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.
The WU17s travel to Greifswald in north-east Germany on Monday, March 19, where they will face Iceland, Azerbaijan and hosts, Germany.
Bell's squad were able to progress past Romania, Greece, and Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Qualifying Round by winning all three games without conceding a goal. With only top spot enough to qualify for the UEFA Women's Under-17 Championships in Lithuania in May, they will now need to beat current Champions Germany to make the finals.
Lucia Lobato, Alannah McEvoy and Megan Mackey have all progressed to the Women's Under-19s team so UCD Waves' Shauna Carroll, Passage AFC's Lauren Egbuloniu and Shelbourne Ladies' Taylor White are all called into the squad.
Ireland will face Iceland first on Thursday, March 22 before their second qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday, March 25 and the final game against hosts Germany on Wednesday, March 28.
Bell said: "We need to go into the UEFA Elite Round qualifiers with a positive frame of mind and look to build on the impressive results we obtained in the qualifying phase.
"We've been handed a difficult draw, especially against the current Champions Germany, but I believe this is a talented group who, when at their very best, can push the best teams out there.
"The likes of Tyler Toland, Isibeal Atkinson, Eabha O'Mahony, Amy Boyle Carr and Zara Foley have all recently spent time with the senior squad and I'm sure they will be better for that experience.
"We welcome Shauna (Carroll), Lauren (Egbuloniu) and Taylor (White) into the squad after performing well for the Under-16s side and we need all players to be at their very best to progress to the finals in May."
Republic of Ireland WU17 squad
Goalkeepers: Rachael Kelly (Shelbourne Ladies), Courtney Maguire (Cabinteely)
Defenders: Eabha O'Mahony (Lakewood), Roisin McGovern (UCD Waves), Rachel O'Regan (Carrigaline), Harriet Lambe (Yeovil Town), Leah Brady (Lucan United), Doireann Fahey (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Jessica Ziu, Isibeal Atkinson, Taylor White (Shelbourne Ladies), Aoife Slattery (Ferrybank), Amy Boyle Carr (Sion Swifts), Lauren Egbuloniu (Passage AFC)
Attackers: Emily Whelan (Shelbourne Ladies), Andrea Trill (Cregmore), Louise Masterson (Peamount United), Zara Foley (Lakewood), Shauna Carroll (UCD Waves)
Fixtures - UEFA European Championship Elite Round Group 7
March 22: Iceland v Republic of Ireland, Volksstadion Greifswald, Greifswald, KO 14:00 (13:00 Irish Time)
March 25: Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Volksstadion Greifswald, Greifswald, KO 10:00 (9:00 Irish Time)
March 28: Republic of Ireland v Germany, Volksstadion Greifswald, Greifswald, KO 11:00 (10:00 Irish Time)
Letterkenny Rovers who were runners up in 2016, will welcome Leinster Senior League side Firhouse Clover to Donegal for the first semi final. Firhouse have been one of the form teams in this years competition reaching this stage without conceding a goal and notably knocking out four time winners Crumlin United.
The other semi final will be confirmed following the result of this weekend's quarter final replays. UCD or Maynooth University Town will host the winners of seven time winners Avondale United's clash with Dublin Bus in Cork.
Semi Final Draw
Letterkenny Rovers v Firhouse Clover
UCD or Maynooth University Town v Avondale United or Dublin Bus
Quarter Final Results
Letterkenny Rovers 2-0 Home Farm
Firhouse Clover 1-0 Crumlin United
Dublin Bus 0-0 Avondale United
Maynooth University Town 2-2 UCD
Replays
Avondale United V Dublin Bus – Saturday the 10th of March
UCD V Maynooth University Town – Sunday 11th March
Semi Final games are to be played weekending the 25th of March
Jordi Ebanda capitalised on a quick corner routine with 15 minutes remaining to score the only goal of the game.
Both sides had chances throughout the game with a last-ditch challenge from Jamie Broderick denying Reginald John from giving Athlone IT the lead.
DIT’s best chance in the opening half fell to Adam Harney who picked up the pieces of a blocked Darragh Noone free kick to test Cathal Mannion.
Lee Steacy had to be on his toes just before half-time when Luke Dignam’s audacious effort forced the Shelbourne keeper to tip the ball over the bar.
The Dublin side began the second half the brighter side with Joe Doyle having a number of efforts that forced Mannion into several smart saves.
Mannion had no answer when a quickly taken corner from the right found Ebanda who volleyed home.
Athlone would not go down without a fight and deep into stoppage time, Reginald John found himself in front of goal and looked destined to score but for the bravery of Steacy who dived onto the ball and sealed victory for Gavin Fleming’s side.
Dublin IT: Lee Steacy, Adam Harney (Ryan Kavanagh 68’), Michael Lynch, Jake O’Connor, Jamie Broderick, Adam Zayed, Rob Duggan (Gareth Craven 77’), Aaron Robinson, Joe Doyle, Darragh Noone (Peter Walsh 89’), Jordi Ebanda (Evander Chatara 85’)
Athlone IT: Cathal Mannion, James McKinney, Craig O’Grady, Joe Moloney, Ciaran McGuinness, Hafeez Sholola, Luke Dignam, Robbie Forde (Femi Olapade 77’), Reginald Soky John, Kevin Kelly, Ryan Gaffey.
RUSTLERS CFAI Man of the Match: Darragh Noone (Dublin IT)
Scoreless at half-time, two goals in less than 15 minutes from Anselmo Garcia McNulty and Oran Crowe earned Jason Donohue's side a well deserved win in their first game of 2018.
Speaking after the game, Donohue revealed he was delighted with how the team coped with pre-match nerves.
"We had seven players making their international debuts. I felt they all performed excellently.
"At half-time I spoke to the players about being more clinical. We had chances in the first-half but were unable to take them. That improved in the second-half, with the message we gave.
"The team are delighted with the win, and we look forward now to Thursday's game."
The two teams meet again on Thursday afternoon (March 8th), in Dublin's AUL Complex. Kick-off is at 13:00.
Republic of Ireland: Daniel Rose; Gavin O’Brien, Anselmo Garcia McNulty, Conrad Egan-Riley, Ronan Kilkenny; Colin Conroy, Kailin Barlow (capt), Kyle Conway; Oran Crowe, Louie Barry, Sami Clarke.
Subs Used: Len O’Sullivan, Evan Caffrey, Callum Kavanagh, Ben McCormack, Bosun Lawal.
The competition is open to all grassroots football clubs across the country. Eight clubs will be shortlisted for the coveted award, with each receiving €1,500. The overall winner will be given an additional €5,000 and entry to UEFA’s Grassroots Awards under "Best Grassroots Club".
The FAI Club of the Year award aims to recognise, celebrate and promote the inspirational work done by clubs around Ireland.
The Club of the Year competition is in its 13th year and is open to any club to enter free of charge. Overall, in excess of €170,000 has been awarded to club’s countrywide since the competition's inception.
Clubs can enter through an online application form that allows them to highlight how their club excels in the areas of Club Management, Coaching, Community, Participation, and Facilities. Previous winners Carrigaline United (2017) and Shiven Rovers (2016) both won out by demonstrating a massive collective effort from people across their communities in promoting and developing their club.
The FAI Club of the Year competition is not just about the biggest club, or the club with the best facilities but it’s about clubs that inspire their communities to get involved in football.
The best eight clubs will go forward to the final round at the FAI Festival of Football in August. Here they will present to the 2018 FAI Club of the Year judging panel before the winner is decided.
For more information please visit www.fai.ie/cluboftheyear. Applications close on May 7, 2018.
The Killala outfit managed by teacher Stephen Lacken made an apprehensive return to the Clonshaugh venue where they were beaten finalists in the Minor ‘B’ Cup Final twelve months previous as they fell foul to St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport that day.
However it was scenes of jubilation for the Connacht and now National Cup Champions when the final whistle went following 70 minutes of action packed football.
The teams tested each other from the outset with Lacken Cross hitting the woodwork twice in each half as well as scorned opportunities from both sides.
Captain Ellie Fitzpatrick, Ciara Guilfoyle and Robyn Bracken were impressive for the Offaly school who came agonisingly close to Ciara Murphy’s goalmouth on several occasions.
Ailbhe McHale finally broke the deadlock six minutes from the interval with a superb effort to deceive netminder Hannah Cronin.
This was cancelled out three minutes into the second period as Ciara Guilfoyle outsmarted the Saints defence to slot home the equaliser.
A tense encounter by two equally matched teams ensured a nail-biting conclusion to events. A light reprieve for Lacken Cross as the inform Alva Munnelly connected well to an Aoife Kearney free-kick which found its way to the back of the net.
An injury to Captain Fitzpatrick saw her withdraw from proceedings with a quarter of an hour still to play, a massive blow for the Leinster stars. This coincided with St. Patrick’s College third goal as substitute Deirbhle McHale nicked in to ensure the silverware for the Mayo side, 3-1.
The Clara girls can take huge credit for their Cup campaign endeavours this season with James Duffin at the helm but it was the experienced Lacken Cross that won out in the end.
St. Patrick’s College will enjoy the celebrations this evening but their focus will shift to the Minor ‘B’ Cup run as they attempt to defend their Bank of Ireland title. The 2017 Champions will face Manorhamilton’s St. Clare’s Comprehensive School next week.
Bank of Ireland Player of the Match: Alva Munnelly (St. Patrick’s College) was awarded the accolade following a memorable performance for the Lacken Cross crew.
Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa, Clara: Hannah Cronin, Áine Bracken, Rebecca Larkin, Shannon Wynne, Rachel Bracken, Ciara Monaghan, Kate Fitzpatrick, Robyn Bracken, Ciara Guilfoyle, Ellie Fitzpatrick (Captain) (Niamh Rooney, 54) Eve Kelly
St. Patrick's College, Lacken Cross: Ciara Louise Murphy (Captain), Rachel Brudenall, Ciara McHale, Sarah Costello, Aoife Kearney, Anna Heffernan (Deirbhle McHale, 26), Laura Bilbow, Ailbhe McHale, Majella O’Boyle, Alison Langdon Long, Alva Munnelly
Continuous Professional Development is mandatory for all UEFA Licence holders to complete 15 hours every three years.
We have secured some fantastic learning opportunities for all involved as we have gained access to:
Some of the topics covered over the events will be live match analysis, player identification, guest speakers, modern trends in women's and men's football and up-to-date coach education material.
These will be delivered through theory presentations and practical observations.
Republic of Ireland U21 v Iceland U21
Participants will have behind closed door access to to the pre-match training on March 21st and also a Q&A with Head Coach Noel King. Participants will then analyse the live game at Tallaght Stadium on March 22nd
Republic of Ireland WNT V Netherlands
Participants will receive presentations on modern trends in women football, tutor presentations on player characteristics and have access to the Women’s World Cup Qualifier at Tallaght Stadium and perform player identification tasks around the game.
Republic of Ireland MNT v USA
Participants will spend the day in Aviva Stadium receiving presentations from tutors and guest speakers, they will then have access to the Senior International friendly and perform a live match analysis.
Click here for more information on FAI CPD Events.
Martin O'Neill revealed a 30-man provisional squad for the International Friendly between Republic of Ireland and Turkey on Friday, March 23 in Antalya.
Ireland's first game of 2018 will come at the end of a three-day training camp in Antalya and kicks off what will be a busy year with friendly games against United States, France, Poland and Northern Ireland, as well as UEFA Nations League games with Denmark and Wales.
Captain Seamus Coleman returns to the squad a year after suffering injury in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Wales, while Greg Cunningham, Alan Judge, and Sean Maguire are also included following long-term injuries.
There are first senior call-ups for goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara, defenders Declan Rice, Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams and Enda Stevens. Both O'Hara and Rice had previously trained with the squad but were never included for a match-day squad.
Also, O'Hara and Rice will report directly to the Ireland Under 21s after the camp finishes in order to be available for the UEFA European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday, March 27 in Tallaght Stadium.
The squad will meet up ahead of the 3 FAI International Awards on Sunday, March 18 in RTE Studios and depart for Turkey the next morning. After the game on Friday, March 23, the squad will return to Dublin and leave camp.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Rob Elliot (Newcastle United), Colin Doyle (Bradford City), Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Declan Rice (West Ham United), John Egan (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Alex Pearce (Derby County), Darragh Lenihan, Derrick Williams (Blackburn Rovers), Greg Cunningham (Preston North End), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Brentford), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), David Meyler (Hull City), Eunan O'Kane (Leeds United), Liam Kelly (Reading), Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan (Preston North End), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion)
Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Sean Maguire (Preston North End)
After Tuesday's 2-0 win over the same opposition in Dundalk, Jason Donohue's side were looking to earn impressive back-to-back wins against the Cypriots.
It took until the 78th-minute for Ireland to take the lead with Louie Barry scoring the decisive goal. Four minutes later, Calum Kavanagh scored in the second minute of added time to cap off an impressive week for the side.
Speaking after the match, Under-15 Head Coach Jason Donohue (pictured above) said his team adapted superbly to some tactical changes, made after Tuesday's match.
"We deserved to win. We played 4-4-2, to try two strikers together for the first time. The scoreline didn't flatter us.
"The players were so professional this week. In the last 15 minutes we looked very strong. That's a credit to the players and backroom staff.
"Cyprus were a lot bigger and stronger than us, but our team were fitter in the latter stages which was crucial".
The team return to action in April, with two home friendlies against Czech Republic on April 16 and 18.
Republic of Ireland: Patrick McGarvey; Gavin O'Brien (capt), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, CJ Egan-Riley, Ronan Kilkenny; Ben McCormack, Evan Caffrey, Bosun Lawal, Val Adedokun; Calum Kavanagh, Louie Barry.
Subs Used: Oran Crowe, Sami Clarke, Kailin Barlow.
The Football Association of Ireland is delighted to announce that the late Jimmy Magee will be named as the Special Merit Award recipient at this year's 3 FAI International Awards on Sunday, March 18.
The ceremony, which will be broadcast live on RTE2, will include a unique tribute to a broadcaster who elevated Irish football to a new level through his passionate and skilled style of commentating.
The FAI always maintained a strong relationship with Jimmy and was deeply saddened by his passing last September. So it is only fitting that he will be honoured with the Special Merit Award.
The full list of nominees for this year's 3 FAI International Awards will be revealed on Friday, March 9.
The nominees for the 2017 'Three' FAI International Awards have been revealed ahead of the event taking place in RTE Studios on Sunday, March 18.
This year's staging of the Awards ceremony will be the 28th overall and will once again be broadcast live on RTE2 for an hour and a half in order to capture exclusive interviews, insightful features and the presentations of all awards.
The 'Hall of Fame' and 'International Personality' awards will be announced on the night, while the recipient of the 'Special Merit' Award is the late Jimmy Magee.
2017 'Three' FAI International Awards Nominees
Senior International Player of the Year
Shane Duffy
James McClean
Darren Randolph
Senior Women's International Player of the Year
Megan Campbell
Denise O'Sullivan
Harriet Scott
Young International Player of the Year
Cyrus Christie
Shane Duffy
Callum O'Dowda
International Goal of the Year
James McClean v Uruguay
James McClean v Wales
Jonathan Walters v Austria
Under 21 International Player of the Year
Harry Charsley
Josh Cullen
Olamide Shodipo
Under 19 International Player of the Year
Zachary Elbouzedi
Jayson Molumby
Declan Rice
Under 19 Women's International Player of the Year
Niamh Farrelly
Alex Kavanagh
Lucy McCartan
Under 17 International Player of the Year
Aaron Bolger
Aaron Connolly
Adam Idah
Under 17 Women's International of the Year
Sadhbh Doyle
Heather Payne
Tiegan Ruddy
Under 16 International Player of the Year
Barry Coffey
Jason Knight
Max Murphy
Under 16 Women's International Player of the Year
Amy Boyle Carr
Aoife Slattery
Emily Whelan
Under 15 Men's International Player of the Year
Seamas Keogh
Sean Kennedy
Troy Parrott
Junior International Player of the Year
Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic)
Chris Higgins (St Michael's)
David Joyce (Clonmel Celtic)
Intermediate Player of the Year
Jimmy Bradley (Cockhill Celtic)
Brian Fitzgerald (Cobh Wanderers)
Aidan Roche (Liffey Wanderers)
Colleges & Universities International Player of the Year
Sean McLoughlin (UCC)
Daire O'Connor (UCD)
Ross Then (DCU)
Schools International Player of the Year
Shane Blaney (St Eunan's College, Letterkenny)
Neil Farrugia (St Andrew's College, Blackrock)
John Martin (Presentation De La Salle, Bagenalstown)
Football For All International Player of the Year
David Bissett (Homeless World Cup squad)
Gary Hoey (Amputee squad)
Gary Messitt (Cerebral Palsy squad)
SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year
Sean Maguire (Cork City)
Conor McCormack (Cork City)
Patrick McEleney (Dundalk)
Special Merit
Jimmy Magee
It is the second time in three years that Carlow have lifted the trophy that is named after Myles Kelly, one of the founding members of the competition.
The first clear opening of the game fell to Cork when Katie McCarthy raced through and smashed the post from close range.
Moloney also had an opportunity to open the scoring in the first half when a Roma McLaughlin cross caught UCC goalkeeper Eve Badana in two minds but the Peamount United defender’s header went wide.
The second half was scarce of chances as the elements began to take their toll on proceedings. Eadaoin Lyons tested McQuillan in the Carlow goal and substitute Megan Lynch struck the outside of the post from a free kick in extra-time.
The game looked certain to go to penalties when Carlow won a corner with seconds remaining. McLaughlin whipped the ball in and Moloney got free of her marker and headed home at the back post to seal the trophy.
UCC: Eve Badana, Christine Coffey, Kate Connors, Ciara McNamara, Elaine Looby, Ciara O’Connell, Lydia Looney (Amy O’Connor 76), Ali Brady, Eadaoin Lyons, Katie McCarthy, Ciara Nevin.
IT Carlow: Amanda McQuillan, Chloe Moloney, Orlaith Conlon, Lauren Dwyer, Becky Cassin, Roma McLaughlin, Rachel Graham, Rebecca Horgan (Megan Lynch 63), Amy Walsh, Amanda Budden, Niamh Kelly (Bronagh Kane 72).
Referee: Vicki McEnery.
Champions Wexford Youths WFC were set to open their title defence at home to Shelbourne Ladies on Sunday, March 11, while Peamount United had been preparing to entertain UCD Waves on the same day.
A new date for both fixtures will be announced in due course.
Its two wins on the bounce for Berkeley’s side as they overcame Northern Ireland 2-1 last month in his debut as Head Coach of the U15 Girls’ Republic of Ireland select taking over from Lorraine Counihan.
The Irish were impressive from the outset and produced several clear cut chances early on but it wasn’t until the half hour mark that Presentation SS, Kilkenny scholar Ellen Molloy headed home to break the deadlock.
Molloy added a second on the hour mark to give the visitors some breathing space in a physically demanding encounter.
The icing on the cake came two minutes from time when substitute Erin McLaughlin of Carndonagh CS came off the bench to convert the Republic of Ireland’s third of the day.
It was a very positive outing for the Irish which saw Berkeley use all his bench. The girls produced some fine defensive periods as well as being creative on the counter attack so all bodes well for the Bob Docherty Cup later this month.
Republic of Ireland: Rugile AskaInyte (St. Mary’s Holy Faith Convent, Glasnevin), Abbie Clarke (Muckross Park College, Donnybrook), Shauna Brennan (Claregalway College), Therese Kinnevey (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Ougherard), Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown Community School), Aoibheann Clancy (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles), Aoife Horgan (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Ballybunion), Della Doherty (capt) (Coláiste Iosagain, Portarlington), Anna Fahey (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Ougherard), Muireann Devaney (St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Ellen Molloy (Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny)
Subs Used: Erin McLaughlin (Carndonagh Community School) for Fahey (45), Emma O’Donoghue (Coláiste Muire, Ennis) for Kinnevey (45), Kate Slevin (Claregalway College) for Doherty (55), Kate O’Dowd (St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen) for Horgan (55), Leah Hayes Coen (Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West) for Askalnyte (64), Kerry Brown (Moville Community College) for Devaney (64), Emer O’Neill (St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh) for Molloy (64)
Haverfordwest County’s Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium was the scene for the first launch on Tuesday 13th March and a healthy attendance saw many local stakeholders pledge their support for what promises to be a fantastic addition to the local community landscape.
The “More Than A Club” project aims to develop new social enterprises aligned with professional football clubs in Ireland and Wales which will design, develop and deliver innovative social programmes centred on health, education and social inclusion.
The pilot project is supported by the Ireland Wales European Territorial Co-Operation programme, which is helping to strengthen collaboration between Ireland and Wales to address common economic and social challenges.
The initiative will see the FAI and Welsh project partners, Vi-Ability cooperate with local professional football clubs in Ireland and Wales and assist them to develop social enterprise-based community development schemes. These community focussed schemes will look to provide supports to address important social needs within disadvantaged communities.
We expect that the project will empower football clubs to recognise and utilise the powerful attraction of football and the value of their own club brand locally to promote social good. It will encourage them to work in partnerships with key agencies and groups with an interest in community development to deliver important social programmes. In the process, it will see the football clubs evolving as more valuable community entities becoming more relevant to more people locally.
Speaking at the launch, Haverfordwest FC Enterprise Coordinator, Jo Price said:
“We are keen to meet local and regional organisations in or near Pembrokeshire to getinvolved with ‘More Than a Club’. We are looking for organisations who can offer support and collaborative working, identify opportunities which might benefit individuals residing within Pembrokeshire, and/or invest in what we are looking to achieve. Being a partner of the ‘More Than a Club’ programme is highly rewarding – not only doorganisations who take part in the programme actively support the local community, but importantly, they are also investing in the development of individuals residing within Pembrokeshire, to help mobilise them in becoming healthy, skilled and resilient individuals. It’s a way of providing support with long-term benefits for local communities and the grassroots game, while helping to provide a skilled workforce for the future”.
Wales Operation Manager, Shelley Meyern added; “It’s great to see that following a huge amount of preparatory work, that the new Football Enterprises are now becoming a reality in both Ireland and Wales. In the future, we expect to further develop and expand the suite of programmes which each football enterprise will deliver in both regions by cooperating to share the ideas, expertise and experiences of the talented people now employed at the forefront of building these new football enterprises. We hope that the new enterprises will become a focal point and an integral element of the communities in which the clubs are based by providing local people with access to new innovative services designed to support local needs”.
In association with the AVIVA Soccers Sisters, any girl that was signed up to one of the camps before the end of February was in with a chance to get up close to their heroes at the games against Slovakia or Netherlands.
The four winners are:
Aoife and Grainne will act as flagbearers for the Slovakia game on April 4, with Ella and Abagail doing the honours against Netherlands four days later.
All four will also get tickets to the game, along with three more for family and friends.
Tickets are still available for the two crucial games and can be purchased here.
The AVIVA Soccer Sisters camps run over the Easter holidays all over the country. For more information on the Locations, visit www.soccersisters.ie
The last team to complete such a feat was the IT Carlow men’s team in 2012.
Peamount United’s Chloe Moloney was the hero once more, just five days after scoring an extra-tome winner against UCC last Friday in the RUSTLERS WSCAI Kelly Cup Final. Those watching today did not have to wait as long as the centre half struck ten minutes into the second half.
The first half was a close affair with neither side willing to give the other an inch. The best chance arrived to Megan Lynch who intercepted a poor kick-out and attempted to lob goalkeeper Naomh Barr but fortunately for the Ulster keeper, Lynch’s effort dropped just over the crossbar.
Just into the second half, IT Carlow took the advantage. Lynch was fouled 35 yards out from goal by Teresa Burns. The Carlow attacker would take control of the set play herself and whipped in a cross towards the backpost. Alison McMaster tried to clear the ball away, but her attempt was sliced and fell to Moloney who half-volleyed the ball into the net from five yards.
The South-East side should really have put the game to bed ten minutes later. Lynch was in the thick of things once more as she threaded a ball in behind for Bronagh Kane who had just come on as a sub. Kane rounded Barr and looked certain to score only for her finish to be blocked by Hannah Grieve and put out for a corner.
UU began to push bodies forward in the last quarter as they went in search for an equaliser but any attempts to maintain possession within the Carlow half were rebuffed by the tireless work of the likes of Player of the Match Rachel Graham and her back four who managed to see out the game with a small bit of comfort.
Ulster University: Naomh Barr, Hannah Ward, Samantha Kelly, Teresa Burns, Hannah Grieve, Emma McMaster, Gemma McGuinness, Rachel McConnell, Niamh Connolly, Alison McMaster, Chloe McGlade.
IT Carlow: Amanda McQuillan, Chloe Moloney, Orlaith Conlon, Lauren Dwyer, Rebecca Cassin, Roma McLaughlin (Bronagh Kane 64’), Rachel Graham, Megan Lynch, Bronagh Kane, Amy Walsh, Niamh Kelly.
Referee: Sarah Dyas
The team travel to western Poland next week to play in Group 3 against Georgia, FYR Macedonia and the hosts, Poland.
In the Qualifying Round, Ireland defeated Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Bulgaria, scoring 12 goals and conceding only once. Striker Adam Idah (pictured above) was Europe’s top goalscorer in that round, finding the net on seven occasions.
15 places are up for grabs in the Elite Round, with the eight group winners and seven best runners-up joining hosts England at the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May.
"We’ve had a productive few months since the Qualifying Round in Bulgaria, including two friendlies against Turkey. I feel this is the best 20 players we have to try and qualify, in Poland," O’Brien revealed.
Ireland go into the group as top seeds, but face three teams who only lost one game between them in the Qualifying Round. O’Brien knows his squad will be tested in Poland.
“My experience of youth football is that any country could have a very good team at any given time. You cannot underestimate any team.
“We already played Macedonia this season in two friendlies and are very difficult to beat. Georgia recently defeated Belgium, and Poland will prove very difficult on home soil."
Five players named in the squad were part of O’Brien’s squad at the 2017 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Croatia last year. He expects that experience will prove beneficial to the squad.
"Those players would have their eyes opened last year to the levels that are required. That was last year though, and now they have to make sure they play to the standards required, and that they give to the team."
Republic of Ireland U17 squad
Goalkeepers: Kian Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard)
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Kameron Ledwidge (Southampton), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Max Murphy (Stoke City), Ray O’Sullivan (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Midfielders: Sean Brennan (Southampton), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Grant (Sheffield Wednesday), Jason Knight (Derby County) Adam O’Reilly (Preston North End), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Marc Walsh (Swansea City)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Nowrich City), Jordan McEneff (Arsenal), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Tyriek Wright (Aston Villa)
Fixtures - UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round Group 3
March 21: Republic of Ireland v Macedonia, Stadion Chrobrego Głogów, Głogów, KO 17:30 (16:30 Irish Time)
March 24: Republic of Ireland v Georgia, Stadion Chrobrego Głogów, Głogów, KO 17:30 (16:30 Irish Time)
March 27: Poland v Republic of Ireland, Stadion Miejski, Legnica, KO 16:30 (15:30 Irish Time)
The U21s face Iceland in a friendly match on Thursday, March 22, with kick-off at 19:30 before the UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday, March 27, with kick-off at 19:30.
Both games will take place at Tallaght Stadium as the team look to continue their impressive campaign so far having won three out of five matches to move into second place in Group 5.
King has recalled attacker Olamide Shodipo to the squad after he missed the qualifiers against Israel and Norway due to injury, whilst there are also call-ups for Cork City's Danny Kane and Derry City trio Ronan Curtis, Rory Hale and Ronan Hale.
Declan Rice and Kieran O'Hara have been called up to the senior men's squad for the friendly match against Turkey on Friday, March 23 but will rejoin the U21s squad ahead of the qualifier against Azerbaijan on Tuesday. Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been called up for the friendly match against Iceland to cover for O'Hara.
Tickets for the two fixtures are available to purchase on Ticketmaster with both games priced at €5 for adults and FREE for U16s and free access for 2017/18 FAI Season Ticket holders.
Noel King said: "I'm really looking forward to getting the players back in and working with them to continue what we've achieved during this campaign.
"I want to extend my congratulations to Declan Rice and Kieran O'Hara who received call-ups to the senior squad for the match against Turkey. It is a great opportunity for them and we look forward to welcoming them back into the squad for the Azerbaijan match.
"It's also great to see Olamide Shodipo back in the squad after injury. He proved in the first match of the campaign against Kosovo what a crucial member of the squad he is, scoring the winning goal.
"The Iceland match will be a great opportunity for us to prepare for the qualifier against Azerbaijan and I expect the players to continue to maintain the high standards they've set themselves already in this campaign."
Republic of Ireland U21 squad
Goalkeepers: Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool)
Defenders: Danny Kane (Cork City), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City - on loan at Bristol Rovers), Shaun Donnellan (Yeovil Town), Corey Whelan (Liverpool - on loan at Yeovil Town), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Ryan Delaney (Rochdale AFC), James Dunne (Burnley - on loan at Accrington Stanley)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (West Ham United), Harry Charsley (Everton - on loan at Bolton Wanderers), Rory Hale (Derry City), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Connor Dimaio (Unattached), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Aston Villa)
Attackers: Reece Grego-Cox (Woking FC), Ryan Manning (QPR), Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Joe Quigley (AFC Bournemouth - on loan at Boreham Wood), Jake Mulraney (Inverness CT), Olamide Shodipo (QPR - on loan at Colchester United), Ronan Hale (Derry City)
Fixtures
Thursday, March 22: Ireland v Iceland, Tallaght Stadium, KO 19:30
Tuesday, March 27: Ireland v Azerbaijan, Tallaght Stadium, KO 19:30
