The Metropolitan Girls League, Kerry League, Sligo/Leitrim League and Galway League all qualified for the June tournament after winning their respective qualifying competitions.

In the AUL, the Metropolitian Girls League won four games from four, to book their place in the University of Limerick.

Galway qualified after staying unbeaten in their qualifying round. The Westerners won three games and drew once.

In Carndonagh, Sligo/Leitrim qualified at the expense of the Inishowen League, Donegal League, Mayo League, Longford League and the Mid-Western League.

Kerry booked their spot in Limerick after finishing top of a group that included CWSSL, Waterford League, Wexford League and South Tipperary in Killarney.

The four teams will find out their opponents later this week, when the draw takes place on Wednesday in Limerick.

Sharon Boyle's (pictured above) side have conceded just the one goal in their opening two games, but have yet to register a win in Sweden.

Ellie Ferguson and substitute Shauna Carroll scored Ireland's two penalties, but it was not enough for the side to record their first win of the tournament.

Despite the penalty shootout defeat, Boyle was delighted with her side's performance.

"Penalties can go either way. You need some luck on the day, but we didn't have it.

"The team were magnificent throughout. We hit the crossbar twice in the second-half too.

"Shauna Carroll and Emily Whelan came close with two free kicks as well but we couldn't score. I'm delighted with both performances so far."

Ireland play their final match on Wednesday morning, with a match against Turkey.

Republic of Ireland: Ria McPhilbin, Eabha O'Mahony, Bobbi Downer, Kayla Brady, Zara Foley; Jessica Ziu, Ellie Ferguson, Nadine Clare; Taylor White, Emily Whelan, Blessing Kingsley

Substitutes used: Courtney Maguire, Shauna Carroll, Robyn Bolger, Muireann Devaney

After drawing 1-1 with Netherlands at Chesterfield Stadium, Ireland forced the game into a shoot-out (extra-time is not played in this tournament) and goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran almost became a hero.

The Cherry Orchard schoolboy saved magnificently from Dutch captain Daishawn Redan, but he was adjudged to have come off his goalline too early and picked up a second yellow card as a result. Redan then fired the re-take past Oisin McEntee, who had to put the keeper’s jersey on.

It was a cruel way for Colin O’Brien’s squad to bow out of a tournament where they displayed incredible skill, composure and bravery over the course of four games.

Following victories over Denmark and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ireland set up this knock-out game against the tournament favourites and they were not one bit overawed.

While the Dutch bossed the majority of possession early on, they could not find a way past a well-held defensive line. In fact, they triggered the offside trap on three occasions in the first half alone.

Ireland clawed back some territory in the second period and went close to scoring when captain Nathan Collins rose highest to meet Tyriek Wright’s corner but his header whistled over the crossbar.

The Dutch, however, always posed a threat and they tested the reactions of goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran on 56 minutes with a long-range effort from Wouter Burger.

The deadlock was broken on 62 minutes when a perfectly delivered corner kick by Mohammed Ihattaren was complimented by a strong header from Liam Van Gelderen.

Ireland hit back just two minutes later when Parrott cooly finished off a slick attacking move that saw Barry Coffey pull the ball back to the Tottenham Hotspur youngster to equalise in style.

O’Brien’s side kept the pressure on with Oisin McEntee heading over and a stinging shot from Jason Knight, but they could not find a winner so the game had to go to a penalty shoot-out.

Dutch goalkeeper Joey Koorevaar saved from Adam Idah in the first spot-kick before Parrott, Max Murphy, Knight, and Callum Thompson converted. Then Corcoran pulled off a heroic save but referee Zbynek Proske made his decision.

Ireland can depart this tournament with their heads held high and be proud of the football they played right until the very end.

Republic of Ireland: Corcoran; Murphy, McEntee, Collins, Ledwidge; Coffey, Knight, Parrott; Wright (O’Reilly 80), Idah, Thompson.

Netherlands: Koorevaar; Q Maduro (Mamengi 80), Van Gelderen, J Maduro, Hendriks; Franken, Ihattaren, Burger; Summerville, Redan, Tavsan (Brobbey 51).

Referee: Zbynek Proske (Czech Republic).

After the cruelty of crashing out of the UEFA U-17 European Championships in a penalty shoot-out, Colin O'Brien lauded his Republic of Ireland squad for their amazing journey.

O'Brien started the qualifying campaign with the hope of booking a place at this year's finals in England and that is exactly what happened as his team won all six qualifiers across the Qualifying & Elite Rounds.

At the tournament, Ireland suffered a set-back by losing to Belgium in their opening game before overcoming Denmark and Bosnia & Herzegovina to seal passage through to the knock-out stages.

In their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands, Troy Parrott equalised to force a 1-1 draw and bring the game into a penalty shoot-out, which saw the Dutch win 5-4 after goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran was sent off.

Yet, O'Brien had nothing but praise for what he described as an 'extraordinary' group of players.

"The overall feeling that I have is immense pride. To consider that this squad of players only lost one game in regular play from 10 competitive games and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championships is quite incredible," said O'Brien.

"The players represented their country with great honour. They played good football, maintained a professional attitude throughout, and bounced back whenever things didn't quite work out. They bowed out of the tournament with a lot of dignity.

"It's now time for the players to reflect on this journey and move on with their club careers. I'm sure they will be aiming to break into the Under-19 squad next term and, on this showing, they have every chance of extending their international careers.

"It was a fantastic experience to work with this group of players, as well as the backroom staff, and I'm really proud of what they achieved."

The FAI Board issued a statement to acknowledge the tremendous effort of this squad and their achievement of surpassing some of Europe's elite teams by reaching the quarter-finals.

"It is a credit to Colin O'Brien and his squad of players that they performed so admirably in this year's UEFA Under-17 European Championships - only missing out cruelly in a penalty shoot-out," read a statement.

"This is the second year in a row that Colin has led a team to the quarter-finals of this competition and he deserves every plaudit that comes his way. So too do the players who continually defied the odds in qualification and turned on the style at the finals.

"As we prepare to host this tournament in Ireland next year we look forward to seeing Colin lead another squad of players forward for what will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Irish football as a whole.

"For the players who performed so magnificently in this year's tournament, we hope that they go on to wear the green Ireland jersey with pride at other levels as they progress with their careers."

Osam takes charge of his side for the final time this season, for games against Sweden, Austria and Turkey. They players will move on to Colin O'Brien's Under-17 side next season.

With three games in five days, Osam says the Development Tournament will be a taster for what's to come at Under-17 level.

"We're trying to replicate as close as possible to what the players will be dealing with next year at the Under-17 European Championships. They will be playing three games in five days in Sweden. It's as close as possible to what the players experience in tournament football.

"This is a culmination of everything we have done this season. We want to hand the best players over to Under-17 Head Coach Colin O'Brien for next season."

Osam's side begin their campaign on Sunday, May 18th against Sweden.

Republic of Ireland U16 Squad
Goalkeepers: Harry Halwax (Leixlip United), Dan Rose (Everton)
Defenders: Thomas Considine (Bohemians), Alex Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers), Cian Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Mazeed Ogungbo (Arsenal), Conrad Egan-Riley (Manchester City), Luke Turner (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Matt Healy (College Corinthians), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Brandon Holt (St. Patrick's Athletic), Seamas Keogh (Sligo Rovers), Ronan McKinley (Derry City)
Forwards: Festy Ebosele (Bray Wanderers), Cillian Heaney (Sligo Rovers), Sean Kennedy (Tralee Dynamos), Sean McGrath (Limerick), Ayodeji Sotana (Manchester United), Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament
Friday, May 18th: Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Lysekil, 6.30pm (5.30pm Irish time) 
Sunday, May 20th: Republic of Ireland v Austria, Stenungsund, 3pm (2pm Irish time)
Tuesday, May 22nd: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Munkedal, 11am (10am Irish time)

The 2018 Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament is set to be launched on Wednesday, May 16th at the Limerick County Buildings at 4.30pm. 

The draw for the tournament will take place just before the launch with the four groups in the U14 & U16 tournaments set to be drawn. Each pot has been seeded and the four groups will be drawn by FAI President Tony Fitzgerald & Fota Island Resort Director of Marketing Seamus Leahy.

There will be four teams in the U12 tournament and they will also be drawn into the semi-finals. 

The tournament will be played at the University of Limerick from Wednesday, June 20 to Sunday, June 24. 

The pots for the draw are below:-

Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament - U16

Pot 1

1 Metropolitan Girls League
2 Galway League
3 Cork Womens and Schoolgirls League
4 Midlands

Pot 2

1 Inishowen League
2 Waterford League
3 Mayo League
4 Donegal League

Pot 3

1 Limerick County
2 Limerick Desmond
3 North Eastern Counties Schoolboy/Girl League
4 Longford League

Pot 4

1 Sligo/Leitrim League
2 Tipperary Schoolboys/girls Southern District League
3 Clare League
4 Wexford League

Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament - U14

Pot 1

1 Metropolitan Girls League
2 Galway League
3 Inishowen League
4 Donegal League

Pot 2

1 Limerick Desmond
2 Mayo League
3 Cork Womens and Schoolgirls League
4 Mid-Western Girls League

Pot 3

1 Sligo/Leitrim League
2 Tipperary Schoolboys/girls Southern District League
3 Midlands League
4 Longford League

Pot 4

1 Kilkenny League
2 Limerick County
3 North Tipperary Schoolboys/girls League
4 Carlow League

Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament - U12

1 Galway League
2 Kerry League
3 Metropolitan Girls League
4 Sligo/Leitrim League

After a 1-0 loss to hosts Sweden and a penalty shootout defeat to Austria, Sharon Boyle's side ended a rewarding trip with a well-deserved win in Lysekil.

Ziu's goal came from a short corner with the midfielder heading home at the back post, to guarantee the three points

Head Coach Sharon Boyle said the three games have proven very beneficial for the team's development, before the move on to Under-17 level.

"You couldn't have asked for better opposition. I'm proud of how everyone applied themselves this week in Sweden. It's a very strong group that will now move onto the Under-17s.

"The girls had to dig deep today. You could see their relief when Jessica scored. All their hard work this week paid off.

"Only Muireann Devaney and Aoibheann Clancy will be with the Under-16s next year. The rest will move onto the Under-17s. They now know what's expected of them when they move up an age grade."

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Maguire; Eabha O'Mahony, Ellie Ferguson, Mia Dodd, Zara Foley; Jessica Ziu, Aoibheann Clancy, Muireann Devaney; Shauna Carroll, Lauren Egbuloniu, Sophie Liston

Substitutes used: Kayla Brady, Hana Ueno, Nadine Clare, Emily Whelan, Blessing Kingsley, Bobbi Downer 

The 2018 Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament was launched at Limerick County Buildings.

Set to take place in the University of Limerick from Thursday, June 21 through to Sunday, June 24, the Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Cup will see the best girls from around the country represent their league at Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 levels.

Following a qualification stage, which involved 62 teams, 34 teams will compete at the tournament in the four-day competition. 

The Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament has been hugely influential in the development of female footballers with many of the current Republic of Ireland Women's teams made up of past participants.

Dave Connell, FAI Head of Women’s Underage Development and WU19s Head Coach said: "The Gaynor Tournament is a crucial step along the elite player pathway and we're always looking to improve that process each year. We introduced a qualification stage to help refine and progress that pathway, and we'll have 34 teams participating in the finals tournament this year. 

"The change is to facilitate the elite players who we are trying to get on a pathway that starts with the Aviva Soccer Sisters camps and continues with the Castleknock Hotel Girls Centre of Excellence before the Fota Island Resort Gaynor Tournament.

"This is about the player's development and we want to make the Gaynor Cup an elite competition for their benefit. By playing against the best players, those aspiring to get selected for Republic of Ireland squads or make the Women's National League will be in a far better position.

"For example, Isibeal Atkinson was part of the Metropolitan Girls League side which won the U16 Cup last year and now, she's been selected in each Women's National Team squad since November. It is a huge sign of progress in Women's football and the elite player pathway."

Fota Island Resort - one of Europe's five-star luxury resorts based in County Cork - has continued their title sponsorship of the tournament and helps bring a greater spotlight to the tournament.

Sue Ronan, FAI Head of Women's Football, said: "The Gaynor Tournament remains one of the best tournaments to aid the development of female footballers in this country.

"A lot of credit must go to Niamh O'Donoghue, Dave Connell, members of the WFC and the many volunteers who have helped the tournament to grow from strength to strength.

"When you have a competition that produces the likes of Stephanie Roche and Katie McCabe, established Republic of Ireland senior internationals, then you know it is something special. The Gaynor Tournament plays a big role in the development of women's football, which is incredibly important to the Association and is one of the nine pillars in our Strategic Plan for 2020.

"We'd also like to thank Fota Island Resort for their continued support as title sponsor as it allows the tournament to grow even more and further strengthen its reputation."

Seamus Leahy, Director of Marketing at Fota Island Resort, said: "We're proud to continue our sponsorship of the Fota Island Resort Gaynor Tournament. It was a fantastic tournament last year and to see Women's football progress to new heights in Ireland over recent years is fantastic to see.

"With the participation in the sport continuing to grow, we're delighted to support the sport at both a grass-roots and elite level. We were incredibly proud to host the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team for a training camp in February and we look forward to continue to look for ways to support and encourage girls and women to get involved in football."

U12 Tournament - Semi-Finals
Kerry League v Metropolitan Girls League
Galway v Sligo/Leitrim

U14 Tournament

Group 1
Metropolitan Girls League
Mid-Western
Midlands
Limerick County

Group 2
Galway League
Limerick Desmond
Sligo/Leitrim
Kilkenny

Group 3
Inishowen
Mayo
Longford
Carlow

Group 4
Donegal
Cork
South Tipperary
North Tipperary

U16 Tournament

Group 1
Galway League
Waterford League
NECSL
Sligo/Leitrim

Group 2
Midlands League
Donegal League
Limerick County
Wexford

Group 3
Metropolitan Girls League
Inishowen
Limerick Desmond
Clare League

Group 4
Cork
Mayo
Longford
South Tipperary

Sweden scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, and despite the best efforts of Paul Osam's team, they were not able get on level terms with the hosts.

Although the team suffered a loss, Head Coach Osam was impressed with how the team performed.

"We had a very slow start, conceding two poor goals in the first ten minutes. You cant do that at this level.

"In the second-half we were excellent. We created six or seven opportunities to score. I don't think Sweden had one chance. The team were really good.

"Overall I was delighted with the second-half performance."

The team return to action on Sunday afternoon. They play Austria in Stenungsund at 1.30pm (12.30pm Irish time)

Republic of Ireland: Harry Halwax; James Furlong, Cian Kelly, Luke Turner, Thomas Considine; Brandon Holt (Leonardo Gaxha 68), Seamas Keogh, Joe Hodge (Sean McGrath 68); Festy Ebosele, Conor Carty (Ayodeji Sotana 55), Sean Kennedy (Cillian Heaney 55).

The launch took place in the Vertigo room in Cork's County Hall in the presence of Deputy Lord Mayor Thomas Moloney, County Lord Mayor Councillor Declan Hurley, FAI President Tony Fitzgerald,FAI CEO John Delaney, Republic of Ireland managers Martin O'Neill and Colin Bell, as well as Development Officers Dave Bell and Stephen O'Mahony.

"I'm delighted that the FAI will be bringing the Festival of Football and AGM to Cork this year. Grassroots football is the foundation that we build everything else on and Cork is one of the most impressive counties when it comes to development, administration and volunteer work at grassroots level," said Delaney.

"There is fantastic footballing heritage in Cork with administrators like Donie Forde and Pat O'Brien, top class coaches like our current Ireland Under-17 head coach Colin O'Brien, and, of course, excellent players like Noel Cantwell, Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Denise O'Sullivan, Megan Connolly and David Meyler.

"A huge part of the Festival of Football is celebrating what has been done, recognising achievements, but also looking ahead with developments such as the Centre of Excellence in Glanmire. It is an exciting time for football in Cork.

"Since 2007 we have been able to visit different counties as part of the Festival of Football roadshow and it is a great way to connect with those making a difference in the development of our game. We look forward to visiting Cork in August for the Festival of Football and also our AGM."

This will be the first time that the Festival of Football and AGM will visit Cork following previous years in Kerry, Mayo, Monaghan, Wexford, Clare, Donegal, Wicklow, Westmeath, Sligo/Leitrim, Tipperary, and Kilkenny.

Among the events planned for the week-long Festival of Football are over 30 club visits by former Republic of Ireland internationals, well-known footballing personalities, FAI personnel, high-profile coaches, with SportsDirect.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools camps also taking place across the county.

The FAI Coach Education Department will run a festival in tandem for the week to offer a unique opportunity for parents and aspiring coaches to complete introductory level coaching courses and workshops, while football fun days will also take place throughout the county.

The FAI will make equipment, funds, match tickets and services available to clubs in Cork to mark the county's hosting of the 2018 FAI AGM.

Around 250 delegates representing every League and divisional association in Ireland are expected to attend the AGM, while a Delegates Dinner will be hosted on Friday, August 17 where a number of national awards will be given out.

Paul Osam's side conceded twice in the first-half, before Austria ensured the win with their third and final goal after the break.

Seven changes were made to the side that lost to Sweden on Friday night. Captain Seamas Keogh, James Furlong, Joe Hodge and Sean Kennedy all kept their places in the starting lineup.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Osam said the side have some areas to work on ahead of their final game of the tournament on Tuesday.

"Our first objective will be to keep a clean sheet. We've tried to do that in the first two games. We hope to get a positive result."

Ireland's Under-16 side end their season with a game against Turkey, on Tuesday in Munkedal. Kick-off is at 11am (10am Irish time).

Republic of Ireland: Daniel Rose; James Furlong, Mazeed Ogungbo, Conrad Egan-Riley, Seamas Keogh; Joe Hodge, Matt Healy, Ronan McKinley; Ayodeji Sotana, Cillian Heaney, Sean Kennedy.

Substitutes used: Thomas Considine, Cian Kelly, Luke Turner, Conor Carty, Festy Ebosele, Leonardo Gaxha, Sean McGrath, Brandon Holt

The former Sligo Rovers full-back was a special guest on the latest episode of Greatest League In The World - the official weekly podcast of the SSE Airtricity League - where he spoke passionately about his respect for the domestic game.

Hosted by Con Murphy and St Patrick's Athletic winger Conan Byrne, the podcast has proved to be hugely popular amongst everyone connected to the League, as well as newcomers, due to the interesting debates, superb guests, and the tackling of all the major issues.

Past guests include President Michael D. Higgins, Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, and a host of personalities who are involved in the League in various ways. Also on the latest episode is UCD boss Collie O'Neill, who discusses his own coaching pathway.

Although it is Coleman's honest views on the League that stand out. The 29-year-old is committed to starting his coach education with the FAI and he sees the League as a potential platform to learn his trade - once he eventually hangs up his boots.

"My focus is probably on playing as long as I can in England at the highest level I can and I wouldn't want to come back to the League of Ireland just to come back - I would want to make sure I had something to offer," said Coleman.

"I know James (McClean) is very passionate about coming back to Derry and being a Derry lad I think that hits home a bit more for him. But he wants to come back with plenty in the tank, from talking to him. I want to play as long as I can at the highest level and then see from there.

"It has crossed my mind a few times to get my coaching badges done and managing, or starting, in the League of Ireland. And try and do well and build from there."

Click on the links below to listen to the latest episode of Greatest League In The World
- iTunes 

Don't forget to rate & review Greatest League In The World on iTunes and subscribe to ensure you don't miss any future episodes

Twelve months previously, there were four schools capturing a remarkable double Cup success but this was not the case this year. However, we did see inform Mulroy College, Milford, St. Mary’s SS, Newport and Dublin Oak Academy, Bray retain their impressive titles. While Glenamaddy and Sacred Heart School, Westport returned to winning ways following a lengthy hiatus. It was also nice to see some new schools capture their first piece of National silverware with Grennan College and Killina Presentation making a name for themselves this season. 

FAI Schools organise National Cups in the boys and girls sections, with eight divisions apiece catering for small and large schools tailored for Under-19, 17, 15 and 14 age groups.

Each provincial branch also offer an extensive local League structure co-ordinated by teachers voluntarily.

The series of competitions provide football to over 500 post-primary schools nationwide with almost 38,000 students participating annually. 

The Girls Cup winners this season hail from Donegal (2), Mayo (2), Tipperary (2), Galway and newcomers Offaly. While the Boys Cup winners included schools from Donegal (2), Galway (2), Cork, Kilkenny, Wicklow and Wexford.

Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup Final Girls Winners 2017/18
Senior Cup                         Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Senior ‘B’ Cup                    Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal
Junior Cup                          Moville Community College, Donegal
Junior ‘B’ Cup                     St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Killala, Mayo
Minor Cup                           Claregalway College, Galway
Minor ‘B’ Cup                      Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Offaly
First Year Cup                    Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo
First Year ‘B’ Cup              St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary

Presentation Secondary School, Thurles were named the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior Girls National Cup winners following a 2-0 victory over Donegal’s Moville Community College in Home Farm FC on February 21. 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.

Mulroy College, Milford retained their Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup title with a hard fought 2-0 win over debutants Midleton College, Cork in Home Farm FC on January 31. A brace from Laura Dugera was enough to see off the Leesiders in Whitehall as Dugera and Co. notched up a fine display for the Milford posse.

A debutant season for Manager Aoife Hegarty of Moville Community College saw her side claim the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Junior Girls National Cup following a dramatic final in the AUL Complex on March 14.  The game was moved to the Clonshaugh venue following torrential rain in Dublin which proved too difficult for the surface at Home Farm FC to manage.   Played in very difficult conditions the Moville crew came from a goal down to claim the prestigious title, making up for the heartache of missing out in the Senior Cup the month previous where Presentation SS, Thurles gained the upper hand.

St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross made up for last season’s bitter disappointment by defeating newcomers Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa of Clara in a pulsating tie in the AUL Complex on March 7 to be crowned Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Champions. The Mayo goal-scorers included Ailbhe McHale, Alva Munnelly and Deirbhle McHale while Ciara Guilfoyle netted for the Clara crew, 3-1 the final score. 

Claregalway College lifted the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Girls National Cup in fine style with a disciplined display overcoming a determined Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana in Ray MacSharry Park on April 9.  The Galway girls had two Under-15 Schools’ International starlets in the starting line-up with Captain Shauna Brennan and Kate Slevin applying their expertise for Cooney’s charges while Scoil Mhuire were hampered by the absence of striker Emma Doherty who was out of commission due to a broken leg. Claregalway ran out 3-0 victors with Sara Cogley, Chellene Trill and Elisha Bohan all netting.

A soliditary goal courtesy of Emma Dolan was enough to see Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore overcome defending Champions St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport to cause an upset and claim the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls National Cup  in Birr Town FC on April 17.

Sacred Heart School, Westport captured the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup in dramatic fashion at the AUL Complex on May 8 when they defeated Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny 4-3 in a nail biting penalty shoot-out after neither side could break the deadlock even after 20-minutes of extra time.

St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport secured their second consecutive title in the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup following a confident display against Leinster stars St. Laurence College of Loughlinstown in the AUL Complex on May 11. A brace in each half ensured the honours for the Tipperary crew with Robyn McNamara, Abbie Lenihan (2) and Ailin Rochford getting on the scoresheet as well as Isabella Connors netting of the Dublin side to finish 4-1.

Bank of Ireland FAI Schools National Cup Final Boys Winners 2017/18
Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior Cup          Carndonagh Community College, Donegal
John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup         Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Tom Ticher Junior Cup                  St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Junior ‘B’ Cup                                Glenamaddy Community School, Galway
Minor Cup                                      St. Joseph’s College, Galway
Minor ‘B’ Cup                                 PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
First Year Cup                                St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
First Year ‘B’ Cup                           Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow

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 on April 25.

Grennan College, Thomastown stunned the Ulster Champions PCC Falcarragh following a late surge in Gortakeegan on April 3 to lift the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup. Three goals in the final twenty minutes of a pulsating tie saw Denis Doyle’s side snatch the silverware from Belmullet outfit St. Brendan’s College.

Kieran Murphy fired home a goal of real quality which ultimately proved enough for St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy to claim their first ever Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Tom Ticher Junior National Cup in an exciting and highly competitive decider against favourites St. Joseph’s College, Galway at Home Farm FC on May 2.

Glenamaddy Community School captured the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Boys National Cup following an exquisite brace in the second half to claim victory over a classy PCC Falcarragh in Ray MacSharry Park on March 21. The Galway side last won a National title back in 2004 when they claimed the John Murphy Senior ‘B’ Cup for the first time at U18 level. The 2018 season saw the emergence of a new Junior ‘B’ division so Glenamaddy will be the first ever name etched on the silverware following their stunning performance in the Sligo venue.

St. Joseph’s College, Galway defeated St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar in stylish fashion to lift the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor Boys National Cup in IT Sligo on April 10 with a six goal thriller ending 4-2 to the Connacht stars following a late flourish.

PCC Falcarragh secured the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National Cup as they made a surreal comeback scoring three goals in the second half against a hard-working Coola Post Primary School, Sligo to snatch a 3-2 victory in IT Sligo on April 10

Harry Nevin was the hat-trick hero yet again as St. Francis College, Rochestown (AKA Roco) powered past St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny to take the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup in an action packed decider at the AUL Complex on May 10.

A goal in each half saw the holders Dublin Oak Academy, Bray edge out Coola Post Primary School, Sligo 2-1 and capture a third successive Bank of Ireland FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Boys National Cup in a thrilling Final at the AUL Complex on May 10.

Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Post Primary Provincial & National Winners 2017/18

FAI Schools Senior 'B' Boys    (John Murphy Cup)
National Champions        Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny     
National Runners Up       St. Brendan’s College, Belmullet, Mayo

Ulster                               PCC Falcarragh, Donegal     
Munster                           St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point, Clare
Leinster                           Grennan College, Thomastown, Kilkenny
Connacht                         St. Brendan’s College, Belmullet, Mayo

FAI Schools Senior 'B' Girls
National Champions        Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal               
National Runners Up       Midleton College, Cork         

Ulster                               Mulroy College, Milford, Donegal             
Munster                            Midleton College, Cork         
Leinster                            St. Kilian’s Deutsche Schule, Clonskeagh, Dublin
Connacht                          St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Killala, Mayo

FAI Schools Senior Boys (Dr. Tony O'Neill Cup)
National Champions        Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
National Runners Up       Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone, Roscommon

Ulster                               Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster                            Mount Sion CBS SS, Waterford
Leinster                            Chanel College, Coolock, Dublin
Connacht                         Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone, Roscommon

FAI Schools Senior Girls
National Champions        Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
National Runners Up       Moville Community College, Donegal

Ulster                               Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster                           Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster                            Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Connacht                          Meánscoil Muire gan Smál, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon

FAI Schools Junior Boys (Tom Ticher Cup)
National Champions        St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
National Runners Up       St. Joseph’s College, Galway   

Ulster                                Loreto Community School, Milford, Donegal
Munster                            Mount Sion CBS SS, Waterford
Leinster                            St. Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, Wexford
Connacht                          St. Joseph’s College, Galway   

FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Boys
National Champions        Glenamaddy Community School, Galway
National Runners Up       PCC Falcarragh, Donegal

Ulster                               PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Munster                            MICC Dunmanway, Cork
Leinster                            Rockbrook Park College, Rathfarnham, Dublin
Connacht                          Glenamaddy Community School, Galway

FAI Schools Junior Girls
National Champions        Moville Community College, Donegal
National Runners Up       Claregalway College, Galway

Ulster                                Moville Community College, Donegal
Munster                            Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West, Limerick
Leinster                             Athlone Community College, Westmeath
Connacht                          Claregalway College, Galway

FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls
National Champions        St. Patrick's College, Lacken Cross, Killala, Mayo
National Runners Up       Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara, Offaly

Ulster                               Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceannain, Dún na nGall
Munster                            Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, Limerick
Leinster                            Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara, Offaly
Connacht                          St. Patrick's College, Lacken Cross, Killala, Mayo

FAI Schools Minor Boys
National Champions       St. Joseph’s College, Galway
National Runners Up      St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal

Ulster                              St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Donegal
Munster                           St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster                           Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge, Kildare
Connacht                        St. Joseph’s College, Galway

FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys
National Champions        PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
National Runners Up       Coola Post Primary School, Sligo

Ulster                               PCC Falcarragh, Donegal
Munster                            Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, Limerick
Leinster                            No Qualifier       
Connacht                         Coola Post Primary School, Sligo

FAI Schools Minor Girls
National Champions        Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway
National Runners Up       Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana, Donegal

Ulster                                Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana, Donegal
Munster                             Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary
Leinster                             Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht                          Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway

FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls
National Champions        Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Offaly
National Runners Up       St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary

Ulster                               Coláiste Ailigh, Leitir Ceannain, Dún na nGall
Munster                            St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
Leinster                            Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore, Offaly
Connacht                         St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, Mayo

FAI Schools First Year Boys
National Champions        St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
National Runners Up       St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny

Ulster                               Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster                            St. Francis College, Rochestown, Cork
Leinster                            St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny
Connacht                         Calasanctius College, Oranmore, Galway

FAI Schools First Year 'B' Boys
National Champions       Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
National Runners Up      Coola Post Primary School, Sligo

Ulster                               Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Donegal
Munster                           St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
Leinster                            Dublin Oak Academy, Bray, Wicklow
Connacht                         Coola Post Primary School, Sligo

FAI Schools First Year Girls
National Champions        Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo
National Runners Up       Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny

Ulster                               Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
Munster                            Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick
Leinster                             Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Connacht                          Sacred Heart School, Westport, Mayo

FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls
National Champions        St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
National Runners Up       St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin

Ulster                                Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Dún na nGall
Munster                            St. Mary’s Secondary School, Newport, Tipperary
Leinster                             St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin
Connacht                          St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, Mayo

Home Farm's Whitehall will host the match, with a kick-off at 2pm, on May 27th.

The team will meet up on Saturday afternoon in Dublin, before facing England the following day.

2018 FAI New Balance Intermediate Cup champions are represented in the squad by their captain Paul Murphy (pictured above). The striker was named man-of-the-match in the recent Intermediate Cup Final. He also scored two penalties in the game, with one coming in normal time, and the second in the penalty shootout.

Republic of Ireland Amateur Squad
Brendan O’ Connell (Rockmount FC), Mark Power (College Cortinthians), Jordan Buckey (Usher Celtic), Mark Horgan (Avondale FC), Shane Stritch (Bluebell United), Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Noel Murray (Crumlin United), Brian Fitzgerald (Cobh Wanderers), Christopher Mc Carthy (Mayfield FC), Adam Foley (Glebe North FC), Shane Clarke (Janesboro FC), Shane Daly Butz (Janesboro FC), Tijani Albor (Midleton FC), Adam Mc Cormack (Killester United), Craig Walsh (Crumlin United), Paul Murphy (North End United), Thomas Hyland (Crumlin United), Jack Doherty (Carrick United). 

The FAI Club of the Year award, which is now in its 13th year, recognises, celebrates and promotes the inspirational work by clubs around Ireland.

Great clubs from around Ireland responded to the call of becoming FAI Club of the Year. The competition provided judges with a extremely difficult task to pick the eight nominees.

The judges focused on clubs who achieved excellent standards in club management, community engagement, coaching, participation opportunities, and facilities.

The eight nominees that were chosen are:
Ashbourne United AFC (Meath)
Ballinasloe Town AFC (Galway)
Ballymackey FC (Tipperary)
Broadford Rovers (Dublin)
Broadford United AFC (Limerick)
Colga FC (Galway)
Greystones United AFC (Wicklow)
Gweedore Celtic (Donegal)

The eight clubs will now receive a cheque worth €1,500 as reward for their nomination and will go forward to the final round at the FAI Festival of Football in Cork this August. Here they will present to the 2018 Club of the Year Judging Panel and the overall winners will be announced.                               

The FAI would like to thank each of the clubs who entered and will provide feedback to applicants to enable them to make a push for next year’s award.

The game finished 1-1 in normal time, with Ireland winning the penalty shootout 5-3.

Substitute Sean Kennedy (pictured above) scored Ireland's only goal five minutes from time to send the game to a penalty shootout. Joe Hodge, Ronan McKinley, Conrad Egan-Riley and Kennedy all scored their penalties, before Matt Healy scored the deciding spot kick for Paul Osam's side.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Paul Osam said he was pleased to see the team improve throughout the tournament.

"We played well, considering we conceded five goals in the previous two games. Today, we played more compact and on the counter-attack.

"We limited a very good Turkey side to two attempts in the game. It's nice to finish the tournament with a win. The team did excellently today defensively.

"We played three really good teams this week. The team were a match for Sweden, Austria and today against Turkey, although the results didn't show it overall. There was very little between all four teams in the tournament."

Republic of Ireland: Daniel Rose; James Furlong, Conrad Egan-Riley, Luke Turner, Thomas Considine; Joe Hodge, Seamas Keogh, Brandon Holt; Leonardo Gaxha, Festy Ebosele, Sean McGrath.

Substitutes used: Matt Healy, Cillian Heaney, Conor Carty, Mazeed Ogungbo, Ronan McKinley, Sean Kennedy.

The FAI has delivered the National Draw since 2013 to provide a straightforward and low-risk fundraising option for any club or league that wanted to avail of it. 

Since its inception, the National Draw has been a huge success with more than 1,000 clubs taking part and an average 100,000 tickets sold each year. In total, the draw raised more than €4,300,000 for grassroots football to date.

Clubs can purchase a minimum of 20 tickets for €1.50 each, and sell them for €10. All the profits are kept by each club. The FAI provides the tickets and posters for each club too, making the draw as hassle-free as possible.

Among the prizes up for grabs are four Ford Fiestas, a trip for two to the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final in Madrid and four SSE Airtricity League family season tickets.

“Fundraising is a vital part of running a football club and often takes a huge commitment from volunteers”, said FAI Club and League Development Manager, Ger McDermott.

“The FAI National Draw offers clubs a low-risk solution to help raise these much needed funds. Many of our grassroots clubs utilise the draw to take significant strides in their development and growth and have strengthened their presence in their community as a result. The draw is open to all clubs and I would love to see more clubs getting involved in 2018.

“The draw simply would not be possible without the support of our sponsors who recognise that our grassroots clubs and volunteers are the heartbeat of our game. I would like to sincerely thank them for their continued support with this fantastic fundraising initiative.”

The 2018 FAI National Draw will take place in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on November 21st. For more information, please visit http://www.fai.ie/domestic/fai-national-draw

The new FAI-LMETB Player Development programme will run full time from Monday to Friday starting in September 2018 for a full year. The course is open to both male and female players. Trainees will take part in a QQI Level 5 Sport & Recreation Major award course and will also have the opportunity to achieve an ITEC accredited qualification in Gym Instruction.

Course participants will also take their first steps on the FAI Coaching ladder and earn a National D coaching license qualification which will qualify them to work as coaches on various FAI programmes such as the Summer Soccer Schools.

A unique feature of the course centres around the opportunity to train on a full-time basis overseen by experienced FAI and UEFA A qualified professional coaches. The player development programme runs alongside the education programme and trainees will be able achieve their full potential as football players.

Former graduates of the FAI-ETB courses include a number of current and former Dundalk FC players such as Chris Shiels, Sean Gannon and John Mountney as well as former Lilywhites favourites, Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle who have earned contracts in the UK and have been capped in the Senior National team under Martin O’Neill.

Indeed, a number of the current Women’s Senior National team such as Stephanie Roche, Roma McLaughlin and team captain, Katie McCabe are also graduates of the programme. Katie signed a contract with Arsenal FC Ladies following her time at the Clondalkin course under the supervision of  Harry Kenny who is the course Coordinator there.

An attractive feature of the course is that trainees have the chance to participate in a sports related academic programme free of charge and are actually paid a training allowance to participate on the course.

Area Manager of the LMETB based in Dundalk training centre, Ray Murphy said:

“We are delighted to form this partnership with the FAI to provide this unique opportunity to young aspiring football players in the Louth-Meath region. I have no doubt that given the popularity of football in the area that we will have huge interest in the course. I’m very sure the course will be a big success and will contribute to providing quality educational and sporting opportunities to local people”.

FAI Programme Manager Derek O’Neill also said:

“The FAI is also delighted to partner with the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board to deliver this initiative. The Louth-Meath area is host to two famous League of Ireland clubs in Dundalk FC and Drogheda United who can provide elite playing opportunities to talented young people in the region. I’m sure these league clubs as well as the many other junior and senior clubs in the region will benefit from the players who graduate from our course.

However, we should remember that the course is foremost about educational opportunities for young people locally and although we have had great progressions in a sporting sense, we have had a huge number of people progressing to third level education and employment from our courses. So, in that sense, a cooperation between the FAI and the Louth & Meath ETB is a perfect fit and satisfies all of our objectives”.

The course is due to start on the 24th September 2018 and is one of ten similar courses delivered in cooperation with ETBs countrywide and will be based in the excellent facilities of the Dundalk Institute of Technology. For further information and to apply to join the course, see www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

You can also register your interest at www.fetchcourses.ie

Trials are expected to take place during August 2018 so it’s important that people interested in joining the course should register their interest as early as possible.

The new FAI-WWETB Player Development programme will run full time from Monday to Friday starting in September 2018 for a full year. The course is open to male and female players. Trainees will take part in a QQI level 5 Sport & Recreation Major award course for which trainees can work towards earning 400 CAO points should they be interested in progressing to third-level education.

Trainees will also have the opportunity to achieve an ITEC accredited qualification in Gym Instruction as well as the opportunity to take their first steps on the FAI Coaching ladder and earn a National D Coaching License Qualification which can qualify them to work as coaches on various FAI programmes such as the Summer Soccer Schools.

A unique feature of the course centres around the opportunity to train on a full-time basis overseen by experienced FAI and UEFA A qualified professional coaches. The player development programme runs in tandem with the education programme and trainees can aim to progress their standard of education while striving to achieve their full potential as football players. Former graduates of the FAI-ETB courses include over one hundred players who have progressed to League of Ireland professional level while players such as Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle, Matt Doherty, Kevin Long and Enda Stevens have earned contracts in the UK and have even featured in the Republic of Ireland Senior National squad under Martin O’Neill. 

Some of the current Women’s Senior National team such as Stephanie Roche, Roma McLaughlin and team captain, Katie McCabe are also graduates of the programme. Katie signed a contract with Arsenal FC Ladies following her time at the Clondalkin course under the supervision of Harry Kenny, who is the course Coordinator there.

Participating on the course can prepare trainees for the rigours of becoming a full time professional football player. As well as the opportunity to participate in a sports themed academic programme free of charge, trainees are actually paid a training allowance to participate on the course!

Community Training Officer in the WWETB Noel Hackett said:

“We are delighted to form this partnership with the FAI to be able to provide this unique opportunity to young aspiring football players in the Waterford and Wexford regions. I have no doubt that given the popularity of football in the area that we will have huge interest in the course. I’m very sure the course will be a big success and will contribute to providing quality educational and sporting opportunities to many local people”.

FAI Programme Manager Derek O’Neill also said:

“The FAI is also delighted to partner with the Waterford and Wexford Education & Training Board to deliver this initiative. The area is host to two League of Ireland clubs in Waterford FC and Wexford FC who can provide elite playing opportunities to talented young people in the region. I’m sure these league clubs as well as many other top-class junior and senior football clubs in the region will benefit from the players who graduate from our course.

However, we should remember that the course is foremost about educational opportunities for young people locally and although the courses have produced great progressions in a sporting sense, we have also had a huge number of people progressing to third level education and employment. So, in that sense, a cooperation between the FAI and the ETB is a perfect fit and satisfies all of our objectives”.

The course is due to start on the 24th September 2018 and will be based in the excellent facilities of the Waterford Institute of Technology. For further information and to apply to join the course, see www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

The course is one of ten which are delivered countrywide and applications for the Waterford course and others can also be made at local ETB training centres.