Shelbourne Ladies goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan has been called up to the squad to replace the Brighton and Hove Albion stopper, who will join Marie Hourihan and Amanda Budden in the squad.

The WNT travel to Scotland on Wednesday ahead of the international friendly match at Stark's Park on Friday, with kick-off at 7.30pm. 

The 20-player squad will report for international duty later today with striker Stephanie Roche also out of the squad due to a hamstring injury.

Republic of Ireland WNT squad v Scotland

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal Ladies), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Houston Dash), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne Ladies).

Forwards: Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies). 

The teams will participate in a shortened 2017 season - kicking off on the week ending August 20 - before a review process takes place ahead of the full season starting in March 2018.

The U15 League will be the entry level to elite football on the player pathway that already includes the SSE Airtricity Under 17 League, Under 19 League, First Division and Premier Division.

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter welcomed the introduction of the U15 League, saying: "Having the Under 15 League in place further develops the pathway to elite football for the country's most talented footballers.

"This now means that the very best Under 15 players throughout the country will now play against the highest quality opposition, thus enhancing their development as they progress to top level senior football.

"I would like to congratulate each of the schoolboy clubs and Leagues who successfully applied to forge partnerships with SSE Airtricity League clubs.

"I would also like to thank those who have been unsuccessful in their applications. The Working Group will continue to be available to work with these clubs on their future development plans."

In addition to the 20 existing SSE Airtricity League clubs, the U15 League will be made up of three schoolboy Leagues - Kerry Schoolboys League, Mayo League, Monaghan/Cavan Partnership - and St Kevin's Boys.

St Kevin's Boys will compete in the shortened season after agreeing to work towards creating a partnership with Bohemian FC, which will allow St Kevin's Boys to join existing partnerships into the National Leagues.

Seven other clubs have already committed to partnerships with schoolboy clubs or Leagues, including Bray Wanderers (St Joseph's Boys), Drogheda United (Drogheda Schoolboys, Home Farm, NECSL Schoolboys), Dundalk (Malahide United), Galway United (Galway FA and Schoolboys), Shamrock Rovers (Corduff United, Kildare Schoolboys), St Patrick's Athletic (Belvedere, Cherry Orchard, Crumlin United), and UCD (Mount Merrion).

The truncated season will consist of four groups of six teams and the fixture list will be released ahead of the official League launch next month.

Castilla y León 0-0 Region 2

Gerry Davis's side, which is drawn from Connacht and Munster, had to defend resolutely but came close to breaking the deadlock when an effort from Eoin Hayes struck the woodwork in the 22nd minute.

Castilla y León had won 4-1 against Czech side Olomouc in their opening tie and their double scorer that afternoon Roberto García Puente came close to scoring against the Irish but missed the target twice in the first-half.

Irish keeper Brendan O'Connell made two good saves to deny Álvaro Coque Pérez and García Puente in the second half.

The Spanish came close again late on through Carlos Alonso López and García Puente but they could not find a way past O'Connell and his defence.

Both sides are now locked on four points. The Irish side meets Olomouc on Thursday with the Spanish outfit facing the Russians.

"The Spanish are a really good side. Some of their movement was top drawer and caused us a lot of problems," said Davis.

"It was difficult to get a foothold on the game but we really should have been ahead. Eoin Hayes probably struck the ball too well and hit the bar full on.

"It was 37C degrees again. Our nutrition and hydration work is paying off. It was a struggle and we did lose one or two with the heat which cost us a little bit in terms of making changes but I am very happy with our fitness overall.

"I really feel it was a great performance and arguably the best of what we've produced in my time."

Russia's South Region are on three points after beating Olomouc today and will meet the Spanish looking to win that and hope the Irish slip up.

Davis knows that a lot of outcomes are possible on the final day in the group but his side can only control their own performance. 

"Our first target will be to win the game and that'll be our aim between now and Thursday. We'll rest up and if we can maintain the performance level and win the game then we'll see how things pan out in the other game," he added.

Region 2: Brendan O'Connell, Christopher Higgins, Kenneth Hoey, Stephen Kelly, Mark Horgan, David Stack, Eugene O' Donovan, David Joyce (Brian Murphy 36), Eoin Hayes, David Hoban (James Carr 62), Shane Daly-Butz (Daniel O'Neill 52).

Castilla y León: Ackermann Fabre, Jorge Vegas, Sánchez Caballero, Rodriguez Ramos, García Puente, Rodríguez Álvarez (Del Álamo Cruces 46), Alonso López (Cabral De Barros 67), Alberto Mato, Cruz Rodríguez, Coque Pérez, Perona Funes (Simón Marrodán 77). 

Ireland line-up from today's game

At the meeting, the FAI requested that the club clarify its position following comments and a statement made by the club chairman last week.

A number of key items were discussed during the meeting, including the commitments the club entered into during the Independent Club Licensing process.

The FAI will continue to monitor the situation and discussions are ongoing between the Association and club representatives.

Since taking over as Head Coach of the WNT, Bell has enjoyed a great run of form which has seen his side lose just once and keep five clean sheets in just six games.

The only defeat of the year came in the 3rd/4th place play-off in the Cyprus Cup to a Korea DPR side ranked 8th in the world and have claimed victories over Slovakia, Wales and Czech Republic.

Scotland are currently in preparation for the UEFA Women’s European Championships and the international friendly will be their final test before flying out to the Netherlands.

With the squad set to fly out on Wednesday for Friday’s match with kick-off at 7.30pm, Bell is aware of the challenge posed for the WNT.

“It is going to be really difficult for us, if not our toughest test yet since I took on the role,” the WNT Head Coach said.

“They’re currently preparing for the European Championships and they obviously did incredibly well to qualify for those Championships.

“But also, we’ve got players who are just coming into the squad from their holidays during the off-season so we need to make sure everyone is at the right level to go out there and perform.

“We’re also missing a couple of players but we’ve had some great performances and results this year and I really want to see the players take that spirit into Friday’s match.”

Striker Stephanie Roche and goalkeeper Emma Byrne have been ruled out of the squad to face Scotland but Houston Dash midfielder Denise O’Sullivan arrived into camp today.

With Ireland set to kick-off their 2019 World Cup qualification campaign in September against Northern Ireland, Bell wants to see his players take full use of the match.

“It’s really important we continue to work on what we’ve been doing in the previous matches this year and make those little improvements before the campaign starts in September,” Bell added.

“We’ve made some good progress this year and have been able to keep several clean sheets in our recent matches. However, I know the players can get to another level and playing opposition like Scotland will only help us do that.

“We want to go into that qualification campaign on a high so it’s really important we get a result but it won’t be easy. We’ll be looking at a few options leading upto the match but it’s another fixture I’m really looking forward to.”

Republic of Ireland WNT squad v Scotland

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal Ladies), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Houston Dash), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne Ladies).

Forwards: Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies).

Gerry Davis’ side are joint top with Spanish outfit Castilla y León but have a less impressive goal difference. The Irish need to beat the Czechs and hope that Russian side South Region hold the Spanish to a draw at least.

The Irish coach is extremely pleased with how his side, drawn from players from Connacht and Munster, have performed in stifling heat in Turkey this week.

“We’ve a couple of knocks and niggles which we’ll wait and see how they are before we decide upon a team for tomorrow,” he said.

“We trained today, did some recovery work and just got on the ball and cleared the heads. 

“We analysed how the Czechs did in their two games and they are a decent side. They conceded at vital stages of both games and could have equalised against the Spanish. 

“They also could have been two up against the Russians. They will be a tough side to break down and it will be a tough enough challenge to win the game.”

With the outcome of the other game in the group having an impact on the Irish chances, Davis knows that there can be potential for distraction but his side will maintain their focus on winning their own fixture.

“We’ll have somebody at the other game so that we know what’s going on as it may impact on the decisions in the game. The first thing is to go and win this one. We’re aware of all the permutations and we’ll know that as the game progresses,” he said.

“In this campaign we’ve played the Italians and the Spanish, the two most successful nations in this competition’s history. We’ve beaten one away and drawn with the other in 37C degrees of heat. That’s a remarkable achievement already. 

“We’ve been reflecting on this with the staff and we’ve all come an awful long way over the past year from our first get together at Lecarrow Park at the Roscommon District League ground, which was July 23 last year.

“We’ve had a year on the road and now to be in with a shout of reaching the final on the last day of the group stages is a remarkable achievement.”

Live text commentary on the game can be found here: http://www.uefa.com/regionscup/season=2017/matches/live/day=31/session=1...

The National Draw has taken place over the last four years and has been a huge success to date.  2016 saw even more clubs involved and tickets sold than ever before with close to €1 million raised for clubs and leagues across the country. 

How it works

1. The FAI organises all prizes, the final draw, printing, licensees’ etc.

2. Clubs purchase tickets from the FAI for €1.50 each

3. Clubs sell the tickets for €10 each

4. All money from all tickets sold is kept by the club

Benefits to the club

• Readymade fundraising option with little or no financial risk to themselves

• Minimum order of just 20 tickets, no maximum order

• Clubs can order more tickets at any time

• Club name will be printed on every ticket

• Posters and flyers will also be provided to clubs as well as a promotional guide to assist with ticket sales

To order tickets go to http://www.fai.ie/domestic/fai-national-draw/overview 

Olomouc 1-4 Region 2

Eoin Hayes struck either side of half-time as Gerry Davis’s side got the three points they needed as Spanish representatives Castilla y León went from 2-0 up to surprisingly lose 3-2 to Russia side South Region in the other group game.

Clare’s Stephen Kelly had opened the scoring after steering the ball home following a Jimmy Carr corner but Olomouc's Petr Navrátil levelled ten minutes before the break.

Hayes then showed his finishing qualities to restore the Irish lead just four minutes later and then turned the ball home after getting in behind the Czech defence six minutes into the second half.

Carr then capped an excellent individual display with a brilliant individual goal in the 83rd minute.

This will be the third time an Irish side will appear in the final after Eastern Region captured the trophy two years ago in Dublin while Leinster & Munster were unfortunate to lose out in the final in Portugal in 2011.

Naturally Davis is thrilled with the efforts his players and staff have put in being rewarded by reaching another European final.

“After the final whistle I thanked all the players, staff and officials for the monumental effort to get here. We’ve worked so hard to cope with the conditions and every single person involved has contributed,” he said.

“The Spanish were 2-0 up so we knew we needed to score goals. We felt that realistically we’d need to score at least three to start with and we changed our approach a little and pressed them a bit higher.

“We had a goal disallowed after about 50 seconds when Kevin O’Connell had the ball in the net and we weren’t exactly sure why it was disallowed.

“The goal from Stephen Kelly came from a routine we’d worked on. The delivery was excellent from Jimmy Carr and the header was excellent. The goal we conceded was against the run of play but we took the punch and bounced back.

“David Stack did well in the second goal when he sent through Kevin O’Connell who showed good skill to create the chance for Eoin Hayes to stick it away. 

“Eoin’s second goal was a great finish from another great pass by Jimmy Carr and we then heard the news from the other game and that the Russians had turned in our favour. Jimmy finished one off himself. It was great performance overall.

“We’re just trying to get our breath back. The players are all in recovery mode. The players were in the cold pool an hour after the game.

“We’ll look at the few knocks and niggles then turn our heads to a European final on Sunday.” 

Region 2: O'Connell, Higgins, Hoey, Kelly (Griffin 85), Horgan, Carr, Stack, O'Donovan (Gannon 69), Hayes, O'Connell, Daly-Butz (Smith 63).

The WNT look to extend their impressive 2017 form against Scotland on Friday night, with kick-off at 7.30pm, at Stark’s Park, Kirkcaldy.

Colin Bell’s side have only lost one game in six games this year and have kept five clean sheets in the process, beating Slovakia, Czech Republic and Wales.

With the defence in such fine form and both Niamh Fahey and Megan Campbell returning to the international fold for the last game against Iceland, Quinn is delighted with the depth of defence.

Quinn said: “It’s been great to be part of a defence which has done so well over the last year. Colin has set-up us up not to concede and it is definitely working.

“We’re getting better with every game and everyone wants to be in the starting XI. The competition is great and to have Niamh and Megan back is great because we need all the help we can get.

“It feels like there is plenty of quality in defence at the moment and the more goals we can keep out, the better chance it will give us a chance to go up the other end and get ourselves a goal.”

Scotland are set to compete at the UEFA Women’s European Championships this month and will be heading to the tournament following tomorrow night’s game against Ireland.

With the 2019 World Cup qualification campaign beginning in September, Quinn believes there is plenty of motivation for the WNT to get another positive result.

The defender commented: “We’ve had a great year so far. We played Iceland last time out who will also be going to the European Championships and got a result in terrible conditions.

“I think in each game and camp we’ve been together, we’ve got better and get better understanding of the system the manager wants us to play.

“We’re really enjoying being in the team at the moment so we’re really determined to go and get a win which would set us up brilliantly for September. We all want to be in the starting XI for that game against Northern Ireland and with it being the last chance to impress before then, I’m sure everyone will be at their very best.”

Republic of Ireland WNT squad v Scotland

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal Ladies), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Houston Dash), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Alex Kavanagh (Shelbourne Ladies).

Forwards: Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Katie McCabe (Arsenal Ladies).

n a game of few chances, Ireland suffered an unlikely defeat after Christie Murray headed home in the final five minutes of the match, just Ireland’s second defeat of the year.

Colin Bell’s side never looked like conceding and in fact, Ireland could have gone ahead in the 25th minute. Katie McCabe did brilliantly to keep the ball alive on the left to cross for Diane Caldwell but her header was well blocked.

Scotland were limited to few chances, as they prepare for the European Championships this month, and when they did create, Marie Hourihan did brilliantly in goal.

Three minutes from the break, Scotland’s only clear chance of the half came as Erin Cuthbert headed towards the top corner but Hourihan got across her line brilliantly to deny her. 

Ireland started on the front foot after the break and almost took the lead in the 55th minute. Megan Connolly found space in the centre of the park and after side-stepping the defender, unleashed a fierce effort towards the top left-hand corner but it went narrowly wide.

Ireland restricted the home side to few chances until five minutes from time when Murray headed home the only goal of the game. A left-sided cross found Christie Murray rushing in from the wing to direct a low header into the bottom corner.

Colin Bell’s side struggled to create any chances in the final moments of the game but he did hand an international debut to Peamount United’s Heather Payne in the final moments, a fantastic moment for the 17-year old.

Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: “We played well but I’m so disappointed to lose that game, we shouldn’t be losing a game like that.

“It was a poor goal to concede in the final moments and we definitely deserved to get a draw out of the match. The players have come into the game from their holidays and Scotland have been in camp for weeks, but despite that, we should definitely be taking something from the match.

“We look towards that qualification campaign in September and know we can do more to improve. The players have improved since I’ve came in and I’m sure they’ll continue to do that before we start the campaign.”

Republic of Ireland: Hourihan (GK), Scott, Quinn (C), Caldwell, Perry, Duggan, O’Sullivan (Payne 90), Connolly (Kiernan 87), Campbell, O’Gorman, McCabe. 

Subs not used: Budden (GK), McQuillan (GK), Fahey, Kavanagh, McLaughlin, Littlejohn, Beirne.

Made up of players from Connacht-Munster, the Irish outfit - named Region 2 under UEFA guidelines - are aiming to seal glory against Zagreb and ensure that the trophy returns to Ireland next week.

In the last finals tournament - which was held in Dublin - the Irish side (then known as Eastern Region) triumphed, so this is an opportunity to cement their status as the best European nation in amateur football.

Head Coach Gerry Davis feels that his squad have coped well with the demands of high intensity games and blistering heat to make it to the final. Now, they just have to complete the mission.

"When we set out on this journey, away to Italy in the qualifiers, nobody gave us a chance. But we came through those games, then topped our group at the finals, and now we have a massive game against Zagreb," said Davis.

"We have done a lot of work on recovery and hydration to deal with the heat, while we have been able to access the excellent facilities at the Turkish Football Federation. So we have 20 fit players available and ready for action.

"It was a fantastic achievement just to reach these finals, but to go on and win it would be unbelievable. The players have really bought into what we set out to do and it is a credit to them for that. They believed in our plan and we now have one massive game left to play."

There are four players involved in this squad who tasted glory in 2015, while their opponents Zagreb - who were also their opponents two years ago in the final - have six players still within their group.

Experience can count for a lot, but desire can trump that and it is a weapon that Davis's team have used to their advantages with eight goals scored and only one conceded on their route to the final.

A defensive solidity has been key to their progress, recording five clean sheets in six competitive games, but Davis knows that they are just as good going forward and that is what he hopes can be the difference on Sunday.

Sunday, July 9
UEFA Regions' Cup Final: Zagreb v Region 2 - TFF Riva, Istanbul, KO 14:30

Even though they unloaded more shots at goal, stretched their opponents all over the pitch, and never gave up fighting, the dream finish evaded Gerry Davis's side which was made up of players from Connacht-Munster.

The outstanding run of seven competitive games, four wins, eight goals scored, and two goals conceded helps to mark this team out as one of the most talented and hard-working of all the amateur sides to pull on an Irish jersey.

Having won on the competition on home soil two years ago there was hope that the Irish outfit could bring the trophy home again. But it wasn't to be as Zagreb got their revenge from 2015 by claiming victory.

A single goal from Toni Adzic on 26 minutes separated the sides at the interval and Davis's men couldn't find a way back despite rattling the woodwork and forcing the opposing goalkeeper to pull off four big saves.

This is the second time that an Irish side has finished as runners-up in this competition and Davis, his players and the support staff should be commended for achieving what they have.

The game was a tight affair with no major saves early on. Željko Štulec had the game’s first attempt at goal in the 11th minute for Zagreb then Nikica Brujić also failed to hit the target in the next few minutes.

Shane Daly-Butz had Ireland’s first chance in the 21st minute but failed to trouble the Croatian keeper.

The decisive moment of the game came five minutes later when Adžić turned the ball home to break the deadlock.

David Stack and Stephen Kelly came close as the half drew to a close before Soldo and Štulec both had shots in the Irish defence blocked. The same fate happened to Ćibarić two minutes before the break.

Eoin Hayes was denied an equaliser by a defensive block in first half injury-time.

Davis’s side pushed hard to equalise in the second half with David Stack denied by Zagreb keeper Nikola Durdek three minutes after the restart then the keeper kept out an effort from Kevin O’Connell in the 54th minute.

Eugene O’Donovan was off target with an effort from a Stack corner on the hour then the keeper kept out an effort from Stack three minutes later.

As the game entered the final ten minutes the Irish pushed hard to level with Daly-Butz denied by a defensive block then in injury-time the UCC attacker was so close to snatching a brilliant leveller with a long range drive that smacked the Croatian crossbar.

Five minutes into injury-time Irish defender Mark Horgan was denied a dramatic equaliser by Durdek and moments later the final whistle blew on a fantastic campaign for Davis, his staff and players.

“It was another game where the conditions weren’t with us. We struggled with the heat - one player had double-vision and another player suffered nausea so it was very tough,” said Davis.

“In the second half it got slightly cooler and we pressed them hard. We hit the crossbar and fired a great effort across goal. How we didn’t find the equaliser I’ll never know.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. If the game had started later in the day we’d have won it. No doubt.

“Overall I’m very proud of the work that was put in and what we’ve achieved. We’ve won a European medal. There are very few Irish footballers with medals from a European competition.

“People around the country are so proud of what this team has done. We’ve made a stir over here. UEFA and the Turkish FA were very complimentary of what we did.

“It’s just one defeat in 16 Regions Cup games. Today was only second goal we conceded in seven games. It’s been a remarkable run with a lot of work put in for the past number of years.”

Zagreb: Durdek; Mohac, Vrbat, Ivkovic, Mislimi; Cibaric, Lihic, Brujic (Krznar 87); Adzic (Svigir 74), Soldo (Filipovic 61), Stulec.

Region 2: B O'Connell; Hoey, Kelly, Horgan, Higgins; Carr, Stack (Chris 77), O'Donovan, Daly-Butz; K O'Connell (Hoban 71), Hayes.

Referee: Artyom Kuchin (KAZ).

The World University Games are held biannually and are second only to the Olympic Games in terms of global multi-sports events. Team Ireland have a strong history in participating in football at the Games with the support of the Colleges & Universities Football League (CUFL) and Women's Soccer Colleges Association of Ireland (WSCAI).

Both the men's and women's teams will travel to the small island off the coast of China on August 11 before playing their first games on August 18 - Yelverton's men's squad will take on France, while Bell's women's squad will meet Mexico.

From the 40 players selected in both squads, 32 of them play in either the SSE Airtricity League or Continental Tyres Women's National League which demonstrates the quality that currently exists in domestic football in Ireland.

Speaking on the men's squad, head coach Yelverton remarked: "My staff and I firmly believe that the players we have are good enough to do us a job out there. We're delighted with the quality we have.

"There is a large representation from the SSE Airtricity League with the players in the squad. I'd like to thank the clubs and coaches for working with us to make the players available."

There is also excitement in the women's squad with head coach Bell (pictured above with Jetta Berrill) stating: "We've had several training sessions with the players and the standard has been really high, so there have been a few players unfortunate to miss out on the final squad.

"I'm really looking forward to working with these players throughout the tournament where we not only want to be successful but also help to develop these players for potential international squads in the future."

Speaking upon the announcement of both squads, Student Sport Ireland's Head of Delegation Neasa Fahy O'Donnell said: "We are very excited about the men's and women's squads to Taipei for the 2017 World University Games. I am delighted to lead Team Ireland and these young men and women who will represent their country with great honour and pride."

Ireland Men's Squad
Goalkeepers: Ian Molloy (IT Blanchardstown / Firhouse Clover), Joe Coll (GMIT / Glenea United)
Defenders: Ben McAuliffe (UCC / UCC AFC), David Brookes (Athlone IT / Athlone Town), Sean O'Mahony (UCC / Cork City), Gary Kinneen (NUI Galway / Galway United), Ross Taheny (Dublin City University / Ballinamallard United), Sean McLoughlin (UCC / Cork City), Maurice Nugent (NUI Galway / Galway United), Eoghan Dempsey (IT Carlow / Drogheda United)
Midfielders: Conor Barry (NUI Galway / Athlone Town), Daire O'Connor (UCD / UCD AFC), Jamie Hollywood (IT Blanchardstown / Drogheda United), John McKeown (Maynooth University), Shane Daly-Butz (UCC / UCC AFC), Jason McClelland (UCD / UCD AFC), Shane Dunne (IT Carlow / Wexford)
Forwards: Garbhan Coughlan (University of Limerick / Limerick), Jason Lyons (Athlone IT / Athlone Town), Joe Doyle (Dublin IT / Cabinteely)

Fixtures
Friday, August 18: Ireland v France, New Taipei City, Xinzhuang Stadium (KO 12:30 Irish Time)
Monday, August 21: Ireland v Mexico, New Taipei City, Xinzhuang Stadium (KO 12:30 Irish Time)
Wednesday, August 23: Taipei v Ireland, Fu Jen Catholic University Stadium (KO 12:30 Irish Time)
Friday, August 25: Quarter-Final / Classification Match, TBC
Sunday, August 27: Semi-Final / Classification Match, TBC
Tuesday, August 29: Final / Classification Match, TBC

Ireland Women's Squad
Goalkeepers: Amanda Budden (Cork IT / Cork City WFC), Eve Badana (UCC / Cork City WFC)
Defenders: Ciara McNamara (UCC / Cork City WFC), Claire Walsh (UCD / UCD Waves), Chloe Mustaki (UCD / UCD Waves), Jetta Berrill (UCD / UCD Waves), Rebekah Carroll (Maynooth University / UCD Waves), Shauna Fox (NUI Galway, Galway WFC)
Midfielders: Ailbhe Clancy (Dublin City University), Aisling Frawley (Dublin City University / Wexford Youths WFC), Clare Kinsella (IT Carlow / Peamount United), Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD / UCD Waves), Katie McCarthy (UCC / Cork City WFC), Lisa Casserly (NUI Galway / Galway WFC), Niamh McLaughlin (Northumbria University), Orlagh Nolan (UCD / UCD Waves)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (Maynooth University / Peamount United), Claire O'Riordan (IT Carlow / Wexford Youths WFC), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (IT Blanchardstown / Peamount United), Aoibhin Webb (Dublin City University / Wexford Youths WFC)

Fixtures
Friday, August 18: Mexico v Ireland, Hsinchu County Second Stadium (KO 9:00 Irish Time)
Sunday, August 20: Canada v Ireland, Fu Jen Catholic University Stadium (KO 9:00 Irish Time)
Thursday, August 24: Quarter-Final, TBC
Saturday, August 26: Semi-Final / Classification Match, TBC
Monday, August 28: Final / Classification Match, TBC

Harry McCue will lead the FAI ETB select who feature a number of players currently playing in the SSE Airtricity League.

“Games likes this are a good opportunity for the players on the FAI ETB Player Development courses to showcase their qualities to the Republic of Ireland U19 head coach Tom Mohan,” said McCue.

“We played a similar game last year and a number of players made a good impression.”

Mohan believes the game will afford him the opportunity of assessing many of the top young players in the country ahead of the new UEFA campaign.

“There are a lot of good players in the FAI ETB squad who’ve done well this season so it’s a good game to get at this stage. We’re putting a training camp together in August and it’s important we look at the players who are doing well at home,” he said.

“Last year’s game was a very useful exercise. Some of the players we’ll be looking at have already played first team football in the SSE Airtricity League and have also made a good impression in the U19 National League.”

FAI ETB Development Squad - FAI ETB Cork: Ben O'Riordan (Cobh Ramblers); Jordan O'Regan (Cork City), Evan Galvin (Cabinteely); FAI ETB Irishtown: Jamie Wilson (Bohemians), Luke Rossiter (Bray Wanderers). Calum Keane (Bangor Celtic); FAI ETB Cabra: Mark O'Connor (Newbridge Town), Shane Elworthy (Drogheda United), Craig Darcy (Drogheda United), Stephen Meaney (Drogheda United), Sean Bregazzi (Longford Town); FAI ETB Castlebar: Ryan Farrell (St Catherine’s), Martin Walsh (Sligo Rovers); FAI ETB Clondalkin: Claudio Silva (Athlone Town), Owen Deveraux (Bray Wanderers), Glen Fullam (Crumlin United), Isaac Talent (Tolka Rovers).

Cork City WFC have been pitted against Lakewood Athletic to make for an intriguing match-up in games that will be completed by August 20.

A number of Cork players will be facing off against their former team, including midfielder Evelyn Daly.

In the other games, TEK United will come up aganist Kilkenny United WFC, while Manulla FC will meet Benfica WSC.

Continental Tyres FAI Women's Senior Cup - Round 1
TEK United v Kilkenny United WFC
Cork City WFC v Lakewood Athletic
Manulla FC v Benfica WSC

FAI ETB head coach Harry McCue was very pleased with the performance his side put together. The FAI ETB select is drawn from their eight courses countrywide.

"It was an excellent game with two very evenly matched teams and hopefully will have proved beneficial to Tom Mohan," said McCue.

Mohan's U19s select had upper hand early on and went 1-0 up on 15 mins through Eoin Wall, who produced a neat finish past Mark O'Connor after a quick ball out of defence.

The FAI ETB team worked their way back into the game and had a few chances, with one taken off the line to deny Owen Deveraux (Sacred Heart) and Stephen Meaney (Drogheda).

On the half hour the FAI ETB were awarded a penalty and Eoghan Morgan (Bohemians) was denied by a fine save from U19 keeper Brian Maher. 

The second half was dominated by the FAI ETB squad with Eoin Galvin and Luke Rossiter (Bray) dominating the middle of the park. They deservedly went in front from impressive striker Jodan O'Regan (Cork City).

THE FAI ETB stamped their authority later with an excellent worked goal from Cory Galvin (Cabinteely). The u19s had a late chance to equalise but great work from Sean Bregazzi (Longford) denied them an equaliser.

"It was a very competitive game with both managers learning a lot and the level of football was a very high standard," added McCue.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and FAI president Tony Fitzgerald conducted the draw, which was streamed live on the FAI Facebook page, and saw three all SSE Airtricity League Premier Division ties made.

Current FAI Cup holders Cork City will face a difficult test in defence of their crown as they travel to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers whilst current SSE Airtricity League Champions Dundalk face Derry City.

With cup sponsors, the Irish Daily Mail, set to award a €2000 prize fund to the last non-league club left in the competition, there were also three all non-league ties with Bluebell United set to host Sheriff YC.

Kilkenny non-league side Evergreen landed a huge home tie with SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side Drogheda United set to travel to the FAI Junior Cup finalists in the first round.

The Irish Daily Mail First Round Draw in full:-

Waterford v Shelbourne
Bluebell United v Sheriff YC 
Cobh Ramblers v Limerick
Longford Town v Sligo Rovers
Bray Wanderers v Cork City
Dundalk v Derry City
Portmarnock v St. Patrick's Athletic
Wexford v Crumlin United
Finn Harps v Bohemians
Cabinteely v UCD
Shamrock Rovers v Glenville
Cobh Wanderers v Killarney Celtic 
Bangor Celtic v Everton 
Ballincollig v Athlone Town
Evergreen v Drogheda United
Killester United v Galway United

All ties are set to take place on the weekend ending Sunday, August 13th with dates and times to be confirmed in due course.

As part of the lead up to the FAI's Annual General Meeting, the Festival of Football has visited a different county for each of the last 11 years to showcase the superb work being around at grassroots level.

This year the destination was Kilkenny, where an FAI delegation that included current and former Republic of Ireland internationals visited 24 clubs, where fun days, coaching clinics, and presentations took place across the county, while the FAI supplied funds, equipment and Ireland match tickets. 

The Delegates Dinner provided the opportunity to recognise people from around the country for their excellence in coaching, communications, club structures, administration, and women's football.

For the Club of the Year Award, eight nominees were given the opportunity to present to a panel of judges. Amongst the clubs were Boyle Celtic (Roscommon), Carrick United (Tipperary), Cahir Park (Tipperary), Peake Villa (Tipperary), Evergreen (Kilkenny), Manorhamilton Rangers (Leitrim), Portlaoise (Laois), and Carrigaline United (Cork).

Here is the full list of winners:

John Sherlock Services to Football
Jimmy Corrigan (Ballinahown FC)
Simon Baker (IAFA and EAFF)
Frank McEvoy (Killeigh Schoolboys & Schoolgirls)
Patrick McDonnell (Walshestown FC)
Christy Ginnety (Trim Celtic)
Sean O'Keefe (Asdee Rovers)
Mike Rice (Asdee Rovers)
Dave Connolly (Geraldines AFC)
Michael Geary (Galway Football Association)
Richard McSweeney (Portlaoise AFC)
John Corrigan (Kilkenny District League)
Michael Hennessy (Evergreen FC)
Sean Murphy (Nurney Villa FC)

Communications Awards
Best Feature: John Kenny (RTE)
Best Photograph: Ramsey Cardy (Sportsfile)
Best Digital Initiative: Cork City FC
Best PRO: John Hudson (Colleges & Universities)

Noel O'Reilly Coach of the Year
Richard Holland (Cork Schoolboys League)

Jeremy Dee Services to Women's Football Award
Tina Murphy (Passage West SC)

Services to Football Club Merit Award
Conal Kavanagh (Arranmore United)

FAI Club of the Year Merit Award
Carrick United

FAI Club of the Year
Carrigaline United

This is the 11th year that the Festival of Football has visited a different county in the build-up to the AGM to promote and recognise the superb work being done at grassroots level. This year, the FAI delegation visited 25 clubs across Kilkenny over the space of a week.

With former Republic of Ireland internationals Ray Houghton, Keith Andrews and Stephen Hunt, current Ireland WNT internationals Megan Campbell, Roma McLaughlin, and Leanne Kiernan, as well as a host of Ireland head coaches including Martin O'Neill and Colin Bell, the delegation hosted fun days, coaching clinics, and presentations.

Some of the highlights of the Festival of Football included:

- €120,000 grant funding, plus equipment and tickets supplied to clubs
- Over 2.8million people reached on social media with unprecedented levels of engagement
- An estimated 5,000 people turned out on the 25 different club visits
- 22 awards were given out at the Delegates Dinner to celebrate excellence in grassroots football

At the AGM, it was announced that Niamh O'Donoghue will become the first woman appointed to the FAI Board of Management.

The current chairperson of the Women's Football Committee, O'Donoghue has been hugely influential in Irish football over the past three decades as she was part of the organising team for the UEFA Under 16 European Championships in 1994 and has helped to drive women's football on to a new level.

Involved in football administration as a volunteer since the early 1980's, O'Donoghue was elected as chair of the Ladies Football Association (subsequently renamed the Women's Football Association of Ireland, WFAI) and joined the FAI National Council in 1991 when the LFAI achieved formal recognition from the FAI.

With that appointment, O'Donoghue became the first woman to be appointed to the FAI Council. She has served in both capacities ever since, in addition to playing a pivotal role on various committees, appeal boards and working groups under the aegis of the FAI.

As part of the process that saw the WFAI dissolved and women's football integrated within the FAI by the creation of the Women's Football Committee, the Association gave the commitment to appoint its chairperson to the FAI Board by 2018. At the AGM in Kilkenny, that commitment was honoured.

FAI CEO John Delaney welcomed the decision by stating: "The appointment of Niamh O'Donoghue to the FAI Board is not just an important milestone in the history of the game and a recognition of our determination to build on the progress made in the women's game in recent years, but another hugely positive change in a constantly evolving and developing governance landscape."

FAI President Tony Fitzgerald echoed those sentiments by saying: "The FAI Board are delighted to take this important step towards improving Irish football with the appointment of such a distinguished volunteer in Niamh O'Donoghue. She has been a driving force for women's football for many years and her input will be hugely valuable to the Association going forward."

It was also announced that the SSE Airtricity National Under 13 League will commence in March 2019 to add to the elite player pathway that currently includes the Under 17 and Under 19 League while the Under 15 League will kick off in August this year.

The continued growth of participation numbers was highlighted with record figures for the SPAR Primary 5's, SportsDirect.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools, and Aviva Soccer Sisters camps. Aligned with the Player Development Plan, which brought 39 workshops around the country, the focus on player development has never been stronger.

With the Association investing more than €20m in the game - at all levels - over the past year, it was revealed that the turnover was at €50m and the current bank debt is at €34m. And the added investment from sponsors has enabled more support for a variety of programmes, from Football For All through to Late Nite Leagues.

The Association continues to plan for the future to improve Irish football at all levels.