Ireland will meet the Czechs at the RSC on Saturday, September 2 (19:45), then the sides will meet again at the same venue two days later (13:00).

These games are preparation for October's UEFA U19 Championships Qualifying Round games where Mohan’s squad host Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia.

“They’re good opponents. The Czechs are always physically strong, athletic, good technically, and have played a lot of games at Under 18 level last year,” said Mohan.

“I feel this will be a really good test for us ahead of the qualifying games in early October in Waterford.

“Waterford is always great to play in - the pitch is always in good condition and the crowd loves their football. It’s also good that we have players from the South East involved in this squad.”

Jayson Molumby, from Cappoquin, Co Waterford, made his Brighton & Hove Albion senior debut in the English League Cup this week, while Waterford native Lee O’Connor has progressed well with Manchester United this year and Kilkenny youngster John Martin is currently making a good impression at Waterford FC.

Mohan is happy that players in this age group are making progress at club level - both at home and abroad.

“We’ve a number of players out with injuries and have several players involved in first team level in England and Ireland so they’ll come in after the first game,” he said.

“It’s been a good couple of months for numerous players. Several have played first team in pre-season and have made their debuts at first team level competitively.”

Five of the players who featured in the UEFA U17 European Championships campaign last season step up to this age group while Mohan was also pleased with how the players progressed with the Irish U18s last term.

“There’s a number of lads at this age group who had the experience of being with the U19s last season and with the U18s where Jim Crawford gave a lot of players opportunities against good opposition,” he added.

“Those games were very good tests for the lads. They’ve had good seasons behind them.

“We had a three-day training camp and a number of home-based trials over the summer to try and look at as many players as we could. We are constantly monitoring the players.”

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (Bournemouth - on loan to Weymouth), Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic)
Defenders: Rian O’Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City), Warren O’Hora (Bohemians), Canice Carroll (Oxford United), Callum Mollett (Walsall)
Midfielders: Dan McKenna (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), John Martin (Waterford), Anthony Scully (West Ham United), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Ryan Graydon (Bohemians), Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton)

Fixtures
Under 19 International Friendly
Saturday, September 2
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, RSC, KO 19:45

Monday, September 4
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic, RSC, KO 13:00

The Irish face a testing journey to the Azeri capital for their second game in the group on Tuesday September 5. King’s side beat Kosovo in their first game in the group in March.

As well as travelling more than 5,000 kilometres to Baku, King’s side will have to contend with temperatures likely to be still in the 30s.

“We’re looking forward to the test. We have a large majority of the personnel that were involved the last time so the continuity is good. Hopefully they all come through fit and healthy from their club duties over the weekend," he said. 

“Getting a win with a clean sheet in our first game was important and we believe Kosovo will improve as the competition goes on.

“There will be a lot of factors involved with travelling and the heat which have to be taken into consideration so we’re looking to be as prepared for that as we can be.”

King had many options to consider while picking his squad with a number of players progressing at club level through the past number of months. Olamide Shopido and Jamie McGrath were ruled out through injury.

“It’s been interesting to see players make good progress. We have Connor Ronan in, who is doing well at Wolves, Declan Rice has played well for West Ham in the Premier League, Josh Cullen is doing well in his loan at Bolton,” said King.

“In addition to those players the likes of Ryan Sweeney and Shaun Donnellan are playing first team football in League One. Most of these players are doing well and there has also been plenty of activity and a mix of experiences with many Irish players.

“We’ve a heavy schedule and by the end of November we’ll have had four games in a relatively short space of time. If we can get points on the board as we gel as a group that’s great too.

“The lads who played well the last day are here again. We’re trying to get a good atmosphere in the group and the more we keep them together that makes it easier but you can’t ignore people who are playing well and looking to force their way in. That’s the nature of the U21 grade.”

With the group in its infancy King is taking the opportunity to watch his Azeri opponents first hand on Thursday when they meet Israel in their opening game. 

“I’m going to watch Israel-Azerbaijan before we face them so that will help us get a better handle on them. We’ve already looked at footage of Azerbaijan but it will be beneficial to see them for myself,” he added.

Republic of Ireland Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kieran O’Hara (Manchester Utd), Liam Bossin (Nottm Forest) 

Defenders: Daniel Kane (Huddersfield), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City - on-loan at Bristol Rovers), Shaun Donnellan (West Bromwich Albion - on-loan at Walsall), Corey Whelan (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Ryan Delaney (Burton Albion - on-loan at Cork City)

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (West Ham United - on-loan at Bolton Wanderers), Harry Charlsey (Everton), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), Ryan Manning (QPR), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Connor Ronan (Wolves) 

Forwards: Reece Greco-Cox (QPR), Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Joe Quigley (Bournemouth - on-loan at Newport County), Jake Mulraney (Inverness CT)

Fixture

UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 5

Tuesday, September 5

Azerbaijan v Republic of Ireland, Dalga Stadium, Baku (13:00 Irish)

Collecting her sash and tiara at a sold-out Tralee Dome, the Offaly native was selected as this year’s winner from an array of 31 other finalists from all around the world at the 58th Rose of Tralee Festival.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It still feels very surreal. I’m just taking it all in and enjoying every moment of it now,” said Byrne.

“It could have been anyone. I’m absolutely honoured to be selected. I’m definitely still in shock. I just went down there to enjoy myself and have a good time and make a lot of friends, and that’s what I did – I really interacted with everyone and I enjoyed the whole experience of the Rose of Tralee.

“Even back for the Offaly Rose selection, with those girls I had a really good time and I really enjoyed it.”

Following a homecoming in Ballinahown, Byrne's journey as Rose of Tralee will begin in earnest, but with the WNL season still in full swing – Galway still have to play Shelbourne Ladies in a Continental Tyres FAI Women's Senior Cup quarter-final as well as taking on UCD Waves in the final of the Shield in mid-September – there is still plenty for Byrne’s team to play for.

“I don’t think I’ll be wearing the tiara, but I’m looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and meeting the girls again," she laughed.

“We have big games ahead, so hopefully we’ll be able to keep our heads and get [to the Aviva Stadium for the Cup Final].

“We’re just hoping to do as well as we can in every game, take every game is it comes and do our best.”

Byrne is keen to make use of her new-found title for good, and she has lots of exciting ideas about raising participation levels in sport, creating a buzz for its positives and getting more kids involved.

“As part of the Rose of Tralee as well I’d love to promote women’s sport and get more people to play sport, especially young girls, because a lot of women give up sports.

“I think we should focus on participation sport as well instead of it all being competitive – so that’s one of my aims as the Rose of Tralee.”

Indeed, Byrne says that her involvement with Galway WFC, and women’s sport in general over the years, stood her in good stead during the festival – after all, she has represented the Republic of Ireland at international level and won honours with NUIG (pictured above with FAI Colleges National Coordinator Mark Scanlon).

“I’d say playing soccer probably helped me a lot because I have a lot of teamwork skills – I’ve been in teams since I was really young, and even though the Rose of Tralee is very different to playing soccer, it’s still a bunch of girls coming together to have a good time, make friends and share a bond together,” she added.

Ireland made five changes to the side that went out against Taipei two days previously with the matchwinner from that game Joe Doyle earning a starting berth. The Irish started off well with Conor Barry pulling the strings in midfield and Doyle threatening down the wing. However, they were left stunned when a first time snapshot from Gift Baloyi beat Conor Kearns and put the African side 1-0 up after fifteen minutes.

The goal shook the Irish and they struggled to regain their composure. It turned from bad to worse on thirty three minutes when a long ball over the top found Lindani Dudula who flicked the ball up and struck Ross Taheny. The referee adjudged the ball to have come off the Sligo man’s arm and pointed to the spot which Dudula converted from.

Ireland struggled to create clear cut chances to test the opposition goalkeeper with their best effort coming on the stroke of half time when Jason Lyons’ shot from eighteen yards was tipped over by Paul Leaner in the South African goal.

The second half told a similar story to the first with Ireland unable to maintain strong pressure in the final third as fatigue began to show from their exertions on Wednesday. Any glimmer of a comeback was extinguished with five minutes to go when Kearns misplaced a pass straight to substitute Ludumo Nkebe who lifted the ball over the stranded UCD man and into the net.

Ireland now face the play-offs for 13th place when they take on USA on Sunday morning in Chang Gung University Stadium with kick-off again in the late afternoon in Taipei.

Ireland – Kearns, Dempsey (Nugent 55’), Taheny, McLoughlin, Brookes, Dunne, McKeown (O’Connor 66’), Barry, Doyle, Lyons (O’Sullivan 66’), McClelland (Daly-Butz 81’).

Subs Unused: Molloy (GK), Kinneen, Sloggett, Hollywood, McAuliffe.

South Africa – Leaner, Chokoe, Maphanga, Motsogi, Mtabane, Baloyi (Hlalele 90’), Nkwana (Ntswane 84’), Dudula (Nkebe 63’), Masehela, Siluma (Singonzo 90’), Stownman.

Subs Unused – Paterson, Mabitsela, Sixishe, Manopole, Swartz.

Elsewhere, holders Cork City are safely through to the quarter finals of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup as they comprehensively defeated Athlone Town 7-0 at Turners Cross.

Drogheda United also advanced to the last eight with a 5-1 win over the Munster Senior League's Cobh Wanderers at United Park. 

Two goals in six second half minutes from Brandon Miele and Graham Burke broke the resistance of a dogged Shelbourne side at Tolka Park. James Doona added a third before a late red card for Rovers’ captain Ronan Finn put a slight tarnish on a comfortable win for the Hoops.

Galway United enjoyed a welcome break from league action and with the pressure off in Inchicore they duly delivered a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Jonah Ayunga and Eoin McCormack. 

The Iveagh Grounds witnessed a tense encounter as Bangor Celtic from the Leinster Senior League frustrated Longford Town for over an hour. Substitute Don Cowan came off the bench to power ahead in the 71st minute - a goal that was enough to ensure Neale Fenn's Midlanders will be in the draw for the last eight. 

Following Friday’s defeat to South Africa, coach Greg Yelverton made a number of changes including a return up top for DCU striker Alan O’Sullivan. The selection paid dividends when the striker found the back of the net after just seven minutes of play. The Americans were keen not to fall further behind and were rigid at the back restricting the space for Ireland to probe within in the first half.

The second half started with a bang for the Irish when Emmanuel Lartey’s ball over the top found Ace Phillips and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range with just two minutes gone. It took Ireland until midway through the half to restore the lead when a quick throw-in put O’Sullivan through to finish.

As time began to tick down on the American’s finding another response it was another throw-in that led to the third goal as Shane Daly-Butz twisted the defender inside-out before teeing up O’Sullivan to complete his hat trick from 18 yards.

It wasn’t the end of the scoring for Ireland as NUI Galway wide player Gary Kinneen picked the ball up on the half-way line before driving through the monsoon which had begun in the latter stages of the half to make it four and game over.

Ireland will face Malaysia on Tuesday for 13th/14th place in Chang Gung University Stadium, after the Malaysians forced a penalty shootout with hosts Chinese Taipei after a 93rd minute equaliser and successfully won 3-2 on spotkicks.

Ireland– Molloy, Nugent (Dempsey 86’), Taheny, McLoughlin, McAuliffe, Brookes (Hollywood 82’), Dunne, O’Connor, Daly-Butz (Barry 88’), O’Sullivan, McClelland (Kinneen 80’).

Subs Unused: Kearns (GK), Sloggett, Lyons, Doyle, McKeown.

USA– Watkins, Scott, Lartey, Kurtiz, S Fankhauser (McLaughlin 67’), Hein, Pemberton, Guthrie, Fordham, Tobler, Phillips (T Fankhauser 50’)

Subs Unused: Bagley (GK), Lesuer (GK), Hunter, Whitworth, Miles, Kapisi.

After finishing 1-1 after ninety minutes, the Girls in Green prevailed in the penalty shoot-out 5-3 to send them into a mouth-watering tie with Team GB on Monday.

After a 6 day break, Bell made one change to the side beaten by Canada, as Claire O’Riordan came in for Clare Kinsella, with Claire Walsh also stepping into midfield with Ciara McNamara falling back into the back three. The hosts selected several senior internationals for Taiwan in their side.

Ireland fell behind on 31 minutes when the defence failed to clear their lines inside their own box with the ball eventually falling to Yen Ping Chen who stroked home for the host side. The Irish had chances with Walsh trying her luck with a volley from 25 yards but the UCD player failed to get the right amount of power behind it to trouble Fang Yi Chu, the Taipei keeper.

There were several opportunities for Ireland to equalise in the second half with captain Amber Barrett guilty of missing a golden opportunity to level the sides. She did turn provider for the goal when she flicked on substitute goalkeeper Eve Badana’s kickout into the path of another substitute Rianna Jarrett. Jarrett powered through on goal only to see her shot saved but Jetta Berrill was on hand to smash in the rebound and send the game to penalties.

Barrett was the first to step up and coolly smashed her penalty into the top corner. Kinsella and Jarrett followed suit before Badana pulled off an excellent stop to deny Chen. Berrill put Ireland on the brink with Walsh tasked with netting the crucial penalty to send the Irish into celebration.

Ireland – Budden (Badana 60’), Berrill, McNamara, Fox, Carroll, Mustaki (Jarrett 81’), Walsh, Frawley, McLaughlin (Nolan HT), O’Riordan (Kinsella HT), Barrett.

Subs Unused: McCarthy, Ryan-Doyle, Clancy, Byrne, Webb.

Chinese Taipei – Chu, Jhuo, Su, Lin, Liu, Lee, Yu, S Pan (Ho 90’), Tsou (Shu Chang 90’), Chen, Y Pan (C Chang HT).

Subs Unused: T Pan (GK), Lai, Ting, Su Chang, T Pan, Lo.

Martin O'Neill has trimmed down his Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Round games against Georgia (September 2) and Serbia (September 5).

Injuries have ruled out James McCarthy (hamstring) and Jeff Hendrick (quad), while Eunan O'Kane reported into camp but has since returned to his club due to an ongoing groin complaint.

Keiren Westwood (knee), David Meyler (knee) and Jonathan Walters (ankle) did not take a full part in training, as a precautionary measure, on Monday, August 28 but are due to train on Tuesday.

Aiden McGeady and David McGoldrick are both due to report into camp on Tuesday after being afforded extra time due to personal reasons.

The squad will have three more sessions there before departing for Tbilisi on Thursday for the game against Georgia.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland), Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), David Meyler (Hull City), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Daryl Horgan (Preston North End), Jonathan Hayes (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City)
Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Burnley), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town) 

An unfortunate own goal from Shauna Fox and a much-debated second goal finished off by Olivia Fergusson sees the British side pip Ireland into 9th place.

Both sides were not fast out of the blocks as the toll of consecutive games showed but both created chances with Fergusson striking the post for GB and Irish captain Amber Barrett unable to direct a Jetta Berrill through ball on-target first time. 

The UCD full-back was forced to come off midway through the first half when suffering a blow to the face that caused injury. Whilst Berrill was being treated by the Irish medical staff, Britain took the lead when a cross down the Louth native’s side from Kirsty Howat deflected off Shauna Fox and into the Irish net.

Berrill had to admit defeat in returning to the pitch and she was replaced by Niamh McLaughlin. However, the Northumbria University student only lasted seven minutes when she twisted her knee in a challenge and fell to the ground. She will await the results of a scan to determine the severity of the injury but did leave the pitch of her own accord.

Ireland began the second half positively and tried to restore parity early on with a well-worked move that fed Aoibhin Webb through with the Wexford Youths attacker forcing a good save out of GB goalkeeper Megan Walsh. The second goal for GB came twelve minutes into the second half when a combination from Madeline Hill and Fergusson saw the latter force the ball home.

Whilst Great Britain celebrated the goal, the Irish players furiously surrounded the referee looking for the goal to be disallowed. Replays showed that Hill was several yards offside when she received the ball off Fergusson and that she had ran the ball out over the by-line before returning the ball for the final finish.

Ireland tried desperately to pull a goal back with Fox going close a few times from headers from set pieces, and Claire O’Riordan also had a shot which needed to be tipped over. Ireland will arrive back home to Dublin Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

Ireland – Badana, McNamara, Fox, Carroll, Berrill (McLaughlin 29’ (O’Riordan 36’)), Walsh, Byrne (Clancy 66’), Frawley, Nolan, Barrett, Webb (Jarrett 77’)
 
Subs Unused: Budden (GK), Mustaki, McCarthy, Kinsella, Ryan-Doyle.

Great Britain – Walsh, Gemma Evans, Johnson, Georgia Evans, Hill, Donovan (Kelly 84’), Howat, Dodds, Quinn, Lloyd, Fergusson.
 
Subs Unused: Sansom (GK), Wilson, Sievwright, Dobson, Lord-Mears, Falconer, Dixon, Morris.

The draw, which was live on Soccer Republic on RTE2, saw the Leinster Senior League side rewarded for their 1-0 win over Cabinteely with a tie against Shamrock Rovers, who beat Shelbourne 3-0 to progress to the quarter-finals.

Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup holders Cork City will travel to the City Calling Stadium to face SSE Airtricity League First Division side Longford Town whilst there will be a Louth Derby as Dundalk host Drogheda United.

Limerick, who claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Finn Harps, will travel to Eamonn Deacy Park to face Galway United to set up an exciting Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final draw.

Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Quarter-Final draw

Longford Town v Cork City 
Bluebell United v Shamrock Rovers
Galway United v Limerick
Dundalk v Drogheda United

All ties will be played on the weekend-ending September 10th. 

Leinster Senior League

Round 1

Wayside Celtic FC V Newtown Rangers AFC

Templeogue United FC V Cherry Orchard FC

Knocklyon United FC V St James Gate

Leixlip United AFC V Dublin University AFC

Mt Merrion FC V TEK United

Drumcondra Stella Maris FC V St Patrick’s CY

St Mochta’s FC V Bangor Celtic FC

Newbridge Town FC V Portmarnock AFC

Malahide United V Arklow Town FC

Tullamore Town FC V Pegasus St James Athletic FC

Portloaise AFC V Home Farm FC

St John Bosco FC V Skerries Town

Broadford Rovers FC V Edenderry Town FC

Ballymun United FC V Verona FC

Hartstown Huntstown FC V Maynooth University Town

Greenhills Greenpark FC V Dunboyne AFC

Byes:

Beggsboro AFC

Killester United

Bluebell United

Kilnamanagh United FC

CYM Beechwood

Leicester Celtic FC

CIE Ranch

Liffey Wanderers FC

Confey FC

Lucan United FC

Crumlin United FC

Mid Sutton Sportslink

Dublin Bus FC

Mullingar Athletic

Firhouse Clover FC

Peamount United FC

Glebe North FC

Sacred Heart Killinarden FC

Glenville FC

Swords Celtic

Greystones United AFC

Tolka Rovers AFC

Inchicore Athletic FC

UCD AFC

Munster Senior League

Round 1

St Mary’s AFC V Ringmahon Rangers

Kilreen Celtic V Park United

Rockmount V Glasheen FC

Castleview V Casement Celtic

College Corinthians AFC V Cobh Wanderers AFC

Wilton United FC V Everton AFC

Ballinhassig AFC V Blarney United

Avondale United V Kinsale AFC

Midleton FC V Mayfield United AFC

Byes:

Ballincollig AFC

Leeside AFC

Bandon AFC

Mallow United

Carrigaline United

Riverstown FC

Douglas Hall AFC

Tramore Athletic FC

Fermoy AFC

UCC AFC

Leeds AFC

Ulster Senior League

Round 1

Fanad United V Bonagee United FC

Byes:

Swilly Rovers FC

Letterkenny Rovers FC

Cockhill Celtic FC

Fixtures to be played on or before 17th September 2017

The players all enjoyed playing football in their respective schools while in full time education. Their progression through the ranks of grassroots football saw the students experience their first taste of International football representing their school during their junior and senior cycle on the Interprovincial and International stage.

Youngster Kiernan just completed her Leaving Cert in Bailieborough Community School in June and will now consider her third level options. The Cavan native was selected for the Ulster and U15 Republic of Ireland Schools squad in 2013/14 season. Previous to that McQuillan (Beaufort College, Navan) and McLaughlin (Moville Community College) both featured in 2012/13 at Interprovincial and International level as well as their respective schools. The duo have both completed the FAI / ETB Player Development Course in Clondalkin earlier this year and will assess their academic future now. All three players represented Shelbourne Ladies FC in the UEFA Women’s Champion League this Summer.

Coláiste Einde, Salthill scholar Daryl Horgan featured in 2009/10 for FAI Schools and capped a great season representing his school as the International side captured the Centenary Shield.  Horgan is currently applying his trade at Preston North End FC. Hull City’s David Meyler attended Christian Brothers College, Cork and enjoyed his spell there capturing some Munster Cup titles while Sunderland defender John O’Shea lined out for Waterford’s De La Salle College before making the move to Manchester United in 1999.

Joining the International players in the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown were some of the winners of last season’s Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Cups. Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal snatched the Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup title for small schools. St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown captured the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup last season for the first time in the schools fifty year history which was a remarkable achievement.  St. Francis College, Rochestown secured double Cup success as the boys sealed a win in the Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup in 2017 as well as collecting the Tom Ticher Junior Cup title. St. Joseph’s College, Galway returned to winning ways having collected the First Year Boys National crown following a slender victory over Wexford CBS in pulsating tie last season.  The players will be hoping for continued success in defending their provincial honours again in 2018 when their schools kick off their season next month.

These prestigious competitions have featured many high profile players throughout the years. As well as the six International stars in action this afternoon, they also follow the footsteps of Seamus Coleman (St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs) and Stephen Ward (Portmarnock Community School).  Even this season’s Ambassador Stephen Hunt starred in these competitions having secured a Munster Schools Junior Cup with Carrick CBS in his younger days which saw him first scouted for Crystal Palace! 

It’s been demonstrated that over the years the top sports stars can stay in education while still participating in sport. There are a number of our underage Internationals that have tasted success at schools level including Alan Browne (Nagle Community College), Sean Maguire (Kilkenny CBS),Ryan Manning (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Julie-Ann Russell (Salerno Girls SS, Salthill), Karen Duggan (Scoil Mhuire, Carrick on Suir) and Megan Campbell (Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, Drogheda) with these scholars capturing a few titles during their academic endeavours. 

The interest in schools football has increased over the last number of years with 38,000 players from 510 schools participating nationwide last year.

Rory Carty, Head of Youth Banking at Bank of Ireland said, “As Ireland’s leading bank for students of all ages we are delighted and proud to partner with the FAI Schools Post Primary competitions. We’ve been supporting the FAI Schools Post Primary competition since 2014 and are particularly delighted to provide support to develop the game across the country. The competition allows children to learn about the game, develop their skills and even meet some of the international players. We are proud to support the FAI and I am sure the competition will help discover Ireland’s future football stars”.

Seán Carr, FAI Schools Chairman said, “This is Bank of Ireland’s fourth year as sponsor of the FAI Schools Post Primary Schools competitions. Since the inception of our sponsorship agreement, we had great interaction from the participating schools. We look forward to seeing lots more children enjoying the schools football schedule throughout the academic year, being active, competing on an equal footing and having fun together”.

The numerous Cup and League competitions offer huge variety with small and large schools catered for. There are various divisions that accommodate boys and girls from First Year right through to Leaving Certificate. The FAI Schools programme is co-ordinated at provincial level and schools are encouraged to sign up now for the forthcoming season as competitions will be commencing at the end of September.

A goal midway through the second half from substitute Alan O’Sullivan was enough to see Ireland through the physical test that came from the battle with the Far East side. It was the DCU’s 5th goal of the tournament and sees him finish as second joint top scorer overall.

Ireland made multiple changes for the game with Sean McLoughlin and Ross Taheny the only players to start every game in Taipei with Yelverton also changing his system to 3-5-2.

Ireland’s best chance in the opening period came from a Sean McLoughlin cross that found Joe Doyle but the Dublin IT striker could not direct his attempt within the boundaries of the goal.

After Muhammad Tumin struck the crossbar with a shot, Yelverton decided to act and introduced Alan O’Sullivan from the bench. The move payed dividends immediately when the striker fired home the opening goal within four minutes.

The hard-working Conor Barry almost doubled the advantage a couple of minutes later when his tenacity caused possession to be overturned and he shot from 30 yards only to see his effort come crashing back off the crossbar.

Any hopes of a Malaysia comeback were dramatically reduced when Muhammad Jamaluddin was sent off for a reckless challenge on Joe Doyle from behind. With the man advantage, Ireland were able to withstand any Malaysian pressure until the final whistle of the tournament. Ireland will return to Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon.

Ireland– Kearns, Nugent, Taheny (Sloggett 78’), McLoughlin, McAuliffe, Kinneen, McKeown (O’Connor 63’), Barry, Hollywood, Doyle (Daly-Butz 88’), Lyons (O’Sullivan 60’)

Subs Unused: Molloy (GK), Brookes, Dunne, McClelland, Dempsey.

Malaysia– Khamis, Jamaluddin, Amiruddin, Wan Mohamed (Ibrahim 13’), Modh Bandong, Ahmad, Zulkiflee, Mhd Huzaizi (Mat Yaacob 69’), M Rosli (Tumin HT), Abdul Ghani, Berhan (Zanil HT).

Subs Unused – Samsudin (GK), Z Rosli, Gan.

The Irish squad begin their preparations for this season’s UEFA U17 Championships qualifiers with two testing games in Skopje on Friday and Sunday.

O’Brien’s side have a testing UEFA U17 Qualifying Round group as they travel to Bulgaria with the Ukraine and Azerbaijan also in Group 11. England will host the 2018 UEFA U17 European Championships Finals next May.

“Although we’ve had a handful of players ruled out through injuries we’re pleased with the squad we’ll be working with this week,” said O’Brien.

“During the summer we held a training camp and an assessment day in August as we’ve tried to look at a number of players. We felt it was important to see who could come into the equation.

“Everything we’re working on is built towards the qualifiers in October so this week we’ll work on the four functions of the game and will want to get two good performances on the pitch.”

Temperatures will top 30C in Skopje this week so O’Brien is interested to see how his players cope with those conditions.

“They will be testing conditions for the players due to the very hot climate in Macedonia and that could be helpful in preparation for Bulgaria in October when it will still be warm,” he said.

“In conditions like this players can learn how to play in heat and deal with opposition that can sit deep at times and mix things up with their approach so these games will be very beneficial to the players’ learning.”

O’Brien’s squad includes Kian Clarke, Cameron Ledwidge, Nathan Collins, Callum Thompson, Adam Idah and Tyriek Wright - all six featured in the UEFA U17 Championships Finals tournament in Croatia four months ago.

”Some of the players played a year up last year so we hope they've learned a lot from that experience and have an understanding of what's coming physically and mentally at this level,” added O’Brien.

“That experience can prove helpful to the whole squad but firstly they must also be aware of the need to ensure that their own performances on an individual level are up to what is required.” 

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Kian Clarke (Bohemians), Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Harry Halwax (Leixlip United)
Defenders: Max Murphy (Stoke City), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton), Andrew Spain (Shamrock Rovers), Kevin O’Reilly (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Midfielders: Sean Brennan (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Seanie Mahon (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Forwards: Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Marc Walsh (Swansea City), Tyriek Wright (Aston Villa), Ciaran Brennan (Waterford)

Fixtures
U17 International Friendly

Friday, September 1
FYR Macedonia v Republic of Ireland, Skopje (16:00)

Sunday, September 3
FYR Macedonia v Republic of Ireland, Skopje (16:00)

The Irish squad showed their quality in reaching the Paralympics in Rio last year and will head into the tournament looking to make a mark on the world stage.

Former Finn Harps player Oisin Merritt makes the squad. The Donegal native made national headlines in 2014 when he survived death after a fall from a balcony on a holiday in Spain left him in a coma and fighting for life.

Breen can also call upon experienced pair Gary Messett and Dillon Sheridan in his squad, which includes eight of the squad that participated in the Paralympics in Rio last year. 

"Gary has previously won Player of the Tournament at the European Championships and it will be the experience of players such as Gary and Dillon will be hugely important considering that six players are stepping up to this level for the first time," said Breen.

Ireland are drawn in Group A with Brazil, Canada and Spain. The top two in the group progress to the quarter-finals with third and fourth going into the classification stage for places 9th to 16th. 

The Irish commence their campaign against Spain in our opening game on Sunday, September 10. They meet the Canadians two days later then play Brazil on Thursday September 14. 

"We have prepared well for the tournament and we are really looking forward now to getting there and putting all the hard work that the staff and players have been doing into action," said Breen. 

"Although it is a tough group we are in our first objective is to get out of the group and into the quarter finals and I know the players are relishing the challenge. I’ve been happy with the progress that the players have made over the last few months in training. 

"Tournament football is tough for any player but particularly so for CP players. With a game almost every second day the use of the squad and recovery will be very important for us.

"Conditions wise it will be their spring time in San Luis so temperatures will be like a good summer's day here. Temperatures can reach as high as 25C degrees at this time of year but averaging around 20C degrees. If the temperatures are high it will be another challenge we will have to manage."

CP football is uniquely different to traditional 11-a-side football as it is a 7-a-side game and players have a classification based on their physical attributes which impacts on how the coaches can use them or make changes in games. 

"Class 8 would be our least affected player and we are only permitted to have one class 8 on the pitch at any time. Class 5 and 6 would be more affected by CP and we must have at least two of the players on the pitch. Class 7 (hemiplegia) will make up the rest of the team and a class 7 is affected on one side of their body. 

"So we also have to take this into consideration when selecting the squad, picking a starting team and making substitutions so it can be more complex than 11-a-side football in that regard. For example, it may not necessarily be the case that your class 5 players play in the same positions so making substitutions can result in team tactical changes and positional changes for other players."

The Irish players are selected from across the country and the majority are playing amateur football in well known leagues including  the Leinster Senior League, Munster Senior League, AUL, Donegal League, UCL, MDL, Limerick and Sligo Leitrim.

"There is a lot of excitement amongst the group ahead of this challenge and it is worth noting that there will be an Ireland team playing in a World Championships this September," added Breen. 

"We will be travelling to Argentina just as the Ireland MNT kick off their game against Serbia so hopefully when we touch down in Buenos Aires we'll be hearing a good result for Martin O'Neill and his squad."

The tournament can be followed online at: https://www.ifcpf.com/tournaments/view/45 with a number of games to be streamed live. 

Ireland Senior CP Squad 

Goalkeepers: Carl McKee (Swords Manor), James Naughton (Development Squad)
Defenders: Mark Barry (Kilmount  Boys), Dylan O'Brien (Lucan United), Aaron Tier (Star Rovers)
Midfielders: Tom Badun (St Kevin's Boys), Oisin Merritt (Ballybofey United), Peter Cotter (Everton AFC), Gary Messett (Arklow Town), Conor Tuite (Newfoundwell FC), Thomas Maher (Merville United)
Forwards: Dillon Sheridan (Palmerstown FC), Ryan Nolan (Rathmichael FC), Sam Carroll (Glencormac United)

Fixtures

IFCPF CP Football World Championships / San Luis Argentina 2017

Sunday, September 10
Ireland v Spain, Stadium J.G.Funes (14:00 Irish)

Tuesday, September 12
Ireland v Canada, Stadium J.G.Funes (16:00 Irish)

Thursday, September 14
Brazil v Ireland, Stadium Estancia Grande (16:00 Irish)

After unveiling his squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Round games against Georgia and Serbia at the nearby SSE Airtricity Headquarters, O'Neill made his way over to the Hospice.

Armed with FAI goodie bags full of special gifts, O'Neill met all of the children, as well as their parents, carers, and the hard-working staff of the Hospice on what was a heartwarming day,

LauraLynn is a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions and residential care for young adults with disabilities. They employ approximately 140 staff within teaching, fundraising and care provision departments.

The FAI has previously supported LauraLynn in fundraising efforts and will continue to forge strong links with such an admirable Hospice.

The film tells the story of drummer Gabriel (Dermot Murphy), recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is forced to curb his erratic behaviour when his therapist changes his medication and insists he join a special football team.

When he meets goalkeeper Christopher (Jacob McCarthy), a 17-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome, a fraught relationship gradually develops into a firm friendship as each learns to respect the other’s foibles.

Writer/director/composer Nick Kelly captures the mental health pitfalls of a rock’n’roll lifestyle with sharp insight, while his portrait of a young man with Asperger’s, drawn with affection and deep understanding, is perfectly observed.

The uplifting and comedic feature debut deservedly bagged the Best Irish First Feature Award at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. The film opens on Friday, September 8.

The WNT Head Coach Colin Bell has named a 20-player squad ahead of the opening FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying Group 3 fixture on Tuesday, September 19th with kick-off at 7.30pm at Mourneview Park, Lurgan. 

UCD Waves defender Claire Walsh and Maiden City midfielder Tyler Toland have received their first call-ups to the Women's Senior squad whilst Stephanie Roche returns to the squad following a hamstring injury.

Peamount United striker Amber Barrett has also received her first international call-up to the Women's Senior squad after her impressive form for the Continental Tyres Women's National League side.

Florida State Seminoles midfielder Megan Connolly misses out on the squad due to educational commitments with nine players of the 20 selected from the Continental Tyres Women's National League.

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "Firstly, I want to congratulate Claire Walsh, Amber Barrett and Tyler Toland on their first call-up to the senior squad.

"It is a huge moment in any player's career and they should be immensely proud. Claire and Amber have been in great form for their respective clubs this season and rightly take their place in the squad, where I expect them to challenge for a starting spot.

"Tyler is an exceptional young talent who I was able to watch closely during the Women's Under 17 European Championships in May. She is a player I believe who would benefit from being around the senior squad as we look to progress the young talent we have in Ireland.

"It's great to Stephanie Roche back and fit for selection ahead of a crucial game. It's imperative we start the campaign on a positive note and I'm really looking to getting the squad in on Wednesday, September 13th."

Republic of Ireland WNT squad v Northern Ireland

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

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Claire Walsh (UCD Waves).

Midfielders: Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Tyler Toland (Maiden City).

Forwards: Katie McCabe (Glasgow City), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Aine O'Gorman (UCD Waves).

The Republic of Ireland squad flew to Georgia on Thursday, August 31 ahead of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Round game on Saturday night.

Ahead of the squad's departure to Tbilisi, they underwent a session at the FAI National Training Centre on Thursday morning.

Defender John O'Shea and forward Jonathan Walters took a full part in training without any reaction to niggling injuries.

Forward David McGoldrick did not travel with the squad due to personal reasons.

Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
Defenders: Cyrus Christie (Middlesbrough), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland), Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), David Meyler (Hull City), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Daryl Horgan (Preston North End), Jonathan Hayes (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City)
Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Burnley), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Nottingham Forest) 

With the competition now at the quarter-final stage, replays are possible if the fixture is drawn and the dates and kick-off times for those potential replays have also been confirmed.

Three fixtures will take place on Friday, September 8th whilst Longford Town v Cork City will take place a day later on Saturday, September 9th.

Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final fixtures

Friday, 8th September: Bluebell United v Shamrock Rovers, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45 pm 
(Replay to be played on Monday, 11th September, Tallaght Stadium, 7.45 pm)

Friday, 8th September: Dundalk v Drogheda United, Oriel Park, 7.45 pm 
(Replay to be played on Tuesday, 12th September, United Park, 7.45 pm)

Friday, 8th September: Galway United v Limerick, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7.45 pm 
(Replay to be played on Monday, 11th September, Markets Field, 7.45pm)

Saturday, 9th September: Longford Town v Cork City, City Calling Stadium, 7.30 pm 
(Replay to be played on Tuesday, 12th September, Turner’s Cross, 7.45 pm)

Please note: If the scores are still level after 90 minutes play in the replay match, then extra-time and penalties (if needed) will be played to determine the winners of the tie.