Netherlands enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game and took the lead in just the 11th minute. Jackie Groenen found space on the right flank, delivered a fantastic cross that found Lineth Beerensteyn who headed home past Marie Hourihane.

Just over ten minutes later the European champions had their second of the evening. Diane Caldwell was adjudged to fouled Danielle van de Donk close to the edge of the area and referee Stephanie Frappart pointed to the spot much to the dismay of the Irish defence.

Sherida Spitse stepped up to send Hourihan the wrong way and put the Dutch in a commanding position.

Spitse almost got her second with 32 minutes on the clock. The midfielder created space and thundered a right footed shot off Hourihan’s post from all of 30 yards.

Hourihane was called into action once again two minutes into the second half as she brilliantly tipped Danielle van de Donk’s driven free kick onto the crossbar.

The introduction of Amber Barrett gave Colin Bell’s side another outlet up top alongside Leanne Kiernan, but the Dutch defense kept the home side from creating any clear cut chances.

The win sees Netherlands move three points ahead of Bell’s Ireland team at the top of the table. Next up for the Girls in Green is a clash with Norway in June at home with the reverse fixture taking place four days later.  

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "We're very disappointed. There were two goals which we shouldn't have conceded and if everything had gone right tonight, we could have come away with the draw.

"We just lack that little bit of experience and quality in certain moments but that will come. I'm extremely proud of the way my players have conducted themselves throughout this campaign and that doesn't change because of a defeat.

"The players have now got to refocus and go again in the back-to-back games against Norway. They need to go away to their clubs, get games and get fitter, and come back ready to get the results we need. 

"It has been fantastic over the past two games to see two record attendances. The support has really meant a lot to all of the squad and players, and it's fantastic for the women's game in this country."

Republic of Ireland: Hourihane; Perry-Campbell, Quinn, Caldwell, Duggan; Boyle-Carr (Barrett 46), Connolly (Littlejohn 72), Fahey, McCabe ©; O’Sullivan, Kiernan.

Substitutes: Budden (GK), Prior, McLaughlin, Atkinson, Beirne.

Netherlands: van Veenendaal; Jansen, van der Gragt, Janssen, Worm; Groenen, Spitse, van de Donk; van de Sanden (Roord 69), Beerensteyn, Martens.

Substitutes: Vreugdenhill (GK), van Lunteren, Zeeman, Dekker, Miedema, van Dongen. 

Referee: Stephanie Frappart (FRA)

Group C Fixtures
Denmark v Bosnia & Herzegovina, 12.30pm Saturday 5 May, Loughborough University Stadium
Republic of Ireland v Belgium, 5.45pm Saturday 5 May, Loughborough University Stadium. Tickets available HERE
Republic of Ireland v Denmark, 7pm Tuesday 8 May, St. George's Park. Tickets available HERE
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Belgium, 7pm Tuesday 8 May, Rotherham United
Belgium v Denmark, 1pm Friday 11 May, Chesterfield FC
Bosnia & Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland, 1pm Friday 11 May, St. George's Park. Tickets available HERE

Ticket Price and Details
School / Group  U17s £2
Adults £4
U17s / Students / Seniors £2
School group bookings can also be made using a booking form available HERE
If you have any queries ahead of completing the form please contact: wembleyticketing@wembleystadium.com and put UEFA U17 in the subject line. 

North End United left it late in Tipperary after going behind early in the first half to a dominant St. Michael's side marshalled at the back by Amateur International Paul Green. The second half saw Northend throw everything at Michael's and it looked like they were going to leave with nothing after Adrian Walsh pulled off two first class saves.

With four minutes to go Northend got a deserved equaliser through Beary and in the 92nd minute Murphy finished off a superb move to book North End a place in the final.

Pike Rovers made it to their second final in the Aviva with a hard fought win over Newmarket Celtic at a packed Pike Complex. Rovers were two up and looked to be to be coasting when Newmarket pulled themselves back in to the game with two headers from Stephen Kelly. With the game going to extra-time, Newmarket looked like it was going to be their day when Ryan from an excellent cross from Hanrahan scored from close in to set up May's decider

The Late Night Leagues return to Bray this coming Friday in Loreto College. Last year's Late Night Leagues were a huge success, with more than 140 players taking part. 

This year's edition is open to anyone aged between 13-17 with games taking place from 7pm until 9pm and of course being free of charge. 

The Late Night League takes place during prime anti-social hours and is based around the concept of using football as a tool for social inclusion and learning. Through our partnership with An Garda Siochana and Kildare/Wicklow ETB, the Late Night Leagues aim promote and further engage with youths and communities. 

The winners of last year's Late Night League winners from Bray will be guests at the Republic of Ireland's upcoming international against USA, while all participants in the Late Night Leagues, taking place in Bray over the next few weeks, will receive free tickets to an upcoming Bray Wanderers home game courtesy of the club. 

Late Night League Dates & Times
Friday April 20 19:00-21:00
Friday April 27 19:00-21:00
Friday May 4 19:00-21:00
Friday May 11 19:00-21:00 
All matches take place in Loreto Bray

What is this course? This is a unique Education Hub based in the South Dublin Football League Centre in Ballyowen Park Lucan. It is the result of a partnership between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board.

Is it for me? Do you want to become a qualified FAI Coach? Do you want to become an ITEC certified Gym Instructor. Do you want to gain formal education qualifications in great environment? If you want these qualifications, and to gain formal education qualifications then this is exactly for you.

What does the course cost? The course is free of charge. Applicants who are claiming a Social Welfare payment will be entitled to a training allowance. Only 20 places, and they will fill fast!

What will I need? No formal qualifications are required; be interested in sports, health and fitness with a willingness to work hard to achieve certification and have a positive attitude to learning new things.

What can I achieve? Successful learners will be awarded Certification in:

* Sports and Recreation QQI level 4 major award
* ITEC Gym Instructor award
* FAI PDP 1 and 2 Certificates – Introduction to Coaching
* FAI Strength & Conditioning
* FAI 4v4 and 7v7 workshops
* FAI D Licence
* FAI Pan disability football workshop
* FAI Intercultural workshop

How long is the course? The course is full time (Monday to Friday) for 40 weeks.

What about the future? Previous students have:

* Gained employment in Gyms / Leisure Clubs
* Gained employment in the FAI
* Progressed to Level 5/ 6 PLC courses
* Set up their own Football Teams / Clubs
* Set up their own business’ in a number of areas including: Health and Fitness, and Wellbeing.

Apply: www.projectfutsal.ie or email: paul.doody@fai.ie or telephone Paul on 083 4488825

12 teams have already qualified for the tournament, that takes place in June in the University of Limerick.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Clare League, Kerry League, South Tipperary League and North Tipperary League will play in Lee's Road, Ennis looking to earn two of the qualifying spots.

In Dublin's AUL Complex, the Kilkenny League, Wexford League, Mid Western League and Sligo/Leitrim League will battle it out for the final two spots.

Both venues will operate a round-robin group format with the top two teams advancing to June's tournament in Limerick.

This weekend's Qualification Round marks the first of two weeks in a row where teams will attempt to qualify for the Gaynor Cup. On April 21st and 22nd, Limerick and Dublin will host teams looking to reach the finals of the Fota Island Resort Under-14 Gaynor Cup.

Colin O'Brien's Republic of Ireland U-17 squad booked their place at the finals tournament - which kicks off on May 4 - following an impressive qualifying campaign where they went unbeaten in six games and scored 18 goals.

The Irish squad will see familiar faces in Harvey (pictured above) and Hennessy when the competition kicks off after the officials were amongst the 24 selected for the 36th edition of the tournament.

Gerard Perry, who is the Chairman of the Elite Referee Committee, feels these appointments are testament to the hard work put in by both officials, who are also on the FIFA panel.

"This prestigious appointment to the Under-17 Championship Finals marks further progress in their respective careers and is testimony to the success of the FAI Referee Development Programme," said Perry.

"This programme is underpinned by the guidance and advice provided by our UEFA Referee Committee Member Mr Hugh Dallas. We regularly available of Hugh's expertise in how best to develop referees and we are very grateful for his support in such matters."

Both Harvey and Hennessy are graduates of the FAI School of Excellence and their rapid progression is a real boost to aspiring referees around the country.

As part of their commitment to the competition, the Irish Daily Mail have again put up a bounty to reward the team outside of the SSE Airtricity League that goes the furthest this year.

2018 Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup - Qualifying Round
Saturday, April 21: Avondale United v Pike Rovers, Avondale Park, KO 14:00
Saturday, April 21: Inchicore Athletic v Crumlin United, Pearse Park Astro, KO 19:00
Saturday, April 21: Leeds AFC v St Michael's, Leeds Park, KO 15:00
Saturday, April 21: Maynooth Town University v Everton, Maynooth University Campus, KO 16:00
Sunday, April 22: CIE Ranch v Letterkenny Rovers, CIE Works, KO 14:00
Sunday, April 22: Dublin Bus v Firhouse Clover, Coldcut, KO 11:00
Sunday, April 22: Kilnamanagh AFC v Skerries Town, Ned Keely Park, KO 11:00
Sunday, April 22: North End United v Cherry Orchard, Curracloe United FC, KO 14:00

Byes: Blarney United, Cockhill Celtic, Home Farm, Newmarket Celtic

Eight teams took part in two qualification tournaments in Ennis and Dublin over Saturday and Sunday, in a bid to reach the group stages of the Gaynor Cup in the University of Limerick next month.

In Ennis, the South Tipperary League and Clare League finished in the top-two spots. Both sides were unbeaten in their threee games including a 1-1 draw against each other. In a keenly contested Group 1, South Tipperary ended their three matches on seven points, with the Clare League finishing two points behind their Munster rivals.

In the AUL Complex, the Sligo/Leitrim League and Wexford League qualified after two keenly contested days in the north Dublin venue. Four of the six games ended in draws or only had one goal between the sides. Sligo/Leitrim finished in top spot with two wins and a draw, with Wexford claiming one win and two draws.

The four sides will know take part in the Gaynor Cup, next month in Limerick.

Group 1 Results
Clare League 2-1 Kerry League
North Tipperary League 1-2 South Tipperary League
Clare League 1-1 South Tipperary League
Kerry League 0-1 North Tipperary League 
Kerry League 0-4 South Tipperary League 
Clare League 1-1 North Tipperary League

Group 2 Results
Kilkenny League 0-2 Sligo/Leitrim League
Mid Western League 0-0 Wexford League
Sligo/Leitrim League 0-0 Wexford League
Kilkenny League 1-0 Mid Western League
Kilkenny League 0-1 Wexford League
Sligo/Leitrim League 5-1 Mid Western League

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney was on hand alongside FAI President Tony Fitzgerald to cut the ribbon on the new pitch which will cater for all ages on the northside of Cork City.

It’s not the first time Delaney has visited the club, and the opening of the new pitch concludes a chapter in the relationship with the FAI that has lasted almost two years.

“John was here before, and he knew what the club was about”, Vice-Chairman Ger Meany revealed. “It was a terrific day.”

"The visit has created such a buzz around the club. We had our Academy player in Turners Cross at the Cork City game on Friday night. Next weekend our first team play in the FAI Cup.

“The club has a great relationship with John and the FAI. Having him down, alongside Tony Fitzgerald was an honour.

“A lot of people are starting to realise the work that we are doing on and off the field. We’re doing what we can to provide as good a facility as we can for people in the area.

“From being at the club, I feel that John recognised the work that’s being done in the area. It’s a day that will live long in the memory of the club.”

Next Saturday, Leeds AFC host St. Michael’s in the Qualifying Round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup. Kick-off in Leeds Park is at 3pm.

Ahead of their international friendly with Northern Ireland, South Korea’s team were based in Dublin for three days as they continued their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The 2015 AFC Asian Cup runners-up trained at the National Training Centre’s state of the art facility. 
 
Players such as Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, Swansea City’s Ki Sung-yueng were among those to use the facilities last month.
 
Walter Holleran, Facilities Development Manager with the FAI has said the arrival of the Korean side, shows the quality of the facilities at the National Training Centre.
 
“We were delighted to welcome South Korea to the FAI NTC last month. Since the National Training Centre opened in 2015; the month of March was a very busy period here at the NTC where we welcomed numerous international teams including Senior Slovakian Women team, Iceland Men U21 and Czech Republic Men’s U15.
 
“To welcome a team as respected as South Korea, is a testament to the work being done by our staff. The Koreans were delighted with what we were able to provide them, and we look forward to welcoming more world-class teams to the NTC in the near future."

After two matches against Hungary in February, Osam's side play on home soil for the first time in 2018 against Bulgaria.

The majority of the squad currently plays in the SSE Airtricity Under-17 National League, with Shamrock Rovers providing six players to the squad.

Kick-off in the RSC is at 5pm.

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), Mazeed Ogbungo (Arsenal), Conor Power (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Luke Turner (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Matt Healy (College Corinthians), Brandon Holt (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers), Paddy Moore (Bohemians), Toby Owens (Shamrock Rovers)
Forwards: Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Matt Everitt (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sean Kennedy (Kerry District League)

After two matches against Hungary in Budapest, in February, Paul Osam’s side opened their home account this year with two goals either side of half-time in Waterford’s RSC.

Sean Kennedy’s shot from close range opened the scoring in the 35th-minute before Luke Turner’s strike found the back of the net seven minutes from time.

Speaking after the win, Head Coach Paul Osam said his side were good value for the win.

"It was a comfortable win, without being brilliant ourselves. We kept a clean sheet, saw some knew players. We met our objectives for the week.

"The focus wasn't on winning the game, but it was nice to get some confidence into the players after two losses in Hungary. The players learned from those two defeats. It was nice to get the win."

Republic of Ireland: Jimmy Corcoran; Alex Dunne, Luke Turner, Cian Kelly (capt), Mazeed Ogbungo; Brandon Holt, Seamus Keogh; Toby Owens, Festy Ebosole, Sean Kennedy, Matt Everitt.

Subs used: Gavin Gazuna (GK), James Furlong, Paddy Moore, Matt Healy, Conor Power, Sean McGrath, Conor Carty.

12 teams have already qualified for the tournament, that takes place in June in the University of Limerick.

On Saturday and Sunday in Dublin's AUL Complex, the Waterford League, Wexford League, Carlow League, Kilkenny League and NECSL will battle it out for two of the spots.

In Limerick's Regional United, the Clare League, Kerry League, North Tipperary League and Limerick County League will look to earn the remaining two qualifying spots.

Both venues will operate a round-robin group format with the top two teams advancing to June's tournament in Limerick.

This weekend's Qualification Round marks the second week in a row where teams will attempt to qualify for the Gaynor Cup. Last weekend, the final four teams were confirmed for the Fota Island Resort Under-16 Gaynor Cup.

Liam Durkan scored a second-half strike to set up a nervy finish but they couldn’t find an equaliser as Cork now join the teams from 2012 and 2014 to have lifted the trophy.

Cork, managed by James Fogarty, took the lead on eight minutes when Crowley fired the ball into the net from 30 yards past goalkeeper Alan Kelly.

Liam Ross nearly doubled Cork’s advantage just before half-time but his low shot hit the post from 16 yards.

Ethan Varian, who will be playing in the U17 National Cup Final this Saturday with his club Greenwood, doubled the lead for Cork on 50 minutes when he shrugged off a defender to score low into the net.

Mayo though weren’t finished yet and they had the majority of the possession in the second half clawing a goal back on 69 minutes. Eoin Prendergast played the ball to Tommy Forde who passed to Durkan who fired home from close range.

Mayo kept trying for an equaliser but Cork lead by man of the match Adam Bruton at the back held out to allow Jack Turner lift the trophy.

Mayo Schoolboys & Youths Association Football League: Alan Kelly; Darragh Jordan, Riain O’Connor, Lee Traynor, Aaron McDonnell; Ruairi Nevin (Lorcan Conroy 78), Darragh Byrne (Cillian Raymond 83); Liam Durkan, Tommy Forde, Matthew Leadbetter (Dean Guthrie 70); Eoin Prendergast.

Cork Youths League: Callum Finnegan; Adam Bruton, Jack McFall, Ben Healy, Dean McCarthy (Jamie Geasley 78); Jack Turner, Cathal Crowley; Marco Crowley, Ethan Varian, Jack Waters (Stephen D'Arcy 67); Liam Ross.

Referee: Brian Lynch (Galway).

Two qualifying rounds took place in Dublin's AUL Complex (Group A) and Limerick's Regional United (Group B).

Of the nine teams that took part, the Kilkenny League were the only team to have a 100% record. The team only conceded a single goal in a dominant performance over Saturday and Sunday.

They will be joined by the Carlow League, who took the second spot on goal difference. Carlow, alongside the NECSL and the Wexford League finished with six points, but their superior goal difference booked a Finals spot.

In Limerick, the Limerick County League and North Tipperary League both qualified on seven points of of a possible nine. After they drew their opening match against each other, the teams defeated the Clare League and Kerry League in their final matches.

Group A Results
Waterford League 0-2 Wexford League
Carlow League 0-2 Kilkenny League
NECSL 7-0 Waterford League
Wexford League 1-2 Carlow League
Kilkenny League 5-1 NECSL
NECSL 1-0 Carlow League
Waterford League 0-6 Kilkenny League
Wexford League 1-0 NECSL
Wexford League 0-1 Kilkenny League
Carlow League 7-0 Waterford League

Group B Results
North Tipperary League 0-0 Limerick County League
Clare League 5-0 Kerry League
Limerick County League 6-1 Kerry League
North Tipperary League 1-0 Clare League
Limerick County League 4-0 Clare League
North Tipperary League 5-0 Kerry League

Supported by the Football Association of Ireland, the tournament will be played over May 4 & 5 in Dalymount Park, the Republic of Ireland will face England and Poland in a round-robin tournament. 

Ireland international Chris McElligott was joined at the launch by IAFA Ambassador Damien Duff, IAFA Chairperson Janice Dunwoody and Citywest Hotel Commercial Director Sean Reid.
 
The tournament begins on Friday, May 4 when Ireland play England, kick off at 19.45. The following day will see the conclusion of the tournament as Poland play England, kick off 12:00, followed by Ireland’s match against Poland, kick off 16.00.
 
Part of the EAFF’s Amputee Football Weeks programme, the tournament will help promote amputee football in Ireland.
 
Speaking at the launch, IAFA Ambassador Damien Duff said playing international football is the pinnacle for any player.
 
“It will be a great weekend in Dalymount Park. I would urge as many to go and watch. It’s free admission. Poland and England are two of the best teams in Europe. There will be some top quality football on show from all three sides. Fans will be pleasantly surprised.
 
"There’s nothing better than putting on the Irish shirt. It will be a proud weekend for the players and their family.”

Republic of Ireland international Chris McElligott says the event is the biggest the sport has had in Ireland in recent years.

"We have a great opportunity to host a tournament in Dublin. It’s a great opportunity to show the fans what amputee football is about.

"Fans have got to see the game in the flesh to see what it’s all about and how good the sport is. This event is all about creating awareness about amputee football and its development in this country. It's an excellent chance for supporters to see it in all it’s glory.

Citywest Hotel Commercial Director Sean Reid added that the sponsorship of the event, adds to the hotel’s relationship with football in Ireland.

"We have a very strong relationship with the FAI through their Football For All programme, so when we were approached about the European Amputee Football Weeks programme it was a natural progression for us and we wanted to get behind it and support a fantastic event.

IAFA Chairperson Janice Dunwoody says the Association are proud to have the support of the EAFF, Citywest Hotel and the FAI in making this tournament come to life. 

“Football brings all abilities together, it is an equal game for all to play and to support. This friendly tournament is a great opportunity to see three of Europe’s top teams come together and compete.  Fans are encouraged to join us at Dalymount Park to support the EAFF Amputee Football Weeks which takes place throughout the month of May around Europe."
 
The tournament kicks off on Friday, May 4 at 19.45 as Ireland play England. Admission over both days is Free.

Goals from the UCD duo of Jason McClelland and Daire O'Connor in a four-minute spell had the students in front at the break.

McClelland fired home the opener to the roof of the net on 29-minutes from a pin-point Pierce Phillips cross.

O'Connor stretched the lead four-minutes later when he connected with Jonny Bonner's deep left wing cross to head past Forces 'keeper Shane Sherlock.

An unfortunate own goal headed out of Sherlock's reach by centre back Lee Delaney under pressure from Alan O'Sullivan early in the second half put paid to any comeback by the Forces.

The rampant students then went on to compete the rout with two further goals around the hour mark from Bonner and substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu.

A quickly taken short corner by O'Connor gave Bonner the chance to cut in and beat Sherlock at the far post. While Ubaezuonu steered home the fifth goal with his first touch after replacing O'Connor a minute earlier.

Man of the Match: Anthony McAlavey (Colleges and Universities)

Defence Forces: Shane Sherlock (Ronan O'Reilly 75); Paul Keane, Lee Delaney, Ian Lordon, David Long (John McCrossan 64); Adrian Rafferty (Sean Pouch 64), Eric O'Halloran (Stephen Best 80); David Stack, Adam O'Donoughue (Cian Loye 55), Aidan Friel; Jamie Murphy (Peter Nolan 55).

Colleges and Universities: Matt Connor (Cathal O'Hanlon 72); Pierce Phillips (Maurice Nugent 58), Sean O'Mahony, Ross Taheny, Liam Scales; Jonny Bonner (Dean Kelly 72), Anthony McAlavey; Daire O'Connor (Carlton Ubaezuonu 64), Georgie Poynton, Jason McClelland (Shane Daly-Butz 58); Alan O'Sullivan (Shane Barnes 64).

Referee: J Hennessy (Cork).

A goal in each half proved enough for a dominant Carndonagh Community School to recapture the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior National Cup which they won back in 2016. The Donegal crew enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Coláiste Chiaráin of Athlone at the impressive Home Farm FC venue.

The remarkable Donegal School, boasted two Schools’ International stars that claimed the Centenary Shield title a fortnight ago in Whitehall for the Republic of Ireland with Captain Daniel Houghton lining out between the posts alongside right back Kieran Farren.

Martin Cavanagh’s crew were  the winners of this trophy two years ago and they were always on top throughout this game although the gritty Athlone outfit who were making their first ever appearance in a Cup Final at this level were liable to get back on terms until they went two goals behind with 20 minutes remaining.

Corey McBride had Carndonagh ahead on the stroke of half time and when Conor O’Donnell steered home the second on 72 minutes the Cup was destined to travel back to Donegal once again.

Coláiste Chiaráin had suffered an early set back minutes after the start just as they had begun to settle into the game when they lost midfielder Adam Harney through injury.

But they were still the first side to look dangerous and in a couple of early attacks crosses into the Carndonagh area from Callum O’Brien and Captain Luke Kelly both failed to trouble the Donegal defenders.

At the other end Carndonagh were beginning to exert their authority and Ciaran Doherty shot over from distance when he was set up by McBride.

While later Mikey Friel saw his header go past the post after Athlone goalkeeper Michael Hanley misjudged a cross.

Carndonagh were now in control and they went close to opening the score when first Hanley tipped over McBride’s dangerous free kick and later O’Donnell did well to get on the end of a Jack Doherty free kick only to direct his header wide.

The best chance then fell to Jack Doherty again after he burst down the right flank and cut inside past Jayden Tumulty and Paul McManus only to pull his final effort wide of the far post.

The half looked to be ending scoreless until McBride struck to fire Carndonagh in front when he beat Hanley with a clinical finish after great link up play with Friel despite the best effort of Alex Francis to avert the danger.

Things got worse for Coláiste Chiaráin early in the second half when they were forced to replace the injured Hanley with substitute goalkeeper Jamie Keogh.

Keogh was quickly called into action to keep out O’Donnell’s curling effort and then did extremely well to turn out shots from the Doherty duo Ciaran and Jack for corners.

However the relentless Carndonagh pressure finally yielded the insurance goal with slightly less than 20 minutes remaining.

Jack Doherty got free on the right and delivered a pin point cross that fell nicely for O’Donnell and under pressure from Dylan Sumner he still managed to side foot the ball past the helpless Keogh from close in.

The Coláiste Chiaráin keeper then excelled with two quick-fire saves from substitute Cade Cooke but up front Athlone had little to offer and Carndonagh comfortably saw out the remainder of the game for a deserved win.

Bank of Ireland Player of the Match | Gary Rogers, Bank of Ireland Ambassador & Dundalk FC goalkeeper was in attendance to announce Corey McBride (Carndonagh Community School) as Man of the Match following his heroics that afternoon. 

COLÁISTE CHIARÁIN, ATHLONE | Michael Hanley, Adam Harney, Dylan Sumner, Paul McManus, Jayden Tumulty, Reece Moran, Alex Francis, Sean Ryan, Callum O’Brien, Luke Kelly (Captain) Ruairi Lenehan.
SUBS | Robert Hardiman (for Harney 6 mins), Jamie Keogh (for Hanley 50 mins), Neil Macken (for Lenehan 54 mins), Alan Freeburne (for Ryan 66 mins), Darren Duff (for Moran 70 mins).
SUBS NOT USED | Niall Murray, Cian Molloy, Ouassim Boumzal.

TEACHER | Barry Cuneen COACH | Denis Francis KITMAN | Mark Greene

CARNDONAGH COMMUNITY SCHOOL | Daniel Houghton (Captain), Lee McLaughlin, Jake Harkin, Kieran Farren, Fionn McClure, Ciaran Doherty, Oisin Hession, Jack Doherty, Corey McBride, Conor O’Donnell, Mikey Friel.
SUBS USED | Luke Rudden (for Friel 51 mins), Cade Cooke (for J Doherty 80 mins), Brendan Doherty (for McBride 86 mins), Lorcan Bradley (for O’Donnell 90 mins), Pearse McCarron (for Farren 90 +1 mins).
SUBS NOT USED | Ciaran Doherty, Jack McLaughlin, Nathan Logue, Daniel McCallion.

TEACHER | Martin Cavanagh PHYSIO | Paddy Doherty

REFEREE | Dave Kitson (Dublin)

Crumlin provided one of the shock results of the 2017 FAI Cup after they beat SSE Airtricity League side Wexford in the first round. However, their place will be taken by Inchicore this season as it finished 1-1 after extra time before Athletic prevailed 4-3 on penalties.

Maynooth University Town also secured their place in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup first round with a penalty shoot-out victory over Everton. Both sides fought out a 2-2 draw after extra-time but it was the home side Maynooth who held their nerve to secure a 4-3 penalty win.

Dublin Bus came out on top in a six-goal thriller to beat Firhourse Clover whilst there were also wins for Pike Rovers, Skerries Town and CIE Ranch. North End United produced an outstanding display to claim a 2-0 victory over Cherry Orchard and Leeds triumphed 3-1 over St. Michael's.

Four teams received a bye to the first round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup where they will be joined by the 20 SSE Airtricity League teams. The date for the first round draw is set to be confirmed.

Irish Daily Mail Cup Qualifying Round Results
 
CIE Ranch 1-0 Letterkenny Rovers
Inchicore Athletic 1-1 (4-3 pens) Crumlin United
Maynooth University Town 2-2 (4-3 pens) Everton
Dublin Bus 4-2 Firhouse Clover
Avondale United 0-2 Pike Rovers
Kilnamanagh 1-2 Skerries Town
Leeds 3-1 St. Michael’s
North End United 2-0 Cherry Orchard

Byes: Home Farm, Cockhill Celtic, Newmarket Celtic and Blarney United.