A Ronan Murray double had Dundalk comfortably ahead at the break in Oriel Park but goals from Karl Sheppard, Barry McNamee, Kieran Sadlier and Graham Cummins saw Cork claim the first piece of silverware of the 2018 season.

The Lilywhites had it all their own way during the first half and created the first chance of the game as Michael Duffy went close with a header from Dylan Connolly's right-sided cross with nine minutes gone.

Dundalk made their dominance tell in the 17th minute as new recruit Murray scored his first competitive goal for the club. Cork failed to clear a right-sided cross and Murray was on hand to slide the ball home past Peter Cherrie.

John Caulfield's men tried to hit back on the half-hour as the impressive Sadlier found space on the left to cross for Jimmy Keohane on the six-yard box but he only put the ball wide of the right-hand post.

Connolly saw his deflected wide go narrowly wide and Duffy hit the post from 25 yards before Murray grabbed his second of the game. Dundalk captain Dane Massey's cross wasn't cleared by Cork defender Alan Bennett and Murray lifted the ball over a helpless Peter Cherrie.

Caulfield brought on Sheppard and it only took the 26-year-old just three minutes to have the desired impact. Pre-season defensive rustiness was on display as Sheppard raced in, after goalkeeper Gary Rogers had a mix-up with his defenders, to find the bottom corner. 

Last season's double winners sensed victory and soon after they were level. Sadlier found space on the left and his pinpoint cross found an unmarked McNamee, who directed his header in as the clock struck the 55th minute.

Stephen Kenny's side were left stunned and worse was to come as Cork took the lead with 12 minutes remaining. Sadlier, Cork's most impressive performer in the game, found space on the right to turn inside and find the bottom corner from 30 yards to complete the turnaround in some fashion.

Three minutes later, Cork guaranteed that they retained the President's Cup as Cummins netted from Sadlier's low cross to seal the win.

The regular season kicks off on Friday, February 16 and Cork will undoubtedly be favourites going into the opening night judging by this display.

Dundalk: Rogers; Poynton, Hoare (Benson 37), Shields, McGrath, Adorjan (Hoban 65), Massey, Folan, Duffy, Connolly (O'Keeffe 87), Murray.

Cork City: Cherrie; Bennett, Barry, Morrissey (McCarthy 88), Keohane (Sheppard 46), McCormack, Cummins (Adebayo-Rowling 88), Sadlier (McLoughlin 88), Griffin, Horgan (Beattie 46), McNamee.

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

As the tournament heads into its 34th year, 20 teams from nine different countries will visit Dublin in the hope of being crowned as champions.

FAI CEO John Delaney gave his backing to the tournament, which returns to Dublin for the third time and will see the games played between June 15-17.

"The European Airports Football Championship represents an incredible opportunity to see a truly international event hosted on home soil," said Delaney, who is pictured above with (l to r) Christy Sheridan, Chairman Dublin Airport Football Club, Siobhan O'Donnell, External Communications Manager Dublin Airport, Noel King, Republic of Ireland Under 21 Head Coach, Joseph Malone, Football Tournament Director.

"On behalf of the FAI, we support this footballing initiative. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Dublin Airport Football Club the very best for the forthcoming tournament in June."

For more information visit www.eafc2018.org

The double header will act as the final preparation for March’s UEFA European Under 17 Championship Elite Round. Colin O’Brien’s side will travel to Poland for games against the hosts along with ties with Georgia and Macedonia. The top two sides will then qualify for May’s Finals which will take place in England.

Turkey come into the games off the back of Elite Round qualification while they also impressed in 2017, making the semi finals of the European Championships and qualifying for last October’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in India.  

Ireland Head Coach O’Brien feels the games this week will be the perfect preparation ahead of the crucial Elite Round.

“This is a big opportunity for the players. This is our last camp before the Elite Round next month and they are two important games for our development,” he said.

“Turkey are always formidable, they bring a high tempo game and will be a big test for us. The two games will be a challenge for everyone. There are places in the team up for grabs. We have had a home based event and a UK based event in preparation and watched plenty of players so competition for places is very high.”

Prior to the move to an Under 17 age bracket, the competition O’Brien’s team compete in was known as the Under 16 European Championship. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of Ireland’s famous win in that tournament, a squad that Liam Miller was a key member of. With the sad news of his passing this week, O’Brien paid tribute to his fellow Corkman.

“The past week has put everything in perspective,” O’Brien lamented. “Liam Miller was an inspiration to many players, he won the Under 16 European Championship with Ireland, and if the current crop of players can go on to have half the career Liam did they will be doing very well. On behalf of the squad and management team I would like to pass on my very sincere condolences to Liam’s family and friends at this very sad time,” he added.

Tuesday’s game with Turkey is scheduled to take place at Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway, with a 7pm kick off. However, with heavy rain due in the West this evening a pitch inspection will take place tomorrow morning. The FAI will publish an update should the venue change.

Republic of Ireland U17 Squad

Goalkeepers
Kian Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard)

Defenders 
Max Murphy (Stoke City), Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Ray O Sullivan(Wolves), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Conor Grant (Sheffield Wednesday), Cian Kelly (Shamrock Rovers)

Midfielders
Barry Coffey (Celtic), Jason Knight (Derby County), Callum Thompson(Wolves), Marc Walsh (Swansea City), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers)

Forwards
Tyriek Wright (Aston Villa), Troy Parrot (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Idah (Norwich City)

Fixtures
February 13: Republic of Ireland v Turkey, Eamonn Deacy Park, KO 19:00
February 15: Republic of Ireland v Turkey, Eamonn Deacy Park, KO 13:00

The Welsh side had a disappointing outing against the English Independent Schools FA last week, going down 4-0 in their annual meet. Marc Lloyd Williams’ side will be looking to bounce back from that encounter with a sterling performance at home in the Rock Stadium.

Last season saw late drama unfold in Whitehall as the Republic of Ireland snatched an injury time winner from the penalty spot against Wales to open their campaign on a positive note, recording a controversial 2-1 win that evening.

Neil Farrugia of St. Andrew’s College, Blackrock had given the home side an interval lead when he ran on to a clever through pass from Carrigaline CS scholar Alec Byrne. However this was cancelled out when Wales resumed after the break in attacking mode and substitute Conor Harwood (Coleg Cambria) was only on the pitch two minutes when he pulled them level.

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

Referee Clarke awarded the penalty with Thomas receiving his marching orders.

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

Wales will be looking for redemption this time out! Goal-scorer Conor Harwood, Keane Royall and Harri Hughes will return for the Welsh this season. The trio will be crucial players for the Dragons and one’s to watch out for.   

The Republic of Ireland have enjoyed the upper hand in most of their encounters with their counterparts over the years, winning all but three of their previous 17 outings. They drew 2-2 in Killarney in 2011 and again on the same score-line in 2012 when the Irish travelled to Carmarthern.

Wales have a point to prove this season and their preparations have gone exceptionally well under the watchful eye of ex-professional footballer Marc Lloyd Williams. It should make for an incredible opening game of the season.

Following the Welsh game, the Irish will be out again in a month’s time as they make the journey to Luton to take on England on March 16. Their penultimate fixture will see them at home to Northern Ireland on March 29 as Monaghan United FC plays host. The Irish will entertain Scotland in their final game of the season when they face the tartan army on April 12 in Home Farm FC, Whitehall.

Republic of Ireland Select: Daniel Houghton & Kieran Farren (Carndonagh Community School), Adam O’Connor (St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff), James Carroll (St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda), Luke McNicholas (Balla Secondary School), Darryl Walsh (St. Declan’s Community College), Ronan Manning & Adam Rooney (Yeats College, Galway), Liam Kerrigan (St. Attracta’s CS, Tubbercurry), Cian Lee (Boyne Community School), Peter Adigun (Riversdale Community College), Ali Regbha (Chanel College, Coolock), Jack Ryan(Templeogue College), Jake Walker (St. Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin) Lido Lofeta (Balbriggan Community College), Rory Doyle (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Cian Murphy (Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir), Adam Conway (De La Salle College, Waterford)

Management:
Head Coach William O’Connor (Balbriggan Community College)
Coach John McShane (Dublin Oak Academy, Bray)
GK Coach Conor Foley (Athlone Community College)
Performance Analyst Ollie Horgan (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny)
Kit Manager Paul Masterson
Physio Mickey McGlynn
Doctor Aiden O’Colmain

2018 Centenary Shield Fixtures List
February 15         Wales vs Republic of Ireland                    The Rock, Cefn Druids FC (7pm)
March 9               Scotland vs Northern Ireland                       Greenock Morton FC (7pm)
March 15             Northern Ireland vs Wales                           Belfast (2pm)
March 16             England vs Republic of Ireland                 Kenilworth Stadium, Luton Town FC (7pm)
March 23             England vs Scotland                                   Bootham Crescent, York City FC (7pm)
March 29             Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland    Monaghan United FC (2pm)
March 29             Wales vs England                                       Cardiff Metropolitan University FC (7pm)
April 6                  Northern Ireland vs England                       Belfast (7pm)
April 12                Republic of Ireland vs Scotland                Home Farm FC (2pm)
April 19                Scotland vs Wales                                       Queen of the South FC (7pm)

With the programme’s closing date just passed, primary schools nationwide will commence preparations for this season’s sensational campaign with over 1,500 institutes experiencing footie fever!

The first County to launch the 2018 programme will be Limerick as Seanchoill Sports Complex, Corbally welcomes schools on Thursday, February 22 for their Section ‘A’ qualifiers for small schools. The various other qualifiers will take place the following week, February 26 to March 2 and 8 as they whittle down the competition for County Finals Day on April 26 in the same marvellous venue. Development Officer Barbara Bermingham is co-ordinating this year’s events with the assistance of colleagues Barry McGann, Declan Considine and Jason O’Connor as 87 schools will descend onto Corbally over the eight day schedule.

The Tipperary qualifiers will commence in a fortnight’s time as Cahir Park AFC will play host to the Southern schools on Monday, February 26. Development Officers James Scott and newly appointed Stephen Quinn will also host qualifiers in Two Mile Borris / St. Kevin’s FC for the Mid Tipperary teams in mid-March while Ballymackey FC will cater for the Northern contingency on April 10. These qualifiers will culminate in an outstanding 30 days of events for a staggering 115 schools in the County, North and South.

Similarly, Meath’s impressive MDL Grounds in Navan will have 11 days of football scheduled as they cater for 77 schools with proceedings kicking off on Monday, February 26 with the Girls ‘A’ Section. Paul Holland (local co-ordinator) and Barry Ferguson (FAI Development Officer) will be at the helm to ensure the smooth operation of the competition in the Royal County.

Galway will see Nigel Keady’s City qualifiers take place on Tuesday, February 27 as the Section ‘A’ schools do battle in Salthill Devon FC, Drom East. This marks the first of 11 days of activity with a list of County and City venues catered for as John Morris Burke keys a watchful eye over this year’s 105 participating schools.

NEW VENUES

A number of new venues have been organised this year, such is the demand in some Counties.  Cork have an remarkable 131 schools to satisfy in four venues with Blarney United, Carrigaline United, Clonakilty and Midleton FC all hosting local qualifiers before the lucky schools progress to the County Finals Day in Turners Cross in late April. 

Mayo is another county to expand operations with Westport United FC, Ballinrobe Town FC, Killala FC, Kiltimagh/Knock FC, Solar21 Park and Lorraise Aointhe FC all in contention to service the 92 registered schools.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

The SPAR5s as its commonly known as, is a 5-a-side competition which is open to boys and girls from 4th, 5thand 6th class, and puts emphasis on fun and inclusivity. The blitz day format is co-ordinated at local level with the assistance of a network of FAI Development Officers and local primary school teachers. These personnel co-ordinate events at County level with qualifying schools progressing to Regional, Provincial and National Finals.

There are six divisions to suit all school sizes with small, medium and large schools all catered for. While the programme encourages boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centered and exciting environment.

LIST OF COUNTY QUALIFIERS

Please refer to pages 8 to 13 (of the below booklet) for a comprehensive breakdown of County events and details for each local co-ordinator.

As Tom Mohan's side continue their preparations for the Elite Round of the UEFA Under-19 European Championship next month, this week's two friendlies against Romania count as the final preparations for the team ahead of the games against Portugal, Slovakia and Kosovo.

The team wore black armbands, and a minutes silence was held before the match in memory of Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller.

Midway through the first half, O'Shea found himself free at the back post of a Daniel McKenna free-kick to head past Romania's goalkeeper Aioani Marian.

Speaking after the game, Republic of Ireland U19 Head Coach Tom Mohan has delighted with his side's performance.

"It was a hard fought victory. We played some very good football. I thought the goalkeeper and the back four were very solid. The midfield worked extremely hard, as were the forwards. It was a very good team effort."

"We have seven players making their debut at Under-19s this year. It was a great opportunity for them and more will do so on Thursday."

"It's all about getting into the Elite Round squad. A number of the players would have done themselves a big favour today."

The two teams meet again on Thursday afternoon at the Pinatar Arena. Kick off is at 12pm (11am Irish time).

Republic of Ireland: Brian Maher; Luke Heeney, Dara O'Shea (captain), Lee O'Connor, Rian O'Sullivan; Daniel McKenna, Callum Nicell; Kian Flanagan, Matthew Shiels (Rowan Roache 67), Anthony Scully (Ciaran Dunne 80); Aidan Keena (Aaron Dobbs 73).

Troy Parrot’s fantastic injury time free kick ensured Ireland earned a share of the spoils in tonight’s international friendly against Turkey.

Parrot’s 30 yard free kick in the second minute of additional time was the least Ireland deserved in testing conditions in Galway.  

Colin O’Brien’s side had the better of the chances over the opening sixty minutes but found themselves behind following Atakun Gunduz’s penalty on the hour mark. That was the catalyst for an Irish onslaught that was rewarded with Parrot’s late leveller.

Speaking to FAI.ie after the game, Ireland Head Coach Colin O’Brien felt a draw was the least his team deserved. “We definitely deserved to get something from the game. Over the 80 minutes we probably created the better of the chances. Troy (Parrot) showed great courage to take on that opportunity and the execution was top quality,” O’Brien said.

“It was a really tough battle. There were some pleasing aspects of our play and other facets we’ll have to work on. We’ll regroup now ahead of Thursday, assess the injuries and who needs minutes,” the Ireland boss added.

The two teams will meet again on Thursday with a 1pm kick off in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Republic of Ireland U17
Kian Clarke (GK), Max Murphy, Ray O’Sullivan (Luca Connell 65’), Oisin McEntee, Nathan Collins ©, Jason Knight, Callum Thompson, Barry Coffey, Adam Idah,  Troy Parrot, Marc Walsh (Tyriek Wright 55’).

Substitutes
Sean Bohan (GK), Jimmy Corcoran (GK), Seamus Keogh, James Furlong, Cian Kelly, Conor Grant.

Turkey U17
Ersin Destanogiu (GK), Muhammed Emin Sarikaya, Bariscan Isik Altunbas, Erdogan Kaya, Atakan Gunduz, Muhammed Gumuskaya ( Muhammet Arslantas 50’), Mustafa Kaya, Serkan Bakan, Ali Yavuz Kol ©, Oguzhan Akgun, Suleyman Lus.

Substitutes
Ridvan Yilmaz, Isik Kaan Arslan, Firat Gullu, Arda Akbulut, Ismail Cem Kars, Furkan Cetinkaya, Hakan Yesil, Atamer Bilgin, Muhammet Arslantas.

Fixtures/Results
February 13:Republic of Ireland U17 1-1 Turkey U17
February 15:Republic of Ireland U17 v Turkey U17, Eamonn Deacy Park, KO 13:00

Last season proved to be another memorable season as Cork City claimed an historic double by lifting the SSE Airtricity League title and the FAI Cup. Dundalk, who finished second in the league and were beaten on penalties in the FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium, claimed the EA SPORTS Cup after they beat Shamrock Rovers in the final at Tallaght Stadium.

Next season will see the return of Waterford to the top flight after they lifted the SSE Airtricity League First Division title. The First Division is set to hot up this season with the return of the play-offs to add even more competition for promotion to the first tier.

It is also set to be another crucial year for underage development as the SSE Airtricity National U15 League goes into it's first full season in 2018. Athlone Town won the 2017 title in the inaugural, shortened season, after a 2-1 win over St. Patrick's Athletic in the final. Bohemians will be competing in the UEFA Youth League next season after they beat St. Patrick's Athletic in the U19 Final and become the third Irish team to compete in Europe's elite youth competition.

The 2018 season promises to be just as entertaining and everyone is looking forward to the action kicking off on Friday, February 16 with the Dublin Derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers live on RTE2.

Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions, believes the future is hugely encouraging for the SSE Airtricity League and believes 2018 will see the league go from strength to strength. 

"As the President's Cup game on Sunday showed, this season is set to be even more competitive than the last and I personally can't wait for the season to start on Friday," said Gavin.

"2018 sees the return of the play-off system which means more clubs in the First Division could achieve promotion and that should make for a highly-competitive division. We'll also see the first full season in the National U15 League following from it's huge success last year with over 1,200 people attending the final in Athlone.

"It's important the league continues to work towards youth development and that's why we've announced the start of a Youth Development Fund. The fund will add €250,000 to the UEFA Solidarity Funding of €825,062, bringing the total funding for youth development to €1.15 million at a minimum and with the introduction of a National U13 League next season, the future is exciting."

"We're delighted to have the continued support of our key sponsors, SSE Airtricity, Irish Daily Mail and EA SPORTS. Clubs are beginning to utilise their strategic plans and we're seeing more longer-term contracts across the league which is fantastic. Attendances continued to grow last season and we're positive we will continue to get stronger in 2018."

Leanne Sheill, SSE Airtricity Marketing Manager – Sponsorship & Loyalty said: “As title sponsor to the SSE Airtricity League we’ve been powering Irish Football for 9 years now, and we’re also delighted to continue as the Official Energy Partner to the FAI and to its international teams.

"As a business, we’re Ireland's largest provider of renewable energy. Like Irish football, we’re deeply engrained across Irish communities and so it’s natural that we should grow our partnership with Irish football and with clubs and fans all across the country.”

Mervue United v Newmarket Celtic

Shannon Town v Pike Rovers

Ayrfield Celtic v North End United

Usher Celtic v St. Michael's FC

All games will be played on the 10th/11th March

After a 1-0 win against the same opposition earlier this week, Head Coach Tom Mohan made eight changes to the side for the game at the Pinatar Arena.

After a scoreless first-half, Dobbs found the net in the 50th minute, after heading home a Cieran Dunne cross. The same duo combined ten minutes later with Dobbs scoring his second goal of the game.

Romanian substitute George Merloi scored a late consolation goal from the penalty spot, but it wasn't enough as Ireland return home with two wins from two games.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Tom Mohan was happy with the performance of the team over both games.

"It's been a good couple of days. The team did very well today, and followed up Tuesday's performance with a very good performance this afternoon.

"We had two or three good chances in the first half but didn't take them. When the chances arose in the second half, Aaron Dobbs put them away."

The team return to action next month in the Elite Round of the UEFA Under-19 European Championship next month in Portugal, with games against the hosts, Slovakia and Kosovo. Mohan admitted performances this week has left him with selection headaches for next month.

"This week was all about forming a squad for the Elite Round, and putting together the strongest squad possible. These players have shown the strength of the squad, and some players have put themselves in very strong positions."

Republic of Ireland: Edward McGinty; Luke Heeney, James Finnerty, Canice Carroll, Callum Cockerill-Mollett; Kian Flanagan, Rowan Roache; Cieran Dunne, Callum Nicell, Owen Wall; Aaron Dobbs.

Substitutes Used: Rian O'Sullivan, Lee O'Connor, Daniel McKenna, Aidan Keena, Matthew Shiels. 

In association with AVIVA Soccer Sisters, the four lucky winners will get up close to the Republic of Ireland's women's team, acting as flagbearers for the crucial games in Tallaght Stadium in early April.

Two winners will act as flagbearers for the Slovakia game on April 6, with the other two winners acting as flagbearers against European champions Netherlands, four days later.

All four winners will also receive a ticket to their match, plus an additional three for family and friends.

To have a chance at winning the prize, all you have to do is sign up the Soccer Sister in your life to one of the AVIVA Soccer Sisters camps. Every girl signed up to one of the 150 camps around the country before the end of February, will be in with a chance to win one of the four prizes.

The camps take place over two days over the Easter holidays, and cost only €30. Each participant will also receive an exclusive kit, football and certificate plus two days of fun-filled coaching from FAI accredited coaches!

To sign up for the AVIVA Soccer Sisters and be in with a chance of being a flagbearer at one of April's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers, visit www.soccersisters.ie

A first half brace, the first courtesy of Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir scholar and Irish captain Cian Murphy and secondly, last year’s star St. Declan’s Community College scholar Darryl Walsh was enough to see off Marc Lloyd Williams’ crew in Cefn Druids AFC last night.

Cian Murphy led out the team this evening and had the perfect start to proceedings as he opened his account with a goal after just eight minutes of play which set up the visitors perfectly.

This was later cancelled out by Alaric Jones with a quarter of an hour played for the hosts but three minutes later Waterford’s Darryl Walsh extended the Irish lead from a wonderfully placed set piece.

A tense conclusion ensued which saw the introduction of Jack Ryan, Lido Lofeta and James Carroll in the second half. The Irish contingency managed to hold on to their advantage in a nervy final five minutes of injury time to kick start their Centenary Shield endeavours.

The Irish will be out again in a month’s time as they travel to Luton Town FC for their encounter with England on March 16. Their home games will commence on March 29 as Monaghan United FC plays host to Northern Ireland. The Irish will entertain Scotland in their final game of the season when they face the tartan army on April 12 in Home Farm FC, Whitehall.

Republic of Ireland: Luke McNicholas, Peter Adigun, Darryl Walsh, Adam Rooney, Cian Lee, Ronan Manning (Lido Lofeta 83), Rory Doyle, Liam Kerrigan, Ali Regbha (Jack Ryan 50), Cian Murphy (captain), Jake Walker (James Carroll 88).

A Munster/Ulster selection will have a Leinster/Connacht side this Saturday at the AUL Complex (kick-off 2pm), with the winning side going on to represent the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Regions' Cup.

In the 2017 competition, a Munster/Connacht squad reached the Final in Turkey, before losing to Zagreb (Croatia). In 2015, an Eastern Region selection won the title at Tallaght Stadium defeating Zagreb.

The winner of this weekend's Play-Off will enter the Intermediate Round, and will play teams from Slovakia, England and a Preliminary Round winner, in Slovakia. The winner of that group will qualify for the Finals tournament in June 2019.

If Saturday's game is level at full-time, extra-time and penalties can be used to decide on a winner.

Munster/Ulster squad
Brendan O’Connell (Rockmount FC), Mark Power (College Corinthians), Gary Neville (Pike Rovers), Mark Horgan (Avondale FC), John O’Brien (St. Michaels FC), Chris Smith (Abbeyfield United), Danny O’Neill (Janesboro FC), Stephen Kelly (Newmarket Celtic), Peter Doherty (Cockhill Celtic), Hughie O’Donovan (Avondale United), Andy Gannon (Avondale United), James Bradley (Cockhill Celtic), David Stack (Cobh Wanderers), Jimmy Carr (St. Michaels FC), Shane Daly Butz (UCC FC), Malachy McDermott (Cockhill Celtic), Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Kieran O’Connell (Regional United), Simon Falvey (Avondale United), Benny McLaughlin (Culdaff FC),  Matthew Byrne (Glengad United).

Leinster/Connacht squad
Mickey Quinn (Crumlin United), Lee Walker (North End United), Adam Hayden (Greystones United), Paul Murphy (Sheriff YC), Ger O’Boyle (Castlebar Celtic), Conor Griffin (Calry Bohs), Noel Murray (Crumlin United), Adam McCormack (Killester United), Blair Montaagnu (Crumlin United), Darren Dunne (Sheriff YC), Lar Dunne (Bangor Celtic), Gary Seery (Bluebell United), Stephen Murphy (Sheriff YC), James Lee (Lucan United), Darren Craven (Malahide United), Stephen Chambers (Killester United), Shane Stritch (Bluebell United), Ray Whelehan (Portmarnock FC), Stephen Donnelly (Usher Celtic), Lenny McMillan (Killester United), Sean Barcoe (Evergreen FC).

Crawford’s side will take on their Welsh counterparts on two occasions next week in Waterford with the winner on aggregate picking up the trophy. 

“This squad is derived from the recent interprovincials that took place recently. With the help of the provincial managers I’ve selected the squad for the double header,” said Head Coach Crawford.

“This competition is a worthwhile exercise, it exposes the players to international football and they get to experience a professional set up. 

“The games are always competitive and there is of course a trophy at stake. We’ve seen players that previously played for this side go onto a higher level, most notably Alan Browne who picked up a senior cap last year, so it is a fantastic opportunity for the players.”

Ireland's first game takes place in Waterford RSC on Tuesday followed by a second tie on Thursday in Tramore.

Republic of Ireland Under-18 Squad 
Goalkeepers: Adam Leonard (St Patrick’s Athletic), Kuba Beben (BT Harps) 
Defenders: Calum Doyle (Crumlin United), Cathal Crowley (Greenwood FC), Denim McLaughlin (Redcastle United), John Barry (St Kevin’s Boys), Lee McKevitt (St Kevin’s Boys), Pat Loughrey (Buncrana Hearts)
Midfielders: Keegan Hegarty (Cockhill Celtic), Lee Kavanagh (Tramore AFC), Lorcan Towey (Conn Rangers), Luke Nolan (Bohemians), Zack Quinlivan (Shamrock Rovers)
Forwards: Cade Cooke (Carndonagh FC), Cian Power (Pike Rovers), Ethan Coll (Derry City), Ethan Varrian (Greenwood FC), Jordan Payne (Crumlin United), Justin McGee (Letterkenny Rovers), Shane Farrell (Shelbourne)

Fixtures
February 20: Republic of Ireland v Wales, Waterford RSC, KO 19:30
February 22: Republic of Ireland v Wales, Tramore FC, KO 15:00

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

Entries must include any material created/recorded between July 30, 2017 through to June 30, 2018, and must fall under the below categories:

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

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

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

Best PRO
This award is for the Public Relations Officers (also Media or Press Officers) attached to clubs and Leagues who work tirelessly to promote Irish football in the best possible way. The entry for this should include a short summary detailing the work carried out by the PRO together with supporting samples.

How To Enter
The application process for the 2018 FAI Communications Awards will close on Saturday, June 30 at 12pm.

A maximum of three entries per category can be submitted and all entries should be sent to daniel.kelly@fai.ie

The shortlist will not be revealed until the end of July, while the awards ceremony will take place at the pre-FAI AGM Delegates Dinner in Cork in August.

In the first part of a series following personalities in the league, FIFA International Referee Neil Doyle brings us into his home, gives us an insight into his match preparation, illustrates what the game means to him and much more.

This documentary follows Neil Doyle through his match day routine, his comradery with his fellow officials and his reaction as the game unfolds.

Crucially, Doyle was fitted with a microphone during the game to give a fascinating insight into what is dicussed on the field between players and officials.

A not to be missed video, this is a day in the life of a referee.  

The weekly podcast - which will be available every Monday morning - is hosted by Con Murphy and Conan Byrne with League legend Paul Doolin featuring as the first guest, while there is also an exclusive interview with President Michael D Higgins.

Also on the first episode is an insight to the Match Day video with referee Neil Doyle which sparked an interesting discussion, as well as chat about the best signings of the 2018 season and a review of Series 1 of games in the Premier Division.

To download click on the links below...

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The podcast will tackle all of the major issues concerning the SSE Airtricity League, supply insightful guests and interviewees, provide fascinating features, and will be available for your commute to work/school/college every Monday morning.

Don't forget to subscribe to Greatest League In The World on iTunes and follow on SoundCloud to stay up to date with everything concerning the SSE Airtricity League.

There was very little between the two Regions in what was a tense affair with both sides playing it safe and not over committing to attack. It was Newmarket United’s inform striker Eoin Hayes who scored the decisive goal halfway through the second half with a clinical finish to give Region 1 the deserved lead. That lead would not be lost.

Region 2 once again miss out on representing their Country in the Regions Cup and the likes of Lar Dunne, Ray Whelehan and Noel Murray will feel this was their last chance at this level. Noel Murray suffered concussion after a heavy knock in the first half and after treatment by our medical staff he was taken to hospital as a precaution and was given the all clear.

Munster/Ulster will now enter the Intermediate Round, and will play teams from Slovakia, England and a Preliminary Round winner. The winner of that group will qualify for the Finals tournament in June 2019.

Region 1 Team: Brendan O’ Connell. Mark Horgan, Jimmy Carr, Hughie O; Donovan, Simon Falvey, Eoin Hayes, John O’ Brien, David Stack, Chris Smith, Stephen Kelly, Shane Daly Butz. Subs: Danny O’ Neill, Matthew Byrne, Peter Doherty, Andy Gannon, Benny Mc Loughlin, James Bradley, Mark Power, Malachy Mc Dermott, Kieran O’ Connell, Gary Neville.

Seven Continental Tyres Women's National League teams will be represented in the league with Wexford Youths, Peamount United, Shelbourne Ladies, UCD Waves, Galway WFC, Cork City WFC and Limerick Women's all included.

Four additional teams have been awarded a place in the Women's National Under-17 League with Athlone Town, Greystones United, Donegal Women's League and Sligo Rovers set to complete the 11-team line-up.

The league will begin in mid-late July 2018 with a truncated season before the start of the first full season in March 2019. 

FAI Head of Women's Football Sue Ronan said: "This is another huge step forward for Women's football in Ireland. 

"The Gaynor Tournament continues to grow from strength to strength but it's important we look to strengthen our elite player pathway with the new National Under-17s League. The gap between the Women's National League and elite grassroots football is a big one so now the creation of this league will help breach that gap.

"By creating the Under-17 league, we'll be able to see more elite players from the Gaynor Tournament progress to the next stage of their development with the 11 sides positioned across the country. 

"The inclusion of Donegal Women's League, Greystones United, Athlone Town and Sligo Rovers is not just recognition for the great work these clubs are already doing in Women's Football but also recognition for the talent in these areas.

"We've seen all of these areas perform well in recent Gaynor Tournament's and it's important that we've got as many clubs around the country as possible to give everyone in Ireland a chance to play in the league."

On being awarded a Women's National Under-17 League spot, Marie Casserly, Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee in Sligo Rovers, said: "We're delighted to be awarded a place in the new Women's Under-17s League.

“The excellent structures established in recent years within the Sligo / Leitrim League Emerging Talent programme has developed a pool of quality local players. Those structures have led to success stories at the Gaynor Tournament with the various Sligo / Leitrim teams. We believe it's hugely important to provide those players with the next step in their elite player progression and by having a Sligo Rovers side in the league, we'll be able to provide that.

“Sligo / Leitrim already boasts a number of players who have made an impression on the international teams both north and south of the border. Women’s National League players Emma Hansberry (Wexford Youths) & Dearbhaile Beirne (UCD Waves), Northern Irish International & IFA Cup winner Catherine Hyndman and Ailbhe Clancy who was part of the World University Games squad last summer all hail from the region.

"We hope our inclusion in this national league will help our young elite female players progress to the Women's National League and beyond."

The two sides could not be separated in the first game of the John Coughlan Memorial Cup, ahead of the second game on Thursday afternoon.

Jim Crawford’s side were unlucky not to take the lead in the first five minutes. Ethan Varian’s looping header struck the crossbar, before the rebound was shot wide. In a first half of few chances, Luke Nolan shot inches wide midway through opening period, testing Welsh goalkeeper Alex Pinnock.

Wales started the second half the brighter, and only for some brave defending from Lee McKevitt, the visitors were unlucky to take the lead. Ireland grew into the second half, with Nolan coming close once more to scoring.

With the final kick of the game Wales could have won, but defender Chris Craven shot wide.

Speaking after the match, Republic of Ireland Under-18 head coach Jim Crawford was happy with how his side performed.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half. We started a little slower in the second half with Wales having the better chances.”

“I’m happy for the team to keep a clean sheet, and with the amount of chances the team created tonight.”

The two teams return to action in Waterford on Thursday afternoon, with kick-off in the second and deciding game at 3pm.

Republic of Ireland: Luke McNicholas; Lee McKevitt, Calum Doyle (capt), Denim McLaughlin, Pat Loughrey; Zach Quinlivan, Luke Nolan; Shane Farrell, Jordan Payne (Lorcan Towey 61), Ethan Coll (Cade Cooke 56); Ethan Varian (Cian Power 87).