REPORT: Republic of Ireland 0-0 Wales - Ireland held by ten-men Wales at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland had the best chances of the game with James McClean’s goal-bound effort deflected wide and Shane Long’s late header blocked in the six-yard area as Ireland ended the night second in Group D, behind Serbia.

Martin O’Neill was dealt a blow before the game had started when James McCarthy, who was named in the starting XI, pulled up in the warm-up meaning Hull City midfielder David Meyler came into the side to replace him.

It was a tentative start from both sides in a cauldron of an atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium. It took 25 minutes for the first chance to arrive as an Aaron Ramsey corner to the back-post found James Chester, who leaped highest, but he directed his header wide under pressure from John O’Shea.

O’Shea almost had the desired impact at the other end as with Ireland’s first corner of the game McClean’s low-swinging cross found O’Shea who flicked on for Shane Long but he failed to make contact with the ball under pressure in the 34th minute.

The second-half started in the same vein with Ireland happy to let the away side have the ball. In the 63rd minute, Gareth Bale found a low cross from the right towards substitute Sam Vokes but his shot was well blocked.

Five minutes later, Wales were reduced to ten men due to a reckless challenge by Neil Taylor on Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman. The Welsh defender was high and out of control as he slid on Coleman to be shown a red card and the Irish skipper was stretchered off immediately.

Martin O’Neill’s side rallied immediately as they looked to take advantage of the sending off. McClean almost put the Irish ahead as David Meyler’s cushioned header found the West Bromwich Albion man but his shot was deflected wide by Chris Gunter in the 73rd minute.

Martin O’Neill added attacking impetus to his side with the introduction of Aiden McGeady, who has been in fine form for Preston North End with 11 minutes remaining as Ireland poured forward in search of the winner.

It almost proved their undoing as Real Madrid star Bale won the ball on the half-way line and drove towards the Irish defence, turned inside and unleashed a fierce effort which skimmed the top of the cross-bar with six minutes remaining.

In the final minutes of the game, Ireland almost grabbed a winner as McGeady clipped the ball to the back-post to find Shane Long but his header was blocked in the six-yard area as the game ended with the points shared.

Teams

Republic of Ireland: Randolph (GK), Coleman (C) (Christie 72), Keogh, O’Shea, McClean, Whelan, Meyler (McGeady 79), Hendrick, Walters, Long.

Subs: Westwood (GK), C. Doyle (GK), K. Doyle, Horgan, Christie, Egan, Hourihane, Hayes, O’Dowda, Pearce.

Wales: Hennessey (GK), Gunter, Taylor, Davies, Chester, Williams (C), Allen, Robson-Kanu (Vokes 46), Ramsey, Bale, Ledley (Richards 72).

Subs: Fon Williams (GK), King, MacDonald, Edwards, Wilson, Collins, Walsh, Ward, Bradshaw, Woodburn.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

Yellow card: David Meylor, Gareth Bale, Aidan McGeady.

Red Card: Neil Taylor

The draw keeps Martin O'Neill's team top of Group D after five games played with 11 points collected - the same as Serbia. The next 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier is at home to Austria on June 11.

Captain Seamus Coleman, who went off injured during the game, underwent surgery on Saturday morning after fracturing his right tibia and fibula, under the care of the FAI's Orthopaedic Surgeon, Professor John O'Byrne and Mr. Gary O'Toole, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

"Seamus suffered a serious leg injury and has undergone surgery. He has had an exceptional season with both club and country, and he will be a big loss," said O'Neill.

"But Seamus is so mentally strong that when he has fully recovered he will be as brilliant as before."

Coleman's condition will be monitored over the coming days, while John O'Shea, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters will also leave international camp and return to their clubs.

FAI CEO John Delaney added: "Seamus has been a terrific captain for his country, and on behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I want to send Seamus our very best wishes.

"We look forward to welcoming Seamus back to the Ireland team, following his recovery."

The Ireland squad will resume full training at the FAI National Training Centre on Monday, 27 March in preparation for the 'Three' International Friendly against Iceland on Tuesday, 28 March in Aviva Stadium.

Tom Mohan’s side went into the fixture on a high after their 2-0 win over Italy in the opening round of games but had their momentum halted by the physical Swedes, who had lost to the hosts Belgium on day one.

With the Belgians drawing 1-1 with Italy today the Irish can still progress to the finals as group winners with a win over Belgium on Tuesday providing the Swedes fail to beat Italy on the same day.

Sweden took the lead in the 25th minute when Svante Ingelsson found the net after a Swedish break led to the midfielder drilling home across the face of the Irish goal.

Corey O’Keefe had an effort just off target five minutes later and the Irish had a period of control without fully threatening an equaliser before the break.

The Irish suffered a blow when Canice Carroll was penalised for a challenge on Mattias Svanberg at the edge of the box in the 52th minute and Besard Sabovic blasted to the roof of the Irish net from the resulting free-kick.

Alexander Isak extended that lead to three in the 73rd minute after Ireland failed to clear a free-kick.

Ronan Hale had a couple of attempts to pull one back but couldn’t find the target and now the Irish must regroup and focus on the final series of fixtures against the Belgians.

“Sweden were a strong physical side and direct. They’ve a lot of big players. They got the first goal and we were decent enough before half-time but then conceded a free edge of box that they stuck into top corner,” said Mohan.

“Both their goals in second half came at times when we were on top which was frustrating.

“Sweden were very well organised defensively but our boys showed good spirit and kept trying to get back into it. The last two goals were sucker piunches.

“As good as the result against Italy was this is as disappointing  It’s going to go down to the last day and we’re still in the hunt.

“A positive is that we finished the game strongly. Maybe our finishing and final ball didn’t go well for us. We will get over this and prepare for the Belgian game and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of twists to come in the group.”

SWEDEN: Johansson, Beijmo, Degerlund, Kralj (Hadzikadunic 65), Isherwood, Svanberg (Haksabanovic 88), Ingelsson, Jajic, Sabovic, Gyökeres (Isak 65), Lidberg.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Kelleher, O'Keeffe, Masterson, Rice, Wilson, Levingston (McKenna 61), Elbouzedi, Molumby, Hale, Mandroiu (Carroll 36), Clarke (Kane 85).

RESULTS & FIXTURES

UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 23: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Italy, Hamme (Bel)

SATURDAY, MARCH 25: Sweden 3-0 Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)

TUESDAY, MARCH 28: Belgium v v Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)(6.00pm Irish)

Noel King’s side secured the three points thanks to a close range finish by Olamide Shodipo early in the second half but had to weather some dangerous Kosovan attacks to hold on for the win.

This was Kosovo’s first game at this level and their performance suggests they will be a tough nut to crack for any side in this qualifying campaign while the Irish will feel there is room for improvement on their end.

Ireland started brightly but found the visitors a well-organised defensive unit. In the opening minutes Connor Dimaio had a shot blocked while he was also narrowly off target in the 24th minute.

Shodipo had a shot blocked in the 31st minute as the Irish were frustrated in their attempts to threaten Visar Beka’s goal. Dimaio had another effort off target as the first half came to end.

Ireland upped the ante after the break but Kosovo looked dangerous on the counter with Leonard Pilana denied an opener by Irish keeper Kieran O’Hara in the 49th minute.

The Irish eventually broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Shodipo poked home from close range after a goalmouth scramble where Ronan Curtis and Dimaio had looked likely to score but were charged down.

Mendurim Hoti came so close to levelling just two minutes later with a well struck effort that rattled O’Hara’s left upright.

Ireland had a glorious chance to extend their lead in the 69th minute when substitute Reece Grego-Cox robbed a defender and burst through on goal but lost his balance before shooting and keeper Beka did enough to push the ball wide.

Mendurim Hoti could not believe he failed to level matters in the 81st minute when he flicked the ball past O’Hara but the ball somehow came back off the post and Shaun Donnellan got back sharply to clear the danger.

“It was pleasing to get the three points on board and we know that there is room for improvement but Kosovo showed that they will be a test for every team in this campaign,” said King.

“We looked good for long periods but Kosovo defended well. They had their own moments when they were unlucky not to score so we’re happy with the victory.

“There were plenty of positives to take from the game and we have plenty of time before our next fixture to look at areas we can tidy up on.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: O'Hara, Kane, Whelan, Donnellan, Sweeney, Dimaio, Charsley, Cullen, Manning (Grego-Cox 67), Curtis, Shodipo.

KOSOVO: Visar Beka, Drillon Tejeci, Rron Statovci, Arian Kabashi, Mendurim Hoti, Florent Hasani, Leonard Pilana (Alamir Ajzeri 68), Ron Broja, Engjell Hoti (Albert Dabiqaj 53), Yiber Maloku, Ardit Gashi.

Phase one of the Shamrock Rovers Academy at the Roadstone sports facility in Kingswood was officially opened by Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and John Delaney, CEO Football Association of Ireland.

The centrepiece of Phase One is the floodlit FIFA Pro Astro pitch and today marks the completion of the initial phase in the development for the Academy and youth development centre which includes significant upgrades to pitches and the floodlight infrastructure. The club hopes to move on to Phase Two without delay and is working on finalising the financial arrangements for same.

This is the first professional Academy of its kind in the country and is the development base for all Shamrock Rovers teams from U8s to the senior team. The facility will cater to up 250 children and young people training at elite level each week and will also serve as the training base for the Shamrock Rovers first team.

In addition, the club will host community groups and football camps at the venue all across the year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs said:

"Today we celebrate a great partnership between the Roadstone Group Sports Club, Shamrock Rovers, the FAI and Government Departments. Together we are helping young people discover the passion, energy and excitement at the heart of football.
Through academies, street leagues and night leagues football is stopping young people getting into trouble. I congratulate all who have made this project a reality.”

John Delaney, CEO Football Association of Ireland said that:

“The opening of the FIFA Pro All Weather pitch marks a significant milestone for the Shamrock Rovers Academy. Phase One of the project is a major first step in the club’s pathway of excellence from under 8s right through to the club’s first team, following in the principles of the FAI’s Player Development Pathway.
This development demonstrates the work that is being done as a collective at Shamrock Rovers, between the Club, Roadstone, South Dublin County Council and the Football Association of Ireland.”

Larry Byrne, Managing Director of Roadstone and Trustee of Roadstone Sports and Social Club, welcomed the opening:

“Roadstone Sports and Social Club is delighted to build its partnership with Shamrock Rovers with the development of a state of the art facility for the Club’s youth teams at our Kingswood site. As a close neighbour, Roadstone Sports and Social Club is proud of its association with Shamrock Rovers and is excited to be supporting this important hub for the local community.”

Shane Robinson, Shamrock Rovers Academy Director said that:

“The opening of the new FIFA Pro Astro is a huge boost to everyone connected to the club. The Roadstone Group

Sports Club have been extremely supportive in this development. It is only eight years ago that we played our first game nearby this site in Tallaght Stadium. The opening of this pitch is another significant milestone for the club as it provides the platform to embed the club in the local community. It will give kids from the area a chance to fulfil their dreams of one day being a professional footballer. At present we have children as young as 8 years of age training three times a week at the same venue as our First Team. One day we hope to produce full International players from our Academy and this day marks a huge step forward in this process.“

Shamrock Rovers and Roadstone Sports and Social Club have worked in partnership on plans to develop the Kingswood facility into Ireland’s leading football academy to be used by players of all youth levels. The development is being funded in part through a Sports Capital Grant of €150,000. The project has been strongly supported by the FAI, Roadstone and State departments. Shamrock Rovers have been tenants of Roadstone’s Sports and Social club at Kingswood for the past 3 years.

As the granite stone unveiled today sates: “Shamrock Rovers F.C. – Pride in our Past, Faith in our Future.” 

The competition is open to all football clubs across the country. Eight clubs will be shortlisted for the coveted award. Each will receive €1,500 and the overall winner will be given an additional €5,000 and entry to UEFA’s Grassroots Awards Under ‘’Best Grassroots Club’’. The FAI Club of the Year 2017 aims to recognise, celebrate and promote the inspirational work done by clubs around Ireland.

The Club of the Year competition is in its 12th year and is open to any club to enter free of charge. Overall, in excess of €160,000 has been awarded to club’s country wide. Clubs can enter through an online application form that allows them to highlight how their club excels in the areas of, Club Management, Coaching, Community, Participation, and Facilities. Previous winners Shiven Rovers (2016) and Achill Rovers (2015) both won out by demonstrating a massive collective effort from people across their communities in promoting and developing their club.

The FAI Club of the Year competition is not just about the biggest club, or the club with the best facilities but it’s about clubs that inspire their communities to get involved in football.

The best 8 clubs will go forward to the final round at the FAI Festival of Football in July. Here they will present to the 2017 Club of the Year judging panel and the winners will be decided.

For more information visit - fai.ie/cluboftheyear

Tom Mohan’s side began the Elite Phase with an impressive 2-0 win over Italy last Thursday but suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sweden on Saturday. Belgium lead the group with four points.

Should Ireland beat the hosts and Sweden fail to beat the Italians, Mohan’s side will top the group and go forward to the finals in Georgia in July.

While the Irish boss is well aware of the size of the task ahead of his side, he is confident that they can cause an upset and put themselves within a fighting chance of reaching the finals.

“We’ve had a good recovery day. We’ve analysed our own performance against Sweden and to be honest we dominated possession for large periods but just weren’t clinical enough,” said Mohan.

“We were disappointed with what we conceded against the Swedes but the big thing was to be alive on the last day. Our first result against Italy gave us that chance.

“We will go into our game against Belgium knowing that we can only look after our own game so whatever happens in the other fixture is out of our control.

“Belgium produce high quality players and we can see that once again they have quality in attack but we believe there are weaknesses there that we can exploit with the quality players in our attack.

“It’ll be a case of two teams looking for a win. There are a lot of permutations and we’ll just have to get on with it. All our players are fit and in good spirits so we’re ready for the challenge.”

RESULTS & FIXTURES

UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 23: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Italy, Hamme (Bel)

SATURDAY, MARCH 25: Sweden 3-0 Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)

TUESDAY, MARCH 28: Belgium v v Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)(6.00pm Irish)

Ticket Information

Remaining tickets for the game are selling fast. Supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays and disappointment.

There is limited availability from Ticketmaster HERE.

Alternatively, Ticketmaster vans will be located at the corner of Northumberland and Pembroke Road (Ticketmaster collections & sales while stocks last) from 4pm today. 

FAI ticket collections will be from Lansdowne Football Club from 2pm until kick-off. Please note tickets are not on sale from the FAI ticket collection point. 

Gates open at 17:45 for Premium and Corporate Level ticket holders while general admission is from 18:15. All food and beverage outlets will be open throughout the stadium with full service available. 

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph, Keiren Westwood, Colin Doyle

Defenders: Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce, Andy Boyle, John Egan, Stephen Ward

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Eunan O'Kane, Conor Hourihane, James McClean, Callum O'Dowda, Daryl Horgan, Jonathan Hayes, Robbie Brady, Stephen Gleeson

Forwards: Shane Long, Kevin Doyle

Official Match Programme

The completely revamped Official Match Programme will be on sale for €5. 

Social Media 

For all breaking news including the exclusive announcement of the Republic of Ireland starting XI and behind-the-scenes content, follow our official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Tom Mohan’s side needed to beat the Belgians and hope that rivals Sweden would be held by Italy in the other game in the group.

A 21st minute own goal by Belgium skipper Wout Faes gave Ireland the three points in Beveren but substitute Viktor Gyökeres grabbed the only game in Hamme to seal top spot for the Swedes.

The Irish goal was the main talking point of the first half. Trevor Clarke got to the endline and whipped in a cross that the defender turned into his own net.

Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher made a save to deny Jorn Vancamp in the dying moments of the first half.

Zachary Elbouzedi had a shot blocked in the 59th minute after the Belgians failed to clear a Corey O'Keeffe corner and less than a minute later Ronan Hale fired off target as Ireland pressed for a second goal.

Kelleher made another save to keep out an Orel Mangala effort in the 61st minute and five minutes later he kept out an attempt by Vancamp .

Vancamp was denied again by Kelleher in the 84th minute then Jayson Molumby brought out a save from home keeper Jens Teunckens 60 seconds later.

Elbouzedi also had an effort off target in injury-time but the bigger disappointment for Ireland was the result from the other game in the group which saw the Swedes reach the finals at Ireland’s expense.

“We were outstanding to a man. The lads did Irish football proud tonight. To perform so well against a top nation like Belgium who were very good says everything about them," said Mohan.

“It’s very disappointing but we have to live with it and move on. These boys are ambitious and know they did enough to reach the finals. To beat Italy and Belgium was so good but maybe we were a bit tired in the second game and paid the price.

“I couldn’t have asked more of the players and the staff. The lads showed character and hard work.

“We had to defend so well after going ahead. Our back four with Conor Masterson and Declan Rice excelling and Caoimhin Kelleher making impressive saves were very good. Ronan Hale put in a great shift. Trevor Clarke was outstanding.

“We could only carry out our side of the bargain and hope that Italy did us a favour against Sweden. If you look at Connor Ronan, Steven Kinsella and Jake Doyle-Hayes also missing it's been an incredible effort from our lads.

“A lot of these players have big futures in the game. Three of our back four plus Jayson Molumby in midfield are eligible again next season. I don’t think anybody could argue but that the future is bright.”

BELGIUM: Teunckens, Lemoine (Janssens 46), Faes, Verstraete (Van Vaerenbergh 46), Vancamp, Rigo, Verreth, De Smet, Mangala (Seigers 75), Daneels, Vanheusden.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Kelleher, Carroll, Masterson, Rice, Wilson., O'Keeffe, Levingston (McKenna 51), Elbouzedi, Molumby, Hale, Clarke.

RESULTS

UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round Group 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 23: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Italy, Hamme (Bel)

SATURDAY, MARCH 25: Sweden 3-0 Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)

TUESDAY, MARCH 28: Belgium 0-1 Republic of Ireland, Freethiel, Beveren (Bel)

Ireland fielded an experimental side as Martin O’Neill used the game to assess his squad options as Conor Hourihane, John Egan, Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle all received their international debuts.

It was a difficult start for Egan who got a clashed with Icelandic striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson early on which led to him requiring a bandage for the rest of the game.

Both sides struggled to create chances until Iceland took the lead. Egan bundled over striker Kjartan Henry Finnbogason 25-yards out and Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson curled the ball over the Irish wall, into the bottom left-hand corner with Keiren Westwood unmoved in the 19th minute.

Ireland almost pulled themselves level 10 minutes from the break as James McClean, who was playing in a central attacking position on the night, crossed for Kevin Doyle who got in front of his defender but the header went narrowly wide.

Former Dundalk duo, who now play for English Championship side Preston North End, Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan were introduced with just under half an hour remaining to a rapturous Aviva Stadium welcome for their international debuts.

Horgan was consistently dangerous from wide areas as his low cross was narrowly missed by James McClean in the 67th minute before his looping cross from left was well defended by Sverrir Ingi Ingason under pressure from Doyle.

Bristol City winger Callum O’Dowda was brought on and almost made an immediate impact as he picked up the ball 40-yards out and drove towards goal, taking on two Icelandic before his low effort was deflected wide with 15 minutes remaining.

Ireland continued to press forward but failed to find the goal despite Andy Boyle’s late header which was well saved to see Iceland win the international friendly at the Aviva Stadium

Teams

Republic of Ireland: Westwood (GK), Christie, Egan (Boyle 62), Pearce, Brady, McGeady (O’Dowda 72) Hendrick (Gleeson 62), Hourihane (O’Kane 62), Hayes (Horgan 62), McClean (Long 71), Doyle.

Subs: Doyle (GK),  Randolph (GK), Keogh, Ward, Meyler.

Iceland: Kristinsson (GK), Saevarsson (Jonsson 84), Ingason, Sigurdsson (Eyjolfsson, 53), Sigurdarson (Omarsson 64), Bodvarsson, Skulason (Smarason 78), Gunnarsson, Magnusson, Gislason (Skulason 88), Finnbogason (Karlsson 71).

Subs: Halldorsson (GK), Jonsson (GK), Kjartansson, Arnason, Sigurdarson.

We are delighted to announce that the 2017 SportsDirect.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools is live and taking bookings!

The price has remained the same as last year, for just €65 participants receive an exclusive Kit, backpack and football along with a great week of fun and learning.

To book a place on this year’s camps please go to www.summersoccerschools.ie

Our camps cater for players of all abilities and participants are grouped according to ability and age to ensure that everyone gets the most out of being on a SportsDirect.com FAI Summer Soccer School. Our camps run from 10.30am - 3pm from Monday to Friday!

Beginners will learn the fundamental football skills needed to be a player and receive a fun and dynamic introduction to playing the beautiful game. More seasoned players will focus on more technical and skill-specific training and everyone will come together in the afternoon to participate in mini-leagues and small-sided games.

Our coaching programme for the week is fully aligned to our Player Development Plan and offers young players the opportunity to maximise their learning and development in a fun and safe environment whilst doing what every young footballer loves to do - SCORE GOALS!

What about Goalkeepers?

Many of our camps run Goalkeeper Sections where participants are coaching by specialised Goalkeeper Coaches throughout the day but also have the opportunity to play as Goalkeepers in mini-tournaments and games with the rest of the camp participants. For more information, please click here

Ireland will set up camp in Limerick with each of their games being played in Markets Field at the beginning of April as they set about securing a place in this summer's finals tournament in Northern Ireland.

A number of the Under 19s squad have already gained senior squad experience with striker Leanne Kiernan, midfielder Roma McLaughlin and goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan all in Cyprus for the Cyprus Cup. 

Head Coach Dave Connell admits he has a strong team to pick from and was delighted to see a number of players get game-time with the senior squad.

Connell said: "On paper, it's a strong team. We're carrying a couple of niggles coming into it so hopefully all will be well on Tuesday for the first game. 

"Some of the squad were able to get game-time in the Cyprus Cup which is great for them as that can be a valuable experience to have at an early age."

The WU19s have recorded some fantastic results over the past year with wins over Czech Republic, Portugal and Italy, and go into the Elite Stage full of confidence.

He continued: "We've always set our standards fairly high and we've had some fantastic results over the past year so we just need to build on that continuity.

"Our target from the word go has been to qualify for the European Championships. It's a tough group for us, taking one game at a time, but we fully focused on the task at home."

The WU17s qualified for the UEFA European Championships in May with wins over Serbia and Hungary, and a draw against Scotland. Connell has admitted there is a bit of 'healthy competition' between the two groups and that the players will benefit from playing in a great 'sporting City', Limerick.

He added: "It was great to see the Women Under 17s qualify. The groups get on really well with a number of 17's in and out of our squad. It's a bit of healthy competition I suppose and hopefully we'll be able to have two female teams in the European Championships this summer.

"It's a great ground for the players to play in. Limerick is a great sporting City and they're looking after us brilliantly. It would be great to get the support of the public down here and we're really looking forward to the week ahead."

Republic of Ireland Women's Under 19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies), Naoisha McAloon (Peamount United)
Defenders: Lucy McCartan, Chloe Moloney (Peamount United), Fiona Donnelly, Jamie Finn, Lynn Craven, Niamh Prior (Shelbourne Ladies)
Midfielders: Alex Kavanagh, Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Evelyn Daly, Saoirse Noonan (Cork City WFC), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), Jessica Nolan (Manulla), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves)
Forwards: Eleanor Ryan Doyle (Peamount United), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Lauren Kelly (UCD Waves)

UEFA Women's Under 19 European Championship Elite Round - Group 4
Tuesday, 4 April: Republic of Ireland v Scotland, KO 19:00, Markets Field
Thursday, 6 April: Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, KO 19:00, Markets Field
Sunday, 9 April: Republic of Ireland v Finland, KO 14:00, Markets Field

Preparations for these key games have been ongoing since last December with regular training sessions held on the National Sports Campus and head coach Nick Harrison feels his team have taken huge strides in their development.

Considering this will be the first time that the Ireland team have competed internationally, they are aiming high ahead of their Group A battles with Albania, Georgia and Romania.

If Ireland can finish as one of the top two teams in their group then they will qualify for the European Championships, which will be held in Germany in August. The games kicks off on April 4.

"This is Ireland's first journey into full international Blind Football competition. The players and the coaching team want to learn as much as possible, and hopefully cause an upset or two along the way," said Harrison.

"It's a Paralympic sport and played in over 50 countries worldwide and at the top level it is played at a tremendous speed. In Ireland, we've been developing the game steadily for five years and we now have regional training centres in Dublin, Cork and Sligo.

"For the players travelling, it's a dream come true to compete in these qualifiers and play the game they love. It seemed that Ireland would never be able to generate enough players to compete internationally, but the addition of a few extra players in the last year has given everyone the opportunity to push on.

"There are some young children playing in our regional centres, so hopefully this current team can inspire them to keep training and improving in the hope of one day representing their country."

Harrison insists that new players and coaches are always welcome to take part and further information they should contact nick.harrison@fai.ie 

Ireland Blind Squad
Darren McGarry, Kevin Kelly, Matthew Kearney, Darragh Stakelum, John Doherty, Paul Costello, Donnacha McCarthy

Note
Blind Football is a 5v5 game played on a hard surface, 20m x 40m, with kick-boards on both sides of the pitch. The ball used contains ball bearings to make a noise and give the players a chance to know where it is.

All four outfield players wear blind eye patches and blindfolds to ensure no light gets in. The goalkeeper is fully sighted. Additionally, three coaches are allowed to speak with players during a game to provide direction and advice.

Perhaps a review of Everton's pre-season programme might provide some enlightenment.

James had a magnificent tournament for the Republic of Ireland last summer during UEFA EURO 2016, playing his last game in very late June. He then returned to Everton after a very short break, but only 11 days later, he played his first of three games, all within an eight-day period, against Real Betis, Manchester United and Espanyol. Overloading? 

It should be added that James last played for his country on the October 9, 2016 - almost half a year ago. Since that time he has been totally under Everton's supervision.

James is diligent and conscientious in his professional preparation.

Perhaps, in this instance, quiet introspection may serve the Everton manager and his medical staff better.

Colin O'Brien's Republic of Ireland Under 17 side will find out their UEFA European Under-17 Championship opponents this evening when the draw takes place in Zagreb.

ROAD TO THE FINAL

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship consists of three distinct stages: the qualifying round, the elite round and the final tournament. The format changed for 2014/15 with the expansion of the final tournament from eight to 16 teams.

Qualifying round
The qualifying round, played in autumn, is made up of 13 groups of four countries playing in one-venue mini-tournaments. The top two from each pool progress alongside the five third-placed sides with the best record against the leading pair in their groups.

Elite round
In the elite round, held in early spring, those 31 qualifiers plus the top seed – given a bye this far – compete in eight mini-tournament groups of four. The group winners and seven runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section advance to the finals to join the hosts.

Final tournament
In the final tournament the contenders are split into four groups of four, with the front two from each proceeding to the knockout phase.

Further details, including the criteria for separating sides that finish level on points in a group, or after 80 minutes in a match, can be found in the official competition regulations.

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals draw is made at 17:00 on Monday at the Panorama Zagreb Hotel with the 15 teams that emerged from the elite round challenging hosts Croatia.

The draw
• The eight group winners and the seven runners-up with the best records against the teams first and third in their section have joined Croatia in the finals, which will be played at seven venues – five in and around Zagreb, and two near Opatija.

• In the draw, Croatia will be placed in position 1 of Group A while the seven best elite round section winners (counting all results) will go into Pot 1 and be drawn to fill the remaining 1 and 2 positions in the four groups. The remaining teams are drawn from Pot 2 and will fill positions 3 and 4.

• The draw will be conducted by Lance Kelly, Head of UEFA National Team Competitions, and tournament ambassador Niko Kranjčar.

Position 1, Group A: Croatia (hosts)

Pot 1: Germany, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, France, Spain

Pot 2: Hungary*, Turkey, Italy, Serbia, Ukraine, Norway, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands

*Eighth best group winner

Calendar
Group stage: 3/4, 6/7, 9/10 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Lučko, Stadium Velika Gorica, Stadium Sesvete, Stadium Varaždin, Stadium Rujevica, Stadium Kostrena)
Quarter-finals: 12/13 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Velika Gorica, Stadium Varaždin)
FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off: 16 May (Stadium Sesvete)
Semi-finals: 16 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Varaždin)
Final: 19 May (Stadium Varaždin)

Key facts
• The Faroe Islands have qualified for the finals of a UEFA tournament for the first time. 

• Norway have also qualified for the first time, meaning that 40 of UEFA's 55 member countries will have been represented in at least one of the 16 U17 final tournaments.

• Holders Portugal were eliminated in the elite round as the eighth runner-up.

• England, France, Spain and the Netherlands are all going for a record third U17 title.

• England have qualified for the 12th time in 16 final tournaments, one occasion more than France, the Netherlands and Spain.

• The final tournament will also act as European qualifier for UEFA's five berths at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, running from 6 to 28 October.

The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 19’s will host the Women's Under-19 Elite Round in Markets Field this week as they set about securing a place in this summer's finals tournament in Northern Ireland.

A number of the Under 19s squad have already gained senior squad experience with striker Leanne Kiernan, midfielder Roma McLaughlin and goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan all in Colin Bell's squad for the Cyprus Cup last month. 

Head Coach Dave Connell is in determined mood ahead of the first game tomorrow when the Girls in Green host Scotland in Markets Field.

"Our build-up has been hampered somewhat with niggling injuries and players sitting out training, but we are hopeful of having the full squad available for selection tomorrow. Training has gone well the past few days so the squad are looking forward to the challenge," Connell said.

"It’s a good opportunity for the players to play in front of their family and friends and the FAI Development Officers have been doing great work in the local Limerick community to generate awareness of the games. We can’t wait to get out there.

"Our target from the start of the campaign has has been to qualify for the European Championships. This is a determined bunch of players. A good number of them have played at this stage before and we hope that experience will stand to us. It's a tough group for us, we’ll be taking one game at a time, and we know what we want to achieve." 

UEFA European Women's Under-19 Elite Round Fixtures

Tuesday 4 April 2017

Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Market's Field, Limerick (7.00pm)

Finland v Ukraine, Jackman Park, Limerick (3.00pm)

Thursday 6 April 2017

Finland v Scotland, Jackman Park, Limerick (3.00pm)

Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, Market's Field, Limerick (7.00pm)

Sunday 9 April 2017

Republic of Ireland v Finland, Market's Field, Limerick (2.00pm)

Ukraine v Scotland, Jackman Park, Limerick (2.00pm)

Republic of Ireland Women's Under 19 Squad Numbers

Goalkeepers: 1. Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies), 16. Naoisha McAloon (Peamount United)

Defenders: 2. Lucy McCartan, 5. Chloe Moloney (Peamount United), 15. Fiona Donnelly, 6. Jamie Finn, 17. Lynn Craven, 11. Niamh Prior (Shelbourne Ladies)

Midfielders: 10. Alex Kavanagh, 8. Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), 12. Evelyn Daly, 9. Saoirse Noonan (Cork City WFC), 4. Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United), 3. Jessica Nolan (Manulla), 13. Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves)

Forwards: 14. Eleanor Ryan Doyle (Peamount United), 7. Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), 18. Lauren Kelly (UCD Waves)

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals draw has been made in Zagreb, Croatia.

The draw
Group A: Croatia (hosts), Spain, Turkey, Italy
Group B: Scotland, France, Hungary, Faroe Islands
Group C: Germany, Republic of Ireland, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group D: Netherlands, England, Norway, Ukraine

Calendar
Group stage: 3/4, 6/7, 9/10 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Lučko, Stadium Velika Gorica, Stadium Sesvete, Stadium Varaždin, Stadium Rujevica, Stadium Kostrena)
Quarter-finals: 12/13 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Velika Gorica, Stadium Varaždin)
FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off: 16 May (Stadium Sesvete)
Semi-finals: 16 May (Stadium Zaprešić, Stadium Varaždin)
Final: 19 May (Stadium Varaždin)

Key facts
• The Faroe Islands have qualified for the finals of a UEFA tournament for the first time. 

• Norway have also qualified for the first time, meaning that 40 of UEFA's 55 member countries will have been represented in at least one of the 16 U17 final tournaments.

• Holders Portugal were eliminated in the elite round as the eighth runner-up.

• England, France, Spain and the Netherlands are all going for a record third U17 title.

• England have qualified for the 12th time in 16 final tournaments, one occasion more than France, the Netherlands and Spain.

• The final tournament will also act as European qualifier for UEFA's five berths at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, running from 6 to 28 October.

The ultimatum by the players concerned comes in spite of repeated invitations from the FAI to the Players to discuss clear and tangible financial offers for the payment and compensation of members of the squad.

Repeated efforts by the Association have been made in a bid to encourage the players to row back from their unprecedented ultimatum.

On five occasions in recent months the FAI has attempted to bring the Players to the table, only to have the offer rebuked at every turn.

Efforts to engage the team, in good faith, have taken place on the following dates.

• October 16
• March 22
• March 28
• March 31
• April 2

The Association has agreed to a mediation process, yet the players have decided to progress regardless with a PFAI press conference, instead of meeting through an agreed mediator.

Along with the core issues of Player representation and financial payments, the FAI has made considerable progress on matters outlined by the Players in their list of ‘Issues to be addressed’ last year. However, all efforts to meet directly and discuss these matters have been refused.

Proposals to address issues raised in the following areas have been prepared/implemented:

• nutrition and strength and conditioning
• high performance gym access
• hotel accommodation and wifi
• apparel for travel
• goal-keeping coach
• financial offer

The Senior Women’s National Team are provided the standards of care expected of a demanding high performance environment, with top level training facilities, hotel accommodation, dietry, fitness, performance analysis and medical and physio care.

The team has also received significant increases in budget in recent years to attain this high standard, as well as the appointment of a Champions League winning coach. 

Separate to the financial offers that the Association has attempted to make to the players, detailed submissions have been sent to Sport Ireland and Government in January 2016, May 2016 and January 2017, to request funding models that address the personal commitments made by players at senior level.

The hosts started the brighter. Inside the opening five minutes, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle had a real case for a penalty when she was taken out inside the area. Referee Angelika Soeder waved away the protests, however. 

This was closely followed by the first real chance of the game. Niamh Prior's back post header looked to be looping into the far corner after a pin-point right flank cross, but was she was denied by a terrific stop from Scotland 'keeper Rebecca Flaherty.

Against the run of play, Scotland struck the front after fourteen minutes. Kirsty Hanson showed quick feet when in possession inside the Ireland box to square for captain Erin Cuthbert. The Chelsea Ladies star placed a beautiful effort beyond the reach of Amanda McQuillan to break the deadlock.

Ireland flew out of the blocks in the second half and got their richly-deserved equaliser after just five minutes. A quickly taken free-kick afforded the chance to cross and when Scotland failed to clear the danger, Niamh Farrelly pounced from six yards to blast the ball into the roof of the net past Flaherty.

After an even second half, Scotland were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the game. Erin Cuthbert converted the spot kick to hand the victory to Gareth Evans' team.

Scotland: Flaherty; Michie, Paterson, Whyte, Dalgleish; Cuthbert; Hanson (Notely 85), Adams (Boyce 73), Cornet, Kerr; Gallacher (McGregor 79).

Republic of Ireland: McQuillan; McCartan, Moloney, Farrelly, Nolan; McLaughlin; Ryan-Doyle (Kiernan 53), Kavanagh, Finn; Noonan (Daly 83); McLaughlin.

Referee: A Soeder (Germany).

Goals on 31 and 36 minutes for the mini tournament hosts proved to be the difference in spite of some excellent football played by Ireland.

Manager Alex Whelan was upbeat afterwards, saying: "I was very proud of all the players. It was a very positive performance which prepares the team for our second match against Albania on Wednesday afternoon." 

The coaching staff will be busy preparing for the next team, including team analyst Stephen Bolger who has done a lot of work focusing on Albania.

Whelan insists his team will have a plan ready for that game, where a victory would leave the team in with a chance of securing a semi-final place.

Ireland: Darren McGarry, Donnacha McCarthy, Paul Costello, John Doherty, Darragh Stakelum, Matthew Kearney