Knight found himself in possession in the area only for his effort to rebound to Brennan whose effort was blasted over the bar from close range.

The turning point would arrive in the 26th minute after referee Marc Lynch spotted an infringement in the box before pointing to the spot to give Hungary a spot kick which Peter Beke dispatched to Clarke’s left to make the scores 1-0.

The second half saw Ireland start positively with a half chance for Jack Nolan, but his shot from wide on the left was easily saved by Botond Nemeth in the Hungary goals. Then, in the 56th minute of the game, Max Murphy produced a thunderous right-footed effort that cracked off the right post before being cleared to safety.

That was as good as it got for the Irish and although they refused to let the heads drop, a 66th minute strike from substitute Csaba Bukta, after cutting in from the right wing before beating his man and firing at goal, made a home comeback all the more difficult.

In the 82nd minute, with Ireland pushing for a consolation, Attila Belvon’s side caught them on the counter and played in Bence Kiss who finished well with only the keeper to beat from close range. That sealed the win, but didn’t stop Ryan Cassidy from firing a shot in anger in the dying embers that flew marginally over the crossbar.

A disappointing result for Osam’s troops on the day as Hungary managed to deny them a positive result, but one win from two will certainly give the team faith heading into the UEFA Development tournament which kicks off in May.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Harry Clarke, Max Murphy, Mark McGuinness, Ray O’ Sullivan, Jason Knight (Mark Walsh 46), Jordan McEneff, Ciaran Brennan, Jack Nolan (Ryan Cassidy 76), Adam O’ Reilly, Jordan Carr (Barry Coffey 46), Tyreik Wright

HUNGARY: Botond Nemeth, Benjamin Lakatos (Laszlo Siktu), Kevin Kormendi, Gergely Kapronczai, Vince Nyiri, Marcell Papp (Bence Kiss 76), Felix Saghy, Patrick Nyari, Peter Beke, Kristof Toth-Gabor (Csaba Bukta 46), Laszlo Papp

Referee: Marc Lynch

Aviva have today announced over 130 FAI Soccer Sister Camps to take place across the country during the schools Easter Holidays.  As part of this year’s FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters programme, girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old from all over the country are being invited to sign up and learn to play football like a Soccer Sister.

Aviva, who announced they will support the programme through to 2020, have helped significantly boost the amount of camps available around the country.  The Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Camps will run for two full days during the Easter school break.  It is open to all girls 7-12 years old of all abilities and gives them a chance to learn the skills of football in a safe and fun environment.

An Aviva Soccer Sister will receive a full Soccer Sister kit, including a limited edition Aviva Soccer Sister Jersey, a “Play Like a Soccer Sister” wristband”, a football and an official FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters completion certificate signed by Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team player Aine O’Gorman and Sue Ronan, FAI’s Head of Women’s Football. 

Early birds who sign up will be in with a chance to win a place at the Aviva Soccer Sisters Golden Camp, which will take place at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown where they will get to live like a Professional Footballer for the day.  Soccer Sisters who apply before the 28th February will be entered into a draw where 30 winners will be chosen for a once in a lifetime experience to spend the day at Abbotstown, training and eating with the full Ireland Women’s National Team.   

Sue Ronan, Head of Women’s Football with the FAI, said; “The Soccer Sisters Camps are an ideal opportunity for young girls to experience football in a fun, safe environment with their peer group and friends.  The 2 day Easter Camps are the first step on the football ladder for young girls and have proved to be a big hit over past number of years.  Many of these girls have stayed in the game, some going on to great heights like playing for their country at underage level, while others continue to enjoy the game at club-level, having made life-long friends along the way."

Mark Russell, Sponsorship Manager, Aviva Ireland, said; “Aviva is honoured to be involved with the FAI Soccer Sisters up until 2020.  We want to work with the FAI to help increase awareness of the programme but also assist in growing the amount of venues the programme is run through to help get more girls involved in sport at a young age.  This is just another of the grassroots sports programmes that Aviva are committed to where we not only hope to create some heroes of tomorrow but to encourage more young people to get involved and stay involved with sport.” 

To find out more about Aviva Soccer Sisters and how to sign up for one of the Easter Camps you can log on to www.soccersisters.ie.

After a 4-0 win over the Welsh at Bala Town on Tuesday Jim Crawford’s side won 5-0 on aggregate to bring home the trophy, which was introduced for this annual fixture last year.

Merville United striker Jordan Muldoon bagged the game’s only goal in the 23rd minute and the Irish defence held firm to deny their opponents a way back into the tie.

Ballincollig’s Jason Hogan has a chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute but failed to hit the target then Muldoon sent in a stinging drive that just failed to find the top corner in the 16th minute.

Muldoon found the net with a low finish to the Welsh keeper’s bottom right corner to take the wind out of the Welsh sails after they had got off to lively start.

Daniel Grant burst through in the 31st minute and his effort was blocked by keeper Iwan Roberts and Hogan’s follow up struck the base of the Welsh upright.

Irish keeper Daniel Houghton did well to deny Cameron Keetch a 34th minute equaliser then Hogan spurned an opportunity to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute when he was sent through on goal and rounded keeper Roberts but failed to find the target.

Aron Hughes Jones had a powerful strike from a free-kick pushed away by Houghton in the 53rd minute then Grant produced an excellent strike for the Irish which Roberts did well to tip over in the 62nd minute.

Jordan O‘Reilly looked dangerous for Ireland upon his introduction as substitute and had an effort just off target in the 66th minute then Mikey Friel burst through in the 88th minute and was unfortunate to see his low strike whistle narrowly wide.

“We were very pleased with the outcome of the two games here in Wales this week and I believe that the players have had a hell of a lot of learning crammed into a short space of time,” said Crawford.

“The players stuck to the match objectives and to keep two clean sheets and score five goals across the two games was testament to the work that they put in.

“It’s been a positive experience overall and we now hope the players reflect on what they’ve learned while in this group and take this back into their club football and progress in their careers in the game.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Daniel Houghton, Tom McCarthy, Leon Hayes, Dylan Fleming, Arron Legget, Greg Barrett, Karl Fitzsimons, Jordan Muldoon, Daniel Grant, Jason Hogan, Eoin Hunter. Subs: Ethan Hurley for Hunter 46 mins; Jordan O’Reilly for Hogan 55; Adam Kenny for Houghton 55; Lee Jordan for Muldoon 61; Mikey Frield for Hayes 61; Tomas Collins for Barrett 76; Matthew Barrett for Grant 81.

The Football Association of Ireland have created the Players' Healthy Eating Guide, in conjunction with SPAR, to encourage children to adopt healthy eating habits.

Eating healthier food helps children to concentrate for longer and learn more in school. It also supplies children with the energy they need to perform at their best at sport. Making smarter food choices as children will help them to grow up to become healthier teenagers and adults.

Players from the Republic of Ireland Men's and Women's Senior Teams got involved to help out, as evidenced by the photo above of Jonathan Walters, Paul McShane and Jeff Hendrick trying out some of the meals at the team hotel.

Dan Horan, FAI Head of Fitness, works closely with the Ireland Men's and Women's Senior Teams, so he knows all about getting players into peak condition to perform on the pitch. Dan is one of the experts in this Guide, alongside Mark Evans and Ellen Roche, who are highly-skilled and qualified nutritionists and dietitians who have helped to supply a great range of healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options.

Another important person involved in this Guide is David Steele, who is the Head Chef for the Ireland teams, and he prepared each of the amazing looking dishes featured in this Guide. He also helped provide the list of ingredients needed and cooking methods required to prepare the meals.

Also included in the Guide are healthy school lunch ideas, healthy eating tips and full list of foods which will help children to create a balance diet.
 

Pupils from schools from Clontarf, Harmonstown, Killester, Artane and Raheny took part in the project which focused on Anti-Bullying and Personal Safety and Show Racism The Red Card for fifth class Primary Schools.

Raheny/Clontarf Community Gardaí led by Sgt Jim Clavin and FAI Development Officer Jimmy Mowlds ran the classroom Anti-Racism, Personal Safety and Anti Bullying modules over three days at the beginning of February.

"We had 28 classes to deliver the full Show Racism The Red Card programme with the assistance of Paul Whelan and Jamie Wilson and their Project Futsal students from Ballymun who were complimented by the Gardaí on their professional delivery of the school football sessions and coordinating them with the classroom talks," said Mowlds.

"We then gave every class a country to represent as part of the Show Racism The Red Card programme with the teachers picking a squad of 10 players to play for that country and the rest of the class making banners and flags to support them.

"We also utilised the players from the FAI Fingal Transition Year course which is coordinated by Denis Hyland and Martin Doyle to organise the teams, groups and fixtures for the Blitz day. They also staffed, refereed and co-ordinated the teams on the day which couldn’t take place without their support.

"The Gardaí and DCC through Michelle Watters and Jason Brady transported all the schools and provided trophies for the event with the support of Dublin Bus and actively staffed the day as well.

"We also ran a supporters zone with Street Striker, Crossbar Challenge and penalty shootout competitions for all supporters with prizes for the winners supplied by the FAI Summer Soccer Schools while FAI Schools and Third level  Department also supplied the footballs for the blitz."

The prizes were presented to the winners on the day by Chief Superintendent Finbarr O'Brien and the list winners on the day was as follows:

Boys

Winners               : Albania (St. Brigids Boys NS)

R-Up                      : Brazil (Scoil Neasain)

Girls

Winners               : Spain (Greenlanes)

R-Up                      : Norway (Scoil Neasain)

Fair Play

Boys:                     Ireland (Scoil Assaim)

Girls:                      Portugal (Howth Rd NS)

Player of tournament:

Boys: Luke McCullagh (St Brigids Boys NS)

Girls: Emily Ni Riann (Neasain)

Hear more about the event from FAI DO Jimmy Mowlds in the audio file at the top of this page.

FAI Garda initiative.jpg, by stephen.finn@fai.ie

The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19 squad will face Czech Republic in a double header this week as their final preparations for the European Championship Elite Phase commence.

After topping their group in the Qualifying Round - scoring 14 goals and conceding none in three wins - Dave Connell's Under 19 team will go into the Elite Round full of confidence.

They will also have home advantage as they prepare to host Finland, Scotland and Ukraine in April.

The impressive Qualifying Round performances were followed up in January with a 4-0 win over Portugal and a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands. This week’s games against the Czech Republic gives Dave Connell the chance to fine-tune his squad one final time before April’s games and he has named a squad of 18 to travel to Barcelona this week.

The strength of the Under 19 set up currently is evident by the elevation of Amanda McQuillan, Leanne Kiernan and Roma McLaughlin to the Women’s Senior Team for this week’s Cyprus Cup.

The games this week take place on Wednesday and Friday and we’ll have reports and highlights right here on FAI.ie.

Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19 Squad to face Czech Republic:

Nadine Maher (Oaklands University), Naoisha McAloon (Peamount United), Jamie Finn (Shelbourne FC), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Chloe Moloney                  (Galway WFC), Niamh Prior (Shelbourne FC), Jess Nolan (Galway WFC), Fiona Donnelly (Shelbourne FC), Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne FC), Lucy McCartan (Peamount United), Sophie Watters         (Shelbourne FC), Evelyn Daly (Cork Womens FC), Lynn Craven (Shelbourne FC), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Tiegan Ruddy (Shelbourne FC), Saoirse Noonan (Cork Womens FC), Eleanor Ryan Doyle (UCD Waves), Heather Payne (Peamount United)

Fixtures:

Wednesday, March 1, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland, 16:00

Friday, March 3, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland, 14:30

The Republic of Ireland will travel to the United States this summer for an international friendly against Mexico in MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Thursday, June 1.

The game will kick off what promises to be an exciting summer for Martin O'Neill's side as they will also host Uruguay in a 'Three' International Friendly on June 4 before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Austria on June 11 - both at Aviva Stadium.

"This is a brilliant match for us in our preparation for our World Cup qualifier against Austria," said O'Neill.

"Mexico in the United States couldn't be much tougher but it's exactly what we want. We have another game against Uruguay a few days later at the Aviva Stadium before the Austria game the following week.

"The players who may not have played for a while after their club season has ended will, I'm sure, relish the opportunity to play against such quality opposition."

Ireland have played against Mexico four times - drawing three and losing once - and two of those have been on US soil, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup Group E game in Orlando.

Currently placed 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, Mexico are managed by Juan Carlos Osorio and are preparing for their own World Cup Qualifiers as well as, 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, which kicks off on June 17 in Russia and they are in Group A alongside the hosts, Portugal and New Zealand.

Ireland last played in MetLife Stadium in June 2014 when they took on Portugal, but the team has terrific history in New Jersey following Ray Houghton's famous goal against Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

The game is set for a 20:00 kick-off (local time) and tickets will be released via Ticketmaster.com at 15:00 on March 1. Please note that tickets will only be available for box office collection.

The Women's National Team travelled to Cyprus yesterday after a training session in Abbotstown with the new Head Coach before they face Czech Republic in the Cyprus Cup, with kick-off at 12.30pm (Irish time).

Bell has also revealed that Marie Hourihan from Manchester City has linked up with the squad for the tournament where he stands to claim her first cap since becoming eligible for the country.

Claire O'Riordan, striker for Wexford Youths, and Harriet Scott, defender from Reading, has also linked up with the squad and Bell admits he is looking forward to the challenge.

The WNT Head Coach said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's been great to get onto the pitch with the group, starting on Sunday at Abbotstown and out here again today.

"I'm trying to get a few bits of information across to the group; it's going to be a tough game for us with only two small sessions of preparation.

"We had to move the squad around slightly. Julie Ann-Russell wasn't available so I've brought in Claire O'Riordan and Harriet Scott. Also, Marie Hourihan who is eligible to play for Ireland, she's a keeper from Manchester City.

"I'm looking forward to see how they settle in. We've got a few younger faces as well, the likes of Roma McLaughlin, Amanda McQuillan and Leanne Kiernan so we've got a good mix for the tournament."

Joining Bell on the trip is new goalkeeping coach Michael Kraft who formerly played in Germany and Turkey, and has also been part of the coaching staff at Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen.

The Women's National Team Head Coach was delighted that Kraft was available for the tournament and wants to see his side represent themselves well against the Czech Republic.

He added: "I've known Michael for 30 years, he has considerable experience having played at the highest level himself and it's great he could join us on the trip.

"I'm really pleased that he is here as he is really dedicated, a great guy and a great person, and I'm sure the goalkeepers will benefit from working with him.

"We've got to make sure we keep things tomorrow. Czech Republic have a settled squad who've been together a number of years now whilst we've got players coming in on different levels.

"Some have started the season, some haven't but I've seen a real character from the group since coming in and we've got to make sure that translates onto the pitch tomorrow."