Goals either side of the break from Aoibheann Clancy and Emma O’Sullivan gave the Tipperary school their second National Cup title in three years.

Moville started the game the stronger, in a first half of few chances, with striker Kerry Brown troubling goalkeeper Rachel Sweeney.

Despite Moville’s dominace in the early stages, it was Presentation SS who took the lead. Clancy’s free kick from the left-hand side bounced in the box, and despite the best effort to clear the ball, her shot hit of the far post and into the net.

Chasing a goal in the second half, Moville once more looked the more impressive, but the moment of the game saw Thurles double their lead just before the hour mark.

Midfielder Casey Hennessy’s pass split the Donegal school’s defence, with Emma O’Sullivan cooly slotting past goalkeeper Clodagh Skelly to guarantee the title.

The Donegal side continued to try and get back into the game, but the resolute defence for the Tipperary side, ensured the two goal win.

Moville Community College: Clodagh Skelly; Erin Coyle, Eimear McLaughlin, Danielle McLaughlin, Emma Doherty; Kate McClenaghan (Aisling McLaughlin 73), Ciara Harkin (Niamh McDonald 48), Eilish Halvin (capt), Bronagh McGuinness; Kerry Brown, Megan Halvin.

Presentation Secondary School, Thurles: Rachel Sweeney; Queva O’Meara (Enya Maher 79), Katie Ryan (capt), Ciara Dwan, Kate Cavanagh (Megan Quigey 80), Sarah Foley; Aoibheann Clancy, Casey Hennessy, Kate Sheridan (Saoirse Teer 62); Emma O’Sullivan (Emer Hartnett 76), Lauren McCormack.

Bank of Ireland Player of the Match: Aoibheann Clancy (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles)

Referee: Sarah Dyas (Louth)

After Tuesday night’s scoreless draw, the winner of Thursday afternoon’s game knew they would lift the trophy. Second-half goals from Harri Horwood and substitute Charlie Williams ensured the trophy returns to Wales.

Both team had chances to take the lead in the first half, as Ireland’s Cian Power and Wales winger Horwood both going close. His shot on the stroke of half-time was dropped by Luke McNicholas but the Irish goalkeeper recovered excellently to avoid conceding.

Wales started the stronger in the second-half, but took until the 69th-minute to take the lead. Striker Liam Doherty saw his show saved, before Horwood tapped in. The win was guaranteed in the 82nd minute when Williams’ shot beat substitute goalkeeper Adam Leonard.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Jim Crawford said whoever scored the first goal was going to be crucial.

“It was an evenly contested game, with both defences dominating. The game opened up after we made some changes and Wales took advantage.”

“This week was about these players sampling international football. I hope they can kick on their careers, and play in the National League.”

Republic of Ireland: Luke McNicholas (Adam Leonard 75); Lee McKevitt, Calum Doyle (capt) (Cathal Crowley 73), Denim McLaughlin, John Barry; Lorcan Towey, Zach Quinlivan; Jordan Payne (Justin McGee 73), Lee Kavanagh (Keegan Hegarty 57 (Ethan Varian 82)), Pat Loughrey (Shane Farrell 57); Cian Power.

The Women's National Team are set to have a nine-day camp at Fota Island Resort in Cork, which begins on Monday, February 28. It will be an intensive training camp as Bell looks to prepare his squad for the upcoming 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Netherlands in early April. 

There will also be an open training session at Turner's Cross on Saturday, March 3 at 13:30, as part of a WNT Family Fun Day. There will be a number of activities, such as face-painting and children can sign a special 'Good Luck' message board for the team, while players will pose for photos and sign autographs.

The WNT Family Fun Day is completely free and if you would like to attend, click here

Regarding Bell's squad, defender Claire Walsh, midfielder Karen Duggan and forward Aine O'Gorman have recovered from injuries to be included, while Megan Connolly returns after spending time focusing on her studies at Florida State University. 

Bell said: "We're really looking forward to the Fota Island camp as it'll be a great opportunity to get some crucial work done ahead of April's qualifiers.

"Unfortunately, Harriet Scott suffered a collarbone fracture during a recent game with Reading, which is a major blow to us and we wish her the best in her recovery. We welcome Aine O'Gorman, Claire Walsh and Karen Duggan back from injury and I'm delighted to have Megan Connolly available for selection again. 

"We've got ourselves in a great position in the group but we need to continue to build on that good start to the campaign by continuing to improve in everything we do. It will be an intensive training camp, purely focused on preparing to face Slovakia and the Netherlands in Tallaght Stadium in April.

"We're also looking forward to our open training session at Turner's Cross. It's really important for the players to meet our supporters and continue to drive the interest in Women's football in Ireland. We've got lots of supporters in Cork and it will be great to meet them at our open training session."

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team squad
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City Women), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies)
Defenders: Claire Walsh (Peamount United), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Eabha O'Mahony (Lakewood)
Midfielders: Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Denise O'Sullivan (NC Courage), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Amy Boyle Carr (Sion Swifts)
Attackers: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan, Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies), Claire O'Riordan (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne, Amber Barrett, Aine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Zara Foley (Lakewood), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic)

Tickets are now on sale at the cost of just €5 each for the Slovakia and Netherlands games...

The 18-man squad sees 11 of the players from the victorious 2017 Victory Shield squad return, ahead of back-to-back games in Budapest.

Following the squad announcement, Osam said he is looking forward to the chance to see some new players in action.

“Some players that played in the Victory Shield are unavailable and I wanted to look at other players in certain positions. 

“There’s a lot of new players coming in for the first time. If players play well at their clubs they will get the opportunity.”

The first game takes place next Tuesday (February 27) in Budapest. Kick-off is at 2pm (1pm Irish time).

Republic of Ireland U16 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Shamrock Rovers), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard)
Defenders: Alex Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers), Cian Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Power (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Timi Sobowale (Villa FC), Luke Turner (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Matt Healy (College Corinthians), Brandon Holt (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers), Adam Lennon (Athlone Town), Kian Levy (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Forwards: Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Matt Everitt (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sean Kennedy (Tralee Dynamos), Paddy Moore (Bohemians), Troy Parrott (Belvedere)

Fixtures
Tuesday, February 27
Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Teliki, Budapest, 2pm (1pm Irish time)

Thursday, March 1
Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Teliki, Budapest, 11am (10am Irish time)

UCC who overcame UCD in Friday’s semi-final started brightly and an early free-kick almost ended up in the back of Matt Lyons net but it drifted wide of the post. Trinity grew into the game as the half went on and James Woods raced through on goal after 28-minutes but was taken down outside the box by UCC net minder David Coffey who received a yellow card for the foul. From the resulting free kick Trinity thought they had taken the lead but James Kelly's left footed strike from 20-yards was ruled out for an offside in the build up.

It looked as though the teams would go in level at the break but a moment of magic from Dylan Clarke put Woods through on goal and the Shelbourne FC player made no mistake slotting past Coffey to put the Dublin side a goal ahead

UCC battled hard in the second half as they attempted to forge a way back into the game but Trinity defended resolutely and were determined to keep a clean sheet. After two tough victories against UL and Maynooth University, Trinity had already showed a great resolve and held on to their lead to capture their fourth Harding Cup title and the first since 1997. Head Coach Ray O’Malley now has the unique achievement of winning the competition as player and coach after he picked up in the trophy in 1992.

To cap off a memorable victory, Trinity’s Peter Healy was awarded Player of the Tournament after three superb performances this week. 

UCC: David Coffey, Bryan Cotter, Rob Slevin, Aaron Davin (c), James Sheehan, Brian Mulcahy, Conor Fitzgerald, Leo Chung, Matthew McKevitt, Owen Collins, David Walsh. Substitutes: Ben Shanhan, Conor Kelly, Cathal Shine, Tom Condon, Andrew McMahon, Sean Grace, Nathan Sheridan
Head Coach: Will O’Donoghue

Trinity College: Matt Lyons, Evan McCroary, Dylan Connolly (c), Joe Heatly, Killian Doyle, Ivan McConville, Dylan Clarke, Peter Healy, Eoin Farrell, James Woods, James Kelly. Substitutes: Cian Dunne, Cillian Dorman, Ross Dunphy, Aaron Ward, Brian Lynch, Mark Wadid, Jamie Rice
Head Coach: Ray O’Malley

Last year's runners-up Clondalkin (pictured above) defeated Cabra 3-0 to win their opening game of the campaign.

After only 15 minutes, Clondalkin’s Jordan Adeyamo was tripped in the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty which Adeyamo stepped up and took himself.  Cabra’s ex-Celtic goalkeeper, Kalvin Geraghty pulled off a fantastic save down to his right to keep the score at 0-0.

Cabra enjoyed most of the possession but couldn’t break down a well organised Clondalkin defence led superbly by Marcel Kuty and Ciaran Kelly at its heart.

Just before half-time, Cabra’s Thomas Quinn was forced into a misplaced pass which Jordan Adeyemo latched onto and placed the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring and in a tight game Clondalkin just about deserved their lead.

Cabra continued to press at the start of the second with Ryan Graydon and David Gilshenan causing all sorts of problems but Clondalkin defended resolutely.  After the hour mark with nothing between the teams, Andrew Farrell skipped past two defenders to stand the ball up for Nathan Osborne to power home a header past a helpless Geraghty. 

Cabra pilled on the pressure but with minutes remaining Clondalkin broke down the right hand side with Andrew Farrell again cutting inside and this time sending a low placed shot into the net from a tight angle, ensuring the win for Clondalkin ETB.

Defending champions Carrigaline enjoyed their first victory of the season with a 2-0 win against Limerick.  Chances were at a premium in a high paced first-half with Limerick going close through Trevor Hogan and Andrew Kennedy following some great work by Alan Keane.

The home team took the lead on the hour mark when a low cross from Colin Lemass was finished at the near post by the lively Brendan Kenny.  In a game where both midfields wrestled for control, Limerick pushed for an equaliser and Hogan again skimmed the post from 18 yards. At the death, Kenny sealed the win for Carrigaline with his and his team’s second goal from a very similar move.  A low cross from the right, this time turned in from a central position.

Irishtown are top of the table, and the only team with a 100% record, with two wins from two games.

SSE Airtricity League Watch

In the opening weekends of the SSE Airtricity League Premier and First Divisions, current or former ETB trainees were involved in 14 of the 18 matchday squads. Among those to feature was former Carrigaline trainee Darren Dennehy who scored Limerick's winner in a 1-0 win away to Sligo Rovers.

The weekly SSE Airtricity League podcast - which will be available every Monday morning - is hosted by Con Murphy and Conan Byrne - with Longford Town manager Neale Fenn featuring this week, while there is also an exclusive interview with Ireland international Stephen Ward.

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.

Listen to episode 2 in full below: 

The team were trailing 1-0 at the break courtesy of an Akos Zuigeber penalty, and conceded early in the second half with Gyorgy Komaromi scoring, before Osam's side launched a spirited fightback.

Goals from Everitt and Holt in the last 15-minutes looked set to earn Ireland a deserved draw, but Hungarian substitute Andras Nemeth scored in added-time to record a 3-2 win.

Speaking after the loss, Under-16 Head Coach Paul Osam said the team will learn from the experience.

"It was disappointing to concede the winner in injury-time having been two goals down. We didn't play very well in the first half, but probably had more chances than Hungary.

"In the second half we played far better despite conceding again. We did very well to get back into the game. The equaliser with five minutes to go was well deserved.

"It's a tough lesson for the players losing so late. A lot of times you learn more in defeat than in victory, I think this will be one of those days."

The teams meet once more in Budapest on Thursday morning. Kick-off is at 11am (10am Irish time).

Republic of Ireland: Gavin Bazunu; Alex Dunne, Luke Turner, Cian Kelly, James Furlong; Brandon Holt, Seamas Keogh; Patrick Moore (Adam Lennon 61), Troy Parrott, Sean Kennedy (Conor Carty 55); Matt Everitt.

Jason McClelland’s right-footed strike with 22 minutes remaining proved to be the difference between the two sides.

UCD had the better opportunities in the first half with McClelland and Timmy Molloy calling UCC keeper Cathal O’Hanlon into action in a tight opening period.

The second-half was a much dramatic affair with plenty of heart-in-mouth moments. Just moments after having a goal ruled out for offside, David Dalton struck a thunderous effort that beat Conor Kearns in the UCD goal and smashed off the crossbar. The UCD keeper was helpless when the shot rebounded off his back but fortunately for him, crept the other side of the post for a corner.

UCD had a wonderful opportunity of their own when substitute Yousef Mahdy danced through a number of challenges and squared it for Georgie Kelly but last year’s SSE Airtricity First Division top goalscorer could not guide the ball past O’Hanlon.

The Dublin side did make their opportunities count moments later when McClelland cut in off the left flank and struck with his less favoured foot into the bottom corner past the helpless O’Hanlon.

Both sides had opportunities to add more goals to the game with Liam Scales heading a corner off the bar and Dalton blazing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

UCD have completed the CUFL and Collingwood Cup double for the third time after successes in 2007 and 2010.

UCC: Cathal O’Hanlon, David O’Connor, Ben McAuliffe, Sean McLoughlin, Sean O’Mahony, John Buttimer (Cian Leonard 74’), Ronan Hennessy, Garan Manley, David Dalton, David Hurley (Owen Collins 87’), Shane Daly-Butz.

UCD: Conor Kearns, Dan Tobin, Sean Coyne, Liam Scales, Maxim Kouogun, Gary O’Neill, Daire O’Connor, Greg Sloggett, Georgie Kelly, Timmy Molloy (Yousef Mahdy 58’), Jason McClelland.

Referee: Colin Duffy (Dublin)

The Football Association of Ireland confirms that Mr Ian Mallon has resigned his position as Director of Communications with the Association to take up a role with UEFA as National Associations Communications Consultant.

During his tenure with the FAI, Mr Mallon was instrumental in developing the record-breaking growth of the Association's social media and digital audiences, as well as modernising the Communications infrastructures within the Association. He oversaw the successful Communications operations at UEFA EURO 2016 in France, as well as the qualifying campaigns for EURO 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The FAI would like to thank Mr Mallon for his immense contribution to the Association and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

The FAI will shortly announce the recruitment process to backfill this position.

It is the first time the team will play in 2018, as they return to action after two international friendlies at home to Poland last November.

Speaking after his squad announcement, Donohue revealed he has been keeping an eye on players since the Poland games.

"We've had some assessments and watched plenty of players. We have made seven changes from the last squad, giving plenty of players in form the chance to impress."

The quality of players in the SSE Airtricity League Under-15 National League has also helped Donohue pick players for the Cyprus games he admitted.

"All of the home-based players are playing in the Under-15 National League. The gap is closer now to international football, because they are playing at an elite level."

The first match between the two sides takes place on Tuesday, March 6 in Longford's City Calling Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:00.

Republic of Ireland Under-15 squad
Goalkeepers: Daniel Rose (Everton), Patrick McGarvey (Finn Harps)
Defenders: Anselmo Garcia McNulty (Real Betis), Conrad Egan Riley (Manchester City), Gavin O'Brien (Bohemian FC), Len O'Sullivan (Bohemian FC), Ronan Kilkenny (Bohemian FC)
Midfielders: Ben McCormack (St. Patrick's Athletic), Bosun Lawal (Bohemian FC), Colin Conroy (Bohemian FC), Evan Caffrey (Shamrock Rovers), Kailin Barlow (Sligo Rovers), Kyle Conway (St. Patrick's Athletic), Oran Crowe (Cork City), Sami Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Val Adedokun (Dundalk)
Forwards: Calum Kavanagh (Middlesbrough), Louie Barry (West Bromwich Albion)

Fixtures
Tuesday, March 6
Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, City Calling Stadium, KO 19:00

Thursday, March 8
Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, City Calling Stadium, KO 13:00

Following a detailed monitoring process, where the FAI worked closely with all clubs, it was decided to postpone all games in the Premier and First Divisions due to current severe weather conditions and future forecasts from Met Eireann.

Below is a list of rescheduled fixtures with kick-off times to be confirmed:

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Bray Wanderers v Waterford - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Cork City v Bohemians - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Derry City v Dundalk - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Limerick v Shamrock Rovers - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
St Patrick's Athletic v Sligo Rovers - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Limerick v Cork City - Changed from Saturday, March 17 to Friday, March 16
Limerick v Waterford - Changed from Saturday, March 31 to Friday, March 30

SSE Airtricity League First Division
Athlone Town v Cabinteely - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Wexford v UCD - Rescheduled for Monday, March 19
Cobh Ramblers v Galway United - Fixture to be rescheduled at a later date
Finn Harps v Longford Town - Fixture to be rescheduled at a later date
Shelbourne v Drogheda United - Fixture to be rescheduled at a later date

Designed to share ideas, provide insights, and forge a connection with all coaches, the workshop was led by Republic of Ireland U-15 Head Coach Jason Donohue and included a seminar inside FAI HQ before a practical session on the training pitch.

The seminar allowed coaches to learn about all facets of the structure and running of the U15 League with presentations made by FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter, Child Welfare Officer James Geraghty and National Coordinator for Underage Elite Football Pat Duffy.

On the pitch, Donohue was able to showcase best practice in coaching U15 players as he used a number of current underage internationals for his detailed demonstrations that encouraged the coaches in attendance to provide their feedback and analysis.

"The workshop was really important in order to build relationships with all club coaches and provide open lines of communication throughout the season, in regards to specific objectives and principles of play which we apply within our international set-up," said Donohue.

"Player identification is vitally important, especially at this age group as the young players are developing physically and emotionally at a rapid rate. With this in mind, regular contact with coaches is crucial in terms of assessing the performance of all players.

"As coaches we all have many objectives, but it is making sure that we assist in helping the players become better people and also help them in educating them in how to maximise their performances. When we work closer together it will definitely all involved and help to create better players for the future."

The workshop proved to be very popular amongst the coaches and should prove useful when they kick off the season with their respective clubs. Further workshops and feedback sessions will be planned throughout the year.

Two goals, either side of the break was enough for the home side to win at the Hungarian FA Headquarters in Telki. Played in sub-zero temperatures, Head Coach Paul Osam made seven changes to the Ireland side that lost 3-2 to Hungary earlier this week.

Speaking after the game, Osam said it was defensive errors and missed chances that led to the defeat.

"We didn't start very well, but had a brilliant chance to equalise when we were losing 1-0. On the stroke of half-time an unforced error let Hungary double their lead," said Osam.

"We changed a few things at the start of the second half and started very well. We could have scored to make it 2-1, but another goal for Hungary meant it was game over.

"The players are realising that at international level, errors will lead to the opposition punishing you. When they make errors, we need to be more clinical."

Republic of Ireland: Aaron Davis; Alex Dunne, Timi Sobowale (Cian Kelly 63), Conor Power (Luke Turner 63), James Furlong; Seamas Keogh, Matt Healy; Adam Lennon (Patrick Moore 53), Kian Leavy (Troy Parrott 41), Conor Carty (Sean Kennedy 53); Matt Everitt.

Originally scheduled to take place in Longford, the two matches will now be played in Dundalk's Oriel Park (pictured above) and the AUL Complex, Dublin.

The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank Longford Town FC for their understanding, and Dundalk FC and the Athletic Union League for stepping in at short notice.

Both games will still kick-off at their originally advertised times.

Tuesday, March 6
Under-15 International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, Oriel Park, Dundalk. KO 19:00

Thursday, March 8
Under-15 International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, AUL Complex, Dublin. KO 13:00

The rescheduled ties will take place across Monday, March 12, Tuesday, March 13, Monday, March 19, Monday, March 26, and Tuesday, March 27 and are listed below:

EA SPORTS Cup - First Round
Monday, March 12: Finn Harps v Mayo League, Finn Park, KO 19:45 (Pool 2)
Tuesday, March 13: Wexford v Cobh Ramblers, Ferrycarrig Park, KO 20:00 (Pool 1)
Monday, March 19: Galway United v Cockhill Celtic, Eamonn Deacy Park, KO 19:45 (Pool 2)
Monday, March 19: St Mochta's v Drogheda United, Porterstown Road, KO 19:45 (Pool 3)
Monday, March 26: Bohemians v Cabinteely, Dalymount Park, KO 19:45 (Pool 4)
Monday, March 26: Bray Wanderers v Shelbourne, Carlisle Grounds, KO 19:45 (Pool 3)
Monday, March 26: Waterford v UCC, RSC, KO 19:45 (Pool 1)
Tuesday, March 27: Athlone Town v UCD, Athlone Town Stadium, KO 19:45 (Pool 4)

This will be the fifth occasion that both teams have competed in this event with England enjoying the upper hand winning three of the previous four bouts.

Lorraine Counihan’s crew enjoyed a late flourish to secure their first ever victory last season in the AUL Complex. Substitute Sophie Liston (Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West) was the hero that afternoon with the match winner coming on the stroke of full time.

The game seemed to be destined for penalties as Jess Brown’s equaliser was forced home six minutes from time which cancelled out Ballincollig CS pupil Zara Foley’s effort on 23 minutes but the Irish fought back to claim a historic win over an industrious English side.

Next week’s encounter should prove equally testing as the Bob Docherty Cup is fast approaching. This competitive outing will provide both management teams with the opportunity for a final assessment of their squads ahead of the International meeting.   

The English enjoyed a training session in PSV Eindhoven Academy a fortnight ago with a brace of inspiring performances to rack up two wins from two. The visitors defeated PSV Academy 2-0 in their first game and followed this up with a hard fought 3-2 victory, having fallen behind 2-0 in the opening exchanges. Both opponents were from an older age group which is further testament of the quality that the English possess in their armoury.

Equally, the Republic of Ireland’s preparations have gone well. Debutant Berkeley got his campaign off to the perfect start with a 2-1 triumph over their counterparts from Northern Ireland a fortnight ago. Palmerstown student Jessie Stapleton opened the scoring for the hosts eight minutes in. With a quarter of an hour played, Lucy Andrews netted the equaliser. However Claregalway substitute Kate Slevin popped up twenty minutes from time to secure the match winner.

The Republic of Ireland will retain the services of Presentation SS, Thurles student Aoibheann Clancy who picked up the Player of the Match accolade following her heroic display for the Schools select in the same fixture twelve months previous. She will be re-joined by Anna Fahey (St. Paul’s SS, Oughterard), Kate O’Dowd (St. Nathy’s College) and Muireann Devaney (St. Clare’s CS, Manorhamilton) as well as the newbies in the squad who have all impressed so far this season.

A victory for the Irish away from home would be a massive boost for the Republic of Ireland as they keep their attentions on the Bob Docherty Cup in Belfast at the end of the month.

Repbublic of Ireland: Therese Kinnevey & Anna Fahey (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Ougherard), Kate Slevin & Shauna Brennan (Claregalway College/Coláiste Bhaile Chláir), Kate O’Dowd (St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen), Emer O’Neill (St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh), Muireann Devaney (St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Ellen Molloy (Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny), Abbie Clarke (Muckross Park College, Donnybrook), Della Doherty (Coláiste Iosagain, Portarlington), Leah Hayes Coen (Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastlewest), Aoife Horgan (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion),Emma O’Donoghue (Coláiste Muire, Ennis), Aoibheann Clancy (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles),Kerry Brown (Moville Community College), Erin McLaughlin (Carndonagh Community School), Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown Community School), Rugile AskaInyte (St. Mary’s Holy Faith Convent, Glasnevin)

This will be William O’Connor’s second away fixture on the bounce and he’ll be hoping to start the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early with a valuable win away from home in Kenilworth Stadium to make it two wins from two.

O’Connor has made one change to the Irish set up with Balbriggan pupil Lido Lofeta making way for Grennan College player Colm Whelan for this encounter.

The English will be relishing this game havin won in Dublin last year with a comprehensive second half display to come from 2-0 down to win out 5-2. The victory ensured a share of the spoils with Northern Ireland last season and the English will be hoping to replicate such success again.

England’s preparations for the Centenary Shield have gone exceptionally well. The crew travelled to Valencia for their warm weather training a fortnight ago. A full week of training with two friendly games in the mix proved very productive.  England overcame Valencia and Levante 2-1 on both outings.

A number of the Republic of Ireland outfit will be looking to improve their record against their opponents as James Carroll (St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda), Darryl Walsh (St. Declan’s Community College) who captained the Irish that evening, Ronan Manning (formerly of Calasanctius College, Oranmore and currently of Yeats College) and Jack Ryan (Templeogue College) all featured that evening in a frustrating night for Paddy O’Reilly’s charges. 

Following the England encounter, O’Connor’s side will be out again on March 29 in Monaghan United FC as they take on their Northern counterparts in their penultimate fixture. The Irish will then entertain Scotland in their final game of the season when they face the Tartan Army on April 12 in Home Farm FC, Whitehall. Both home games have a 2pm kick off.

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) Colm Whelan (Grennan College, Thomastown), Rory Doyle (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Cian Murphy (Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir), Adam Conway (De La Salle College, Waterford)

Barry Cotter (pictured above) from Ennis came to the FAI ETB Player Development Course as a 16-year-old. Having left mainstream education at Junior Certificate level, Barry took part in initial trials and assessments in June 2015 and completed the course in July 2016.  During his time with the programme, Barry achieved a QQI Level 5 in Sports and Recreation and continued his development on the training pitch.  He was signed on a professional contract with Limerick FC and was part of the team that reached the 2017 FAI Cup semi-final. 

Cotter's eye-catching displays in defence for the Shannonsiders alerted clubs in England and following a trial period in January 2018, he signed for Ipswich Town FC under the management of former Irish international captain Mick McCarthy.  Barry joins former trainees to have signed professional contracts; Jason Hughes formerly of Limerick FC, Gary Shanahan of Galway United, Glasgow’s Savannah McCarthy and recently Joel Coustrain of Shamrock Rovers.

The FAI Player Development Course in Limerick, formerly FAI/FAS, is helmed by Trevor Lovell and had been running out of the Kilmallock Road Education Centre, formerly St Enda’s Community School, for the last nine years.  A full-time 40-week programme, its target market is young men and women from across the region who wish to complete a QQI Level 5 in Sport and Recreation while training as footballers under the eye of UEFA A Licence coaches.  The course is supported by Limerick Regeneration and has some of the highest progression stats in the Midwest region, graduates moving on to further education and full time employment.

Republic of Ireland record goalscorer Robbie Keane takes his first step into management this weekend after being announced as Player/Manager of Indian Super League side ATK for the final game of the season tomorrow.

Keane, who has scored five times in his last six starts for ATK, will be assisted by former Bolton and Finland goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen for the game against NorthEast United in Kolkata.

The record Ireland appearance holder completed his UEFA A and B Licence with the FAI’s Coach Education programme, and is looking forward to the task he faces on Sunday.

“I’ve been given responsibility for the team ahead of the game,” Keane said. “We’ve prepared these last few days to the best of our ability and we’re looking forward to the game.  The training sessions have been enjoyable, everything is ready and I’m excited for the challenge.”

ATK’s game with NorthEast United takes place tomorrow at 14:30 in Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

For more information on FAI Coach Education, please visit www.fai.ie/coaching