As one of 12 UEFA EURO 2020 successful bidding cities, Dublin will host three group games and one round 16 game at the Aviva Stadium. The UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the dates of the games that will take place in Dublin being Monday, June 15, Friday, June 19, Wednesday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 30.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Ross said: "I am delighted to welcome today's announcement of Dublin's match days for EURO 2020. This tournament is one of the most watched and supported events in world sport after the World Cup and the Olympics. Irish supporters are known for generating a great atmosphere wherever they travel and this tournament gives Irish supporters a chance to extend our unique welcome to up to 160,000 supporters who could travel here in June 2020."

Minister Griffin added: "EURO 2020 will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that is great about Ireland and Dublin. The Department has been working in partnership with the FAI and DCC preparing for this tournament since 2016. Today's announcement regarding our match days in EURO 2020 will not only build the anticipation for the event coming to Dublin but will help all the key stakeholders to advance our hosting plans."

Ardmheara Bhaile Atha Cliath, Micheal Mac Donncha, said: "EURO 2020 promises to be a wonderful event for Dublin. This is a city that is passionate about sport and we are looking forward to welcoming football supporters from all over Europe in June 2020. Dublin will also be hosting the draw for EURO 2020 qualifying groups in December 2018, with delegates from all UEFA member associations and international media attending."

Owen Keegan, Dublin City Council Chief Executive, said: "Dublin's preparation for EURO 2020 began in 2016. We are working closely with stakeholders to deliver on our ambition that Dublin emerges the best of the 12 EURO 2020 host cities. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase Dublin on the world stage, with thousands of supporters attending and millions more watching on television."

FAI CEO John Delaney believes the four games will act as the perfect opportunity to promote Irish football and the country with the world's media watching on.

"It is great to have the dates confirmed as we continue with our preparations for what will be the biggest international sporting event yet to be staged in Ireland," said Delaney.

"The Local Organising Committee, made up of key people from the FAI, Dublin City Council, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Failte Ireland, have been working hard with key agencies and partners to UEFA's guidelines to prepare for the hosting of four matches in our city. We are looking forward to UEFA staging the draw in Dublin on December 2, where every member nation of UEFA will be in attendance along with the world's media.

"Being able to host four games at EURO 2020 allows us to showcase Irish football, Aviva Stadium, the city of Dublin, and the country as a whole. It is an exciting time and I'm sure that football supporters from all over Europe will be looking forward to visiting Dublin in June 2020."

The bid to host the televised draw for the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying groups was also successfully won by Dublin and will be held in Dublin’s Convention Centre on December 2, 2018. The event will be attended by delegates from all 55 UEFA member nations and over 350 international media representatives with an estimated TV audience worldwide of 140 million.

The four UEFA EURO 2020 matches being held in Dublin, in addition to the value brought to the economy, represent a unique opportunity to showcase the city and the country on the world stage. The UEFA EUROs is the world’s third biggest sporting event drawing an international TV audience of more than two billion when the 2016 Championships were held in France.

Following the qualification games, which take place in 2019, the draw for the finals itself will be held in December 2019 when match times of the Dublin games will be confirmed.

FAI CEO John Delaney has welcomed the news and believes the four games will act as the perfect opportunity to promote Irish football and the country with the world's media watching on.

"It is great to have the dates confirmed as we continue with our preparations for what will be the biggest international sporting event yet to be staged in Ireland," said Delaney.

"The Local Organising Committee, made up of key people from the FAI, Dublin City Council, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Failte Ireland, have been working hard with key agencies and partners to UEFA's guidelines to prepare for the hosting of four matches in our city. We are looking forward to UEFA staging the draw in Dublin on December 2, where every member nation of UEFA will be in attendance along with the world's media.

"Being able to host four games at EURO 2020 allows us to showcase Irish football, Aviva Stadium, the city of Dublin, and the country as a whole. It is an exciting time and I'm sure that football supporters from all over Europe will be looking forward to visiting Dublin in June 2020."

The bid to host the televised draw for the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying groups was also successfully won by Dublin and will be held in Dublin’s Convention Centre on December 2, 2018. The event will be attended by delegates from all 55 UEFA member nations and over 350 international media representatives with an estimated TV audience worldwide of 140 million.

The four UEFA EURO 2020 matches being held in Dublin, in addition to the value brought to the economy, represent a unique opportunity to showcase the city and the country on the world stage. The UEFA EUROs is the world’s third biggest sporting event drawing an international TV audience of more than two billion when the 2016 Championships were held in France.

Following the qualification games, which take place in 2019, the draw for the finals itself will be held in December 2019 when match times of the Dublin games will be confirmed.

There are first senior call-ups for goalkeepers Shane Supple and Conor O'Malley, midfielder Shaun Williams, and forward Graham Burke. The trio of O'Malley, Williams and Burke featured for an Ireland XI in last week's testimonial match against Celtic.

Both Supple and Burke will balance training & matches with their respective clubs - Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers - with international duty. 

Injuries rule out Darren Randolph (groin), Keiren Westwood (groin), Kieran O'Hara (ankle), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Sean Maguire (hamstring), while Callum Robinson is waiting for his international clearance to come through.

Defender John O'Shea will link up with the squad ahead of the USA game.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle, Conor O'Malley, Shane Supple
Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Kevin Long, Darragh Lenihan, Declan Rice, John O'Shea, Enda Stevens, Derrick Williams, Greg Cunningham
Midfielders: Callum O'Dowda, Harry Arter, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Eunan O'Kane, Alan Browne, Shaun Williams, James McClean, Daryl Horgan
Forwards: Jonathan Walters, Shane Long, Graham Burke

Beginning on Friday evening, the tournament also includes Southampton FC, Ajax, Club Brugges, Rapid Vienna, Torino, Bournemouth FC and Austria Vienna.

The FAI's Football For All programme, with the best of the FFA club players from Leinster and Munster have been competing in a series of competitive 90-minute games, over the past two years. Leinster won the first year’s series, with Munster winning this year.

From these two provincial squads, a Football for All panel of 12 players has been selected to represent Ireland at the international club tournament, being hosted by SK Rapid Vienna from May 25 to 27. 

Republic of Ireland squad: Matthew Collins (Midleton FC, Cork), Cian Cotter (Midleton FC, Cork), Michael O’Donovan (Carrigaline FC, Cork), Jack O’Keeffe (Evergreen FC, Kilkenny), Dion Kennedy (Evergreen FC, Kilkenny), Keith Begley (Newcastle West, Limerick), Jack Curran (Lourdes Celtic, Dublin), Sean O’Dalaigh (Lourdes Celtic, Dublin), Mark Hennigan (Malahide United, Dublin), Cian Fitzpatrick (Lourdes Celtic, Dublin), Daniel Walsh (Lourdes Celtic, Dublin),Thomas Caulfield (Lourdes Celtic, Dublin).

Coaches: Dave Bell, Ken O’Connell and Kyle Mates
 

A draw against Sweden will be enough to send Stuart Hayden's side to the Deaf European Championships in Crete. Ireland currently sit in second place in the group and a point will see us qualify.

Saturday's game is the first competitive home game that the side will play at the FAI National Training Centre.

"Over the past two years we have been trying to add youth to the squad as a lot of senior players have retired, its very important for the future of deaf football we give these young players the chance to play in these tournaments and gain the experience they will need to play international football for years to come", Hayden revealed ahead of the game.

"The players have prepared well over the last month and we will hopefully carry the momentum forward from the last game to this weekend's match."

Republic of Ireland squad:
Michael Walsh, Chris Fisher, Darren Dunne, Noel O'Donnell, Jason Maguire (capt), Mark Sinclair, Sean Young, Patrick Maher, Joey Watson, Jake Cassidy, Kevin Dudley, Daniel Landers, Richard Beattie, Daniel Okesanya, David Murry, Liam Mitchell, Andrew Ennis McLoughlin

Manager: Stuart Hayden. Asst Manager: Michael Johnston. Coach: Philip Connolly.

This unique course in its second year the run in partnership with the FAI and Fingal County Council with support from Empower, Blanchardstown. 

The ground-breaking course provides the young students with the opportunity to meet their educational requirements while developing a whole range of football skills and also gaining a full ITEC Fitness Instructor’s qualification from Litton Lane Training. This football-centred education initiative was run in Corduff Sports Centre over the course of the 2017-18 academic year with all students getting permission from their respective schools to attend.  

The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Mary McCamley, Fingal County Council Chief Executive, Paul Reid, Donal Conway, FAI Vice President and Republic of Ireland, Under 21 Team Manager Noel King, attended the event along with representatives from Empower, and elected members of Fingal County Council.

Speaking at the event, Paul Reid congratulated the 25 students who attended the course and added: “Within Fingal County Council we have a ‘can do’ attitude and this is another excellent initiative by our Sports Office. We are aware that young people within our community have sporting ambitions and this programme gave the students an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance their sporting skills while staying within the education system and also giving something back to their local communities through the work experience module of the course. It ticks a lot of boxes for us as an organisation which is focused on the development of communities within Fingal.” 

The course run in partnership with the Football Association of Ireland and supported by Empower Blanchardstown was extermely well-attended and recorded an impresssive average attendance rate of 93% throughout  the school year.  

In his address, Noel King spoke to the graduates about the unique opportuntiy that they had been given. King also acknowledged the quality of player on the course and congratulated the 4 students who had just come back from U16s International duty in Sweden. He encouragedall the studentsto follow their dreams and said that the skills they had gained will stand to them in all walks of life including whatever sport or sporting role they may decide to pursue in the future.  

Denis Hyland, an FAI-Fingal County Council Football Development Officer and Course Coordinator, stated: “The course allows TY Students to live in a proper sporting environment for a year while also meeting their educational needs. They are at an age when some young players head abroad to join professional clubs and this programme allows them to reap the same footballing benefits and a lot more while remaining at home within their families and putting something back into their local communities.” 

Prior to presenting them with their certificates The Mayor of Fingal, Councilor Mary McCamley,wished the students well when they resume with their academic studies in September and he also hoped that the course would have a positive effect on their futures, irrespective of whether their ambition leads them to a career in football, fitness or something else.

Needing only a draw to qualify for Crete 2019, Stuart Hayden's side booked their tickets to the Greek island, after a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon in the FAI National Training Centre.

Leading 1-0 at half-time through a David Murray goal, the win was ensured early in the second half with Jake Cassidy scoring twice in the space of ten minutes to guarantee the win.

Republic of Ireland squad:
Michael Walsh, Chris Fisher, Darren Dunne, Noel O'Donnell, Jason Maguire (capt), Mark Sinclair, Sean Young, Patrick Maher, Joey Watson, Jake Cassidy, Kevin Dudley, Daniel Landers, Richard Beattie, Daniel Okesanya, David Murry, Liam Mitchell, Andrew Ennis McLoughlin

Manager: Stuart Hayden. Asst Manager: Michael Johnston. Coach: Philip Connolly.

Six sections will see the schools divided in Provincial representatives in small, medium and large schools divisions. Girls are encouraged to play with the boys in the SPAR ‘A’ Cup, SPAR ‘B’ Cup and SPAR ‘C’ Cup sections but there is a separate competition for girls only; SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup for small schools, SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup for medium schools and the SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup for large schools.

The event will see 192 children from 24 schools participate in the final stages of the competition following four months of fun filled nationwide activity. The qualifying schools have come through their local County events, Regional and/or Provincial qualifiers to reach this stage of the competition with excitement mounting around the local areas.

This year the programme featured 1,528 schools with a total of 31,728 children participating which is a new record for the 5s programme which has been in existence since the mid-1990s. 

Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director said, “As a community-based retailer, SPAR encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and is proud to be a supporter of primary schools’ soccer in association with the FAI. SPAR local retailers throughout the Country have been supporting the programme for four years, which encourages children to enjoy the benefits of exercise in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.”

13 counties will be represented in the Aviva with Donegal leading the charge with 5 representatives. The Donegal army hail from Buncrana (two), Dungloe, Cockhill and Glenmakee. The rebel County, Cork have an impressive four schools qualified. While the Capital, Dublin have three schools in action. Galway and Mayo will see two schools each selected. Meanwhile, Carlow, Clare, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary and Wexford will each have one representative. The action will commence at 11.30am with the small schools section in boys and girls kicking us off.

It will be an extra special outing for Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana who have both their girls and boys competing in the large schools division next week. The Inishowen sides are in the unique position of potentially capturing double Cup success in the Aviva. The only school to complete this famous landmark achievement was Bohola NS, Mayo when the boys captured the ‘A’ Cup and the girls snatched the Girls ‘A’ Cup in 2006, making it a day to remember for the Claremorris contingency.  Can Maria Doherty & Conor Delap’s teams equal this historic milestone?

Another unique feature will see three sets of twins performing on the day as Ardkeeran’s Matthew and Ryan Parke, Fionn and Robert Carney of Clonlisk NS will all contest the SPAR ‘A’ Cup while Ciara and Aoife Kelly from Rathoe NS will compete together in the SPAR Girls ‘B’ Cup. The family affair continues with sister’s Keri and Jodie Loughrey of Buncrana lining out alongside mom, Mary who coaches the side as well as cousin’s Sarah Kiernan and Lucy Cogan who play for St. Teresa’s NS.  Crusheen NS will see sisters Caoilfhionn and Síomha Perill in action in the SPAR Girls ‘A’ Cup.

The SPAR ‘A’ Cup has Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo (Connacht), Clonlisk NS, Offaly (Leinster), Trasfrask NS, Beara, Cork (Munster) and Latnamard NS, Monaghan (Ulster) all in the driving seat for National honours. All four are newcomers to this stage of proceedings so the excitement among the traveling parties will be at fever pitch come match day. Who will be crowned the new SPAR ‘A’ Cup Champions for 2018? It should make for some very interesting viewing. Ardkeeran will be without the services of Lee Flanagan through injury as Darragh McKeon is drafted in as a late replacement. Youngster Owen Elding will be hoping to replicate his Dad Anthony’s Cup success which saw him score the winner in the Aviva back in 2013 with Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup Final.  Whatever the outcome, it will be a memorable outing for all involved.

The SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup will also feature all debutants this season with St. Teresa’s NS, Corrigeenroe, Roscommon (Connacht), St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford (Leinster), Crusheen NS, Clare (Munster) and St. Brigid’s NS, Glenmakee, Inishowen, Donegal (Ulster) in the melting pot for the small girls schools section. All four teams will provide a scintillating assortment of skills to the contest as all provincial winners were exceptional this season with some stand out performances particularly in their County qualifiers. This group will definitely be worth viewing. 

The SPAR ‘B’ Cup will see a broad geographic remit covered as Scoil Naisiúnta Mhuire, Bawnmore, Galway (Connacht), Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Baile Átha Cliath (Leinster), Scoil Íosagáin, Aghada, Cork (Munster) and St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Inishowen, Donegal (Ulster) try to make a top of the table finish. The Munster Champions will be in familiar territory as their girls were runners up in the Girls ‘A’ Cup back in 2006 while the boys came fourth in the ‘B’ Cup five years ago. Mentors Jerome Sheahan and Lar Collins will relish a return to the top flight with their young guns. Another School that has a strong affinity with the competition is Ulster kingpins, St. Oran’s. The boys will fly the flag on Wednesday but their girls have reached this stage numerous times. They first appeared in 2000 and this was followed up in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 and more recently in 2016 finishing fourth. The boys starred in 2008 picking up a runners up medal.

The impressive Clondalkin select have some notable pedigree in their ranks with former Underage International Thomas Morgan’s son Tomás Ó Muireagáin featuring. Thomas who is a Development Officer with the FAI, Captained the Under 20s to a third place finish in the 1997 World Cup. Tomás will wear the Captain’s armband on Wednesday as he has impressed during the SPAR5s campaign to date, notching up 36 goals in the three outings and his favourite is the little chip from distance. The youngster’s godfather is Irish legend Wes Hoolahan so we can keep a watchful eye on the next super star in the family. 

Belcarra NS, Mayo (Connacht), Rathoe NS, Carlow (Leinster), Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS, Cork (Munster) and Scoil Chróine, Dungloe, Donegal (Ulster) make the cut for the medium schools in the SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup which should serve up some delightful football if the Provincial Finals were anything to go by. There is however an injury doubt for the Carlow charges as Aoife Kelly sustained a shoulder injury during the week which rules her out but twin sister Ciara will be in action between the posts for Ronan Browne’s side.  Mia Ní Dhónaill will be the youngest player competing in the series as Scoil Chróine go in search of glory! A first time appearance for the Dungloe natives alongside Belcarra NS who could be the surprise package of this group! Clogheen/Pike-Kerry were in action back in 2002 so it’s lovely to see the Cork School make a return to this level following such a long hiatus. 

An array of talent will be on display in the SPAR ‘C’ Cup for large schools. All four teams will be at full strength for the final showdown. Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore, Galway (Connacht), Scoil Assaim, Raheny, Dublin (Leinster), Glasheen BNS, Cork (Munster), Scoil Íosagain, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal (Ulster) will take to the field. The most experienced contenders in this year’s competition will be the Buncrana side who will be guided by teacher Maria Doherty and Coach Jonathon Adair.  Scoil Íosagain have appeared in no less than 8 National Finals dating back to 2004. The school collected bronze medals on each occasion, either being placed third or fourth with appearances in the ‘C’ Cup in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. The girls select even made it all the way in 2006 in the Girls ‘B’ Cup as they were placed third that afternoon. A lively encounter will ensue with some top quality pairings in store in that division.

St. John’s NS, Breaffy, Castlebar, Mayo (Connacht), Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown, Dublin (Leinster), St. John the Baptist GNS, Cashel, Tipperary (Munster) and Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal (Ulster) are in the final select for the girls large schools division, the SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup. We welcome back some familiar faces to the Aviva, namely; St. John’s NS, defending Champions Our Lady of Good Counsel and Scoil Íosagáin. The boys from Breaffy have a wonderful track record in this competition with the School collecting gold in 2003 with Mayo star Aidan O’Shea on the team that day. The School made a comeback in 2009 with the boys runners up in the ‘B’ division that season while the girls featured in 2015 with a third place finish. John Moran and Kevin Duggan will no doubt have their team well prepared for the final contest of the season.

Liadh Burns, Ella Moriarty and Lillymae Coyne will all make a welcome return for the Johnstown starlets as they go in search of back to back title wins with the deadly duo of David O’Connor and Mark Barry at the helm. There is rumours of an injury doubt to the match day line-up which could hamper their ambitions of retaining the title. Newbies St. John the Baptist from Cashel will fear no one as they do battle on Wednesday. The girls are looking forward to the challenge as their County and Provincial campaign has been immensely successful so they’ll be hoping for more of the same come match-day. Conor Delap’s side are delighted to make the cut having fought hard in their provincial showcase to progress to this stage. The School were merited with a third place finish two seasons ago at Nationals so Delap will have the girls well drilled ahead of their encounter. 

The day promises to be fun filled and action packed as the future starlets entertain the crowds in the Aviva as the final curtain comes down on the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme for 2018. The event will be a family fun day focusing on providing participants and spectators alike with huge excitement and entertainment, making it a day to remember for all involved.

All 192 players will receive a medal, the six winning teams will be crowned SPAR Champions for 2018 as well as a SPAR Player of the Tournament accolade in each division to be awarded. Ambassador’s Megan Campbell and Keith Andrews will be on hand to distribute the silverware on the day.

Students will also be in with a chance of securing an epic prize in the Future Sports Journalist competition which is open to all participating schools as well as a great prize for the Best Supported School.

Cheer on the Schools from your classroom or office chair if you can’t make the trip to Dublin and follow the progress on the FAI Schools Facebook and Twitter pages (@faischools) #SPAR5s

LIST OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
SPAR ‘A’ Cup (small schools)                     
Connacht                                             Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo
Leinster                                               Clonlisk NS, Offaly                            
Munster                                               Trafrask NS, Beara, Cork 
Ulster                                                    Latnamard NS, Monaghan                      

SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup (small schools)           
Connacht                                             St. Teresa’s NS, Corrigeenroe, Roscommon
Leinster                                                St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford             
Munster                                                Crusheen NS, Clare                                           
Ulster                                                    St. Brigid’s NS, Glenmakee, Inishowen, Donegal 

SPAR ‘B’ Cup (medium schools)
Connacht                                             Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire, Bawnmore, Galway
Leinster                                                Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Baile Átha Cliath
Munster                                               Scoil Íosagáin, Aghada, Cork  
Ulster                                                    St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Inishowen, Donegal

SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup (medium schools)     
Connacht                                             Belcarra NS, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster                                                Rathoe NS, Carlow                       
Munster                                               Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS, Cork                         
Ulster                                                    Scoil Chróine, Dungloe, Donegal               

SPAR ‘C’ Cup (large schools)                      
Connacht                                             Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore, Galway
Leinster                                                Scoil Assaim, Raheny, Dublin                           
Munster                                              Glasheen BNS, Cork                                           
Ulster                                                    Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal  

SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup (large schools)            
Connacht                                             St. John’s NS, Breaffy, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster                                                Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown, Dublin
Munster                                               St. John the Baptist GNS, Cashel, Tipperary
Ulster                                                    Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal 

SQUAD LISTS
SPAR ‘A’ Cup (Small schools, mixed/boys)

Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo | Brian Dwyer, Oisin Conlon, Matthew Parke, Jack Tuohy, Ryan Parke, Niall Kenny, Owen Elding, Darragh McKeon (Lee Flanagan absent due to injury)
Teachers/Coaches | Edel Dwyer & Anthony Elding

Clonlisk NS, Offaly | Josh McMahon, James Liffey, Fionn Carney, Eoin Bailey O’Brien, Robert Carney, Liam O’Riordan, Robert Murray, James Sampson
Teachers/Coaches | Marion Crean & David Carney

Trafrask NS, Beara, Cork | Liam Crowley, Mark Downing, Tom O’Connor, Ben O’Sullivan, Tommy O’Sullivan, Jack Crowley, Jack Harrington, Seán O’Shea
Teachers/Coaches | Paula O’Sullivan & Aidan Cremlin

Latnamard NS, Monaghan | Thomas Brady, Cian Greenan, Connor Leonard, Alex Humphreys, Éanna Owen Carolan, James Cusack, Stephen Quinn, Cian McMahon
Teachers/Coaches | Martina McElroy & Dermot Brady    

SPAR ‘A’ Girls Cup (Small schools, girls only)
St. Teresa’s NS, Corrigeenroe, Roscommon | Sarah Kiernan, Lucy Cogan, Daisy Attwood, Alice Little, Molly Mulhern, Ava Bloor, Brianna Lennon, Ava Doherty
Teachers/Coaches | Louise Lavin& Ciarán O’Dwyer

St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford | Jenna Ryan, Caithlyn Kelly, Tara Cullen, Clara Kelly, Ciara Murphy, Gemma Whelan, Arwyn Thompson, Aoibheann Rankin
Teachers/Coaches | Suzanne Foley & David Day

Crusheen NS, Clare | Aimee Colleran, Caoilfhionn Perill, Grace Gleeson, Sarah O’Donnell, Síomha Perill, Lily Copley, Caoimhe Clancy, Hannah Gleeson
Teachers/Coaches | Tríona McGrath & Ciaran Collins

St. Brigid’s NS, Glenmakee, Inishowen, Donegal | Samantha McLaughlin, Imogen Diver, Aoife Kelly, Erin Grant, Seaneen Crumlish, Ailish Doherty, Ellie Long
Teachers/Coaches | Shaun Ferry& Barry Grant

SPAR ‘B’ Cup (Medium schools, mixed/boys)
Scoil Naisiúnta Mhuire, Bawnmore, Galway |Seán O’Flynn, Jamie Faherty, Éanna Monaghan, Shane O’hEochagáin, Ryan Flaherty, Seán Duggan, Jack Lonergan, Brian Connaughton      
Teachers/Coaches | Aisling McGrath& Jonathan Beirne                  

Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Baile Atha Cliath | Rían Ó Hogáin, Reece Ó Murchú, Tadhg Ó Catháin, Seán Ó Conghaile, Tomás Ó Muireagáin (Captain), Dónal Ó Dúáin, Lúc Ó Catháin, Aaron Ó Teimhneáin
Teachers/Coaches | Cárthaigh Ó Cuill& Seán Mac Cárthaigh

Scoil Íosagáin, Aghada, Cork | John Walsh, Seán O’Callaghan, Eric Cunningham, Jack Broderick Flynn, Ben Cashman, Aaron Kearns, Evan Crowley, Oscar Slye
Teachers/Coaches | Jerome Sheahan & Lar Collins

St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Inishowen, Donegal | Kevin O’Rourke, Conor McDaid, Kai Bardini, PJ Doherty, Cahir McDaid, Dylan McDaid, Shina Anafi, Luke O’Donnell
Teachers/Coaches | Shaun McLaughlin& Kathryn Doherty

SPAR ‘B’ Girls Cup (Medium schools, girls only)
Belcarra NS, Mayo | Lisa Nally, Anna Heaney, Ella Vahey, Maggie Hehir, Ava Cunningham, Lauryn Burke, Róisín O’Connor, Rachel O’Donovan
Teachers/Coaches | Tommy Langan& Siobhán Higgins

Rathoe NS, Carlow | Ciara Kelly, Genevieve Sherlock, Aoife Smithers, Aoife Kelly, Ella Meyler, Lorna O’Shea, Ciara Fleming
Teachers/Coaches | Ronan Browne& Gloria Udahjugele                 

Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS, Cork | Lucy O’Connell, Alannah Walsh, Kelsey Cooper, Ellie O’Brien, Anna Kearney, Zara Babington, Megan O’Connor, Hannah O’Brien
Teachers/Coaches | Cruther O’Sullivan& Julie Lyons Murphy

Scoil Chróine, Dungloe, Donegal | Claire Ní Dhuibhir, Ellie Níc Gairbheith, Tara Ní Eochagáin, Mia Ní Dhónaill, Erin Ní Dhónaill, Leah Ní Dhubhtaigh, Leigha Ní Ghrianna, Ellie Nic a Bhaird
Teachers/Coaches | Cáit Ní Dhochartaigh & Anita Ní Mhaichain

SPAR ‘C’ Cup (Large schools, mixed/boys)
Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore, Galway | Galius Babonas, Cathal Sweeney, Colm Whelan, Cathal Penney, Harry Duffy, Gerry Carr, Darragh Clery, Colm Shivnan
Teachers/Coaches | Marc O’Boyle & Danny Gleeson

Scoil Assaim, Raheny, Dublin | Niall Cox, Evan O’Looney, Danny Jeal, James Byrne, James Wall, Hayden O’Neill, Liam O’Connor, Jack Melia
Teachers/Coaches | Liam O’Connor & Don Wycherley

Glasheen BNS, Cork | Gene Kareem O’Leary, Evan Morgan, Eamon Commins, Danny Harris, Bennett Mbowoua, Ryan O’Connell, Sam O’Connell, David Byrne
Teachers/Coaches | Damian Ryan & Dónal McCarthy                                           

Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal | Liam Duncan, Andrew Davison, Kieran McElroy (Captain), Daire McColgan, Danny McDaid, Aaron Cleary, Seán McLaughlin, Patrick Devlin
Teachers/Coaches | Maria Doherty & Jonathon Adair

SPAR ‘C’ Girls Cup (Large schools, girls only)
St. John’s NS, Breaffy, Castlebar, Mayo | Katie Johnston, Amy Golden, Jenna Mulroy, Sarah Heneghan, Sophie Keane, Mary Jo Maughan, Louise Conway, Eimear Hughes
Teachers/Coaches | John Moran & Kevin Duggan

Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown, Dublin | Erin Ivie,Ruby O’Connell Bell, Keela Murphy, Ella Moriarty, Liadh Burns, Anna Watson, Evie Dowling, Lillymae Coyne
Teachers/Coaches | David O’Connor & Mark Barry

St. John the Baptist GNS, Cashel, Tipperary | Carrie Anne Ryan (Captain), Ciara Moloney, Maria Lopez, Grace Flanagan, Ava Corbett, Aimee Quinn, Keeva O’Donoghue, Meghan Deed
Teachers/Coaches | Mary Andrews & Paul Flanagan 

Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal | Leah Clinton, Jodie Loughrey, Zoe Duffy, Keri Loughrey (Captain), Ciara McGee, Heidi Gill, Bria McGilloway, Orla Grant
Teachers/Coaches | Conor Delap & Mary Loughrey

The former Ireland senior international has been Head Coach of the WU16s side for five years and has seen a number of players progress from her squad up to the Women's Senior Team.

Current internationals such as Leanne Kiernan, Heather Payne, Amy Boyle-Carr, Isibeal Atkinson and Tyler Toland have all featured for Boyle's side in recent years, thus proving that the U-16s plays an important role in player development. 

In May 2016, the WU16s won a UEFA Development Tournament following victories over Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovakia. Boyle's final game in charge saw Jessica Ziu score the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Turkey in Sweden earlier this month.

"I've been involved with the international teams for a number of years now, as a player and then progressing into management," said Boyle.

"It's been an incredible opportunity for me to see so many young players progress and develop their skills and footballing abilities, and it's been an honour to be part of their journey. 

"Now, I feel it is the perfect time for me to take a break and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, especially my assistant Paul Martyn and my backroom staff. I would also like to thank the FAI for their support over my decision and wish the team the best of luck in the future."

FAI CEO John Delaney thanked Boyle for her dedication to the role and the impact that she made over the course of five years.

"The early stages of development on the elite player pathway are so important and it is a credit to Sharon that so many players who she coached have gone on to forge successful careers at international level and in the Continental Tyres Women's National League," said Delaney.

"Sharon has been an influential figure in the growth of women's football over the past number of years and her work with the Under-16s will form a foundation that the next head coach can build on to help more girls develop as players."

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said: "I would like to thank Sharon for her all of her hard work in the role over the last few years.

"As you can see from a number of current WNT internationals who've come through her side, Sharon has been crucial in helping us develop talented young footballers as we look to take women's football to a new level in Ireland.

"Sharon's team has consistently performed in the UEFA Development Tournaments and have benefitted hugely from her exceptional experience and coaching, and I'd like to wish Sharon the best of luck in the future." 

Boyle will continue in her role as FAI Development Officer, while the WU16 role will be reviewed ahead of a recruitment process.

• Ireland have played France 16 times overall
• Ireland have won 4, drawn 5, lost 7
• The first ever meeting between the teams was in May 1937
• The most recent match was the Last-16 game in EURO 2016 in Lyon where France won 2-1 after Robbie Brady netted a penalty
• France are currently 7th in the FIFA World Rankings
• France in Group 1 in League A of the UEFA Nations League alongside Germany and Netherlands
• Didier Deschamps has been manager since 2012 and boasts a 62% win ratio
• After our game tonight, France play Italy on June 1 and then United States on June 9 – all on home soil - while Ireland face USA on June 2 in the Aviva Stadium
• France will take on Australia, Peru and Denmark in their 2018 FIFA World Cup group in Russia

Manager Martin O’Neill handed Derrick Williams his senior international debut by naming him in the starting lineup. The defender was an unused substitute against Turkey in March, and featured for a Republic of Ireland XI against Celtic earlier this month.

Played in torrential rain, France were playing in Stade de France for the final time before this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Despite having the majority of possession, it took until the final ten minutes of the first half for France to put the pressure on Martin O’Neill’s side.

Corentin Tolisso hit the post with a shot from outside the box, minutes before Olivier Giroud gave the home team the lead. 

Goalkeeper Colin Doyle did brilliantly to stop a Giroud header from point-blank range. The striker followed up to score from the rebound despite the best efforts of Seamus Coleman.

Just before the break, France doubled their lead. Nabil Fekir’s shot found the back of the net, after Doyle was unable to keep it out.

Opportunities in the second-half were at a premium as conditions in Saint-Denis worsened. Giroud came close to scoring twice more, but Doyle did excellently to stop one of the shots.

Striker Graham Burke made his international debut in the final 20-minutes. The Shamrock Rovers player became the first SSE Airtricity League player in just over a decade to represent Ireland, when he replaced Callum O’Dowda.

Shaun Williams also won his first international cap. The 31-year-old played the final ten minutes after coming on for Kevin Long and almost scored in added time only for a fine save by Steve Mandanda.

Ireland play their final match of the season on Saturday evening against the United States in a Three International Friendly. Kick-off is at 8:08pm

France: Steve Mandanda; Djibril Sidibe (Benjamin Pavard 83), Adil Rami, Samuel Umtiti (Presnel Kimpembe 64), Benjamin Mendy (Lucas Hernandez 63); Corentin Tolisso (Paul Pogba 77), Steven Nzonzi, Blaise Matuidi (captain); Nabil Fekir (Antoine Griezmann 64), Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé (Ousmane Dembele 77)

Republic of Ireland: Colin Doyle; Seamus Coleman (captain), Kevin Long (Shaun Williams 80), Shane Duffy, Derrick Williams (Matt Doherty 82); Jonathan Walters (David Meyler 59), Callum O’Dowda (Graham Burke 70), Declan Rice, Alan Browne (Harry Arter 59), James McClean; Shane Long (Alan Judge 70)

Referee: Georgi Kabakov (Bulgaria)

In conjunction with the Leinster Football Association, Amateur Football League, Athletic Union League, Leinster Football League, Leinster Senior Football League and United Churches Football League, the FAI are seeking the views of all players and volunteers who are involved in the game.
 
As part of the Review, the FAI intend to:

• Capture feedback focussing on but not limited to: Participation, Governance, League Structures, Organisation, and Facilities
• Identify key issues and themes representing the views of stakeholders
• Compile a report outlining the views of stakeholders and the current landscape
• Identify and make recommendations to form a strategy for Amateur Football in greater Dublin
• Present findings and recommendations to FAI CEO, Board and Executive Committee

No matter the role, everyone involved in football in the greater Dublin area are encouraged to participate in an online survey with a view to improving the game in the area.
 
To take part in the survey, visit the FAI website under the following categories:

Player: http://www.fai.ie/domestic/player-survey-amateur-football-review-greater-dublin-region

Club Volunteer:http://www.fai.ie/domestic/club-volunteer-survey-amateur-football-review-greater-dublin-region

2018’s competition saw 31,728 children take part, with 1,528 schools competing from all around the country. The competition, which is being sponsored for the fourth year by SPAR, saw 13 counties represented in the National Finals on Wednesday.

There has been a 65% increase in participation since 2015, and this year’s competition saw 3,965 teams whittled down through the final 24.

Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director said; “This has been our fourth year involved in the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme and we’re delighted to see the programme has gone from strength to strength and cumulated in a fantastic festival of football in the Aviva Stadium. 

“SPAR are very proud supporters and this is evident by the number of SPAR local retailers who have attended and supported schools at all stages of the programme from county blitzes all the way to the National Finals. 

“Encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle is very important to SPAR and having over 30,000 children enjoying the fitness and social benefits of exercise is very satisfying for us. Finally, huge congratulations to all the schools who competed in the National Finals and thank you to all the family, friends and supporters for making the day so special.”

Seán Carr, FAI Schools Chairman added; “The competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to the assistance of our sponsors, SPAR. There was an additional 3,000 participants involved this season, taking our total to nearly 32,000 boys and girls. 

The nationwide spread of schools who are choosing to take part, and the increase in female participation, which now stands at over 40% is particularly pleasing. The finals day is a memory that the these players will cherish forever.”

Latnamard NS were victorious in the ‘A’ Cup. The Monaghan school finished unbeaten. They defeated Trafrask NS and Clonlisk NS before drawing their final match against Ardkeeran NS.

It was a double for Ulster schools in the “A’ competitions, as Donegal’s St. Brigid’s NS won the girls section. On four points after two games, the Inishowen school defeated Corrigeenroe’s St. Teresa’s NS in their final game to pip the Roscommon school by a point.

The ‘B’ Cup was the closest competition that took place on the day. Three of the four teams ended on six points, with Dublin’s Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain winning the title on goal difference ahead of Cork’s Scoil Iosagain and Donegal’s St. Oran’s NS.

Cork’s Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS were the only school to win three games from three on the day without conceding any goals, as the were victorious in the Girls ‘B’ Competition. The Munster champions defeated Belcarra NS, Scoil Chroine and Rathoe NS.

Raheny’s Scoil Assaim won the ‘C’ Competition, winning all three of their games. The Dublin school defeated Scoil Iosagain, Scoil Iosaif Naofa and Glasheen BNS to win their competition.

Buncrana’s Scoil Iosagain were victorious in the Girls ‘C’ Competition. The only school that had two teams competing the in the National Finals won three from three to claim the title.

Every player that competed were presented with their medals by SPAR Ambassadors Keith Andrews and Megan Campbell.

SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme National Finals Results
‘A’ Schools Cup:
Winner: Latnamard NS, Monaghan              
Runner Up: Trafrask NS, Beara, Cork
Third: Clonisk NS, Offaly          
Fourth:  Ardkeeran NS, Riverstown, Sligo            
Player of the Tournament: Thomas Brady (Latnamard NS)

Girls ‘A’ Schools Cup:
Winner: St. Brigid’s NS, Glenmakee, Inishowen, Donegal         
Runner Up:  St. Teresa’s NS, Corrigeenroe, Roscommon     
Third: Crusheen NS, Clare
Fourth: St. Fintan’s NS, Mayglass, Wexford
Player of the Tournament: Ellie Long (St. Brigid’s NS)

‘B’ Schools Cup:
Winner: Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain, Baile Atha Cliath
Runner Up: Scoil Iosagain, Aghada, Cork
Third: St. Oran’s NS, Cockhill, Inishowen, Donegal
Fourth: Scoil Naisiunta Mhuire, Bawnmore, Galway
Player of the Tournament: Tomas O Muireagain (Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain)

Girls ‘B’ Schools Cup:
Winner: Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS, Cork          
Runner Up: Belcarra NS, Mayo
Third: Scoil Chroine, Dungloe, Donegal  
Fourth: Rathoe NS, Carlow
Player of the Tournament: Ellie O’Brien (Clogheen/Kerry-Pike NS)

‘C’ Schools Cup:
Winner: Scoil Assaim, Raheny, Dublin
Runner Up: Scoil Iosaif Naofa, Oranmore, Galway   
Third: Glasheen BNS, Cork   
Fourth: Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal           
Player of the Tournament: James Byrne (Scoil Assaim)

Girls ‘C’ Schools Cup:
Winner: Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal
Runner Up: Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS, Johnstown, Dublin
Third: St. John’s NS, Breaffy, Mayo
Fourth: St. John the Baptist GNS, Cashel, Tipperary
Player of the Tournament: Jodie Loughrey (Scoil Iosagain)

Wexford Youths striker Rianna Jarrett has been selected for the WNT squad for the first-time since March 2016, where she made her senior debut against Italy in the Cyprus Cup. Jarrett suffered her third ACL injury of her career during that match but the Youths striker has now completed her rehabilitation.

The 23-year old Jarrett has made seven appearances and scored nine goals for Continental Tyres Women's National League Champions Wexford Youths this season. She replaces Celtic striker Ruesha Littlejohn who has been out injured since the Netherlands fixture.

Megan Campbell and Stephanie Roche are long-term absentees whilst Roma McLaughlin misses out having only just returned to action with Shelbourne Ladies with a leg injury. Heather Payne, Amy Boyle-Carr and Saoirse Noonan also miss out due to their leaving certificate. 

Player of the Year Harriet Scott returns to the squad having recovered from a broken collarbone which kept her out of the Slovakia and the Netherlands fixtures in April, and midfielder Tyler Toland also returns from a hand injury.

Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "We're delighted to see Harriet return to the squad. She picked up another injury during her comeback from the collarbone but we're monitoring her closely and we hope she'll be fit for both games. 

"We're also closely monitoring Niamh Fahey who has also picked up an injury whilst with her club Bordeaux. 

"I'd like to congratulate Rianna Jarrett who returns to the squad. To comeback from three ACL injuries requires a huge amount of hard work, commitment and desire, and she should be incredibly proud of her efforts so far. 

"She's been in great form this season for Wexford Youths and I really feel that if she can continue to work hard and keep getting fitter and stronger with every game, she could be an important player for us in the future.

"These are two crucial games against Norway, the top seeds in the group, and we'll have to be at our very best to get the results we need. The players have been excellent so far this campaign but we need two big performances both at Tallaght Stadium and in Norway."

Ireland face Norway on Friday, June 8 with kick-off at 5.30pm at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin before they travel to Stavanger, Norway for the away fixture on Tuesday, June 12, with kick-off at 5pm (6pm local time).

Tickets for the home fixture at Tallaght Stadium are available from Ticketmaster, with tickets priced at €5 for adults and FREE for U18s, OAP's and FAI Season Ticket Holders. 

Republic of Ireland squad to face Norway

Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies).

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Claire O’Riordan (Wexford Youths), Aislinn Meaney (Galway WFC)

Midfielders: Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Niamh Farrelly (Peamount United).

Attackers: Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies), Zara Foley (Lakewood AFC), Aine O’Gorman (Peamount United).

Primarily an indoor game using a weighted ball, this condensed form of football challenges players speed of thought and freedom of expression in a game played 5v5 in close quarters. One only had to view the skills at the recent UEFA Futsal Euro 2018 to see how the game has become so popular around Europe.

It guarantees games being played in months where pitches often fall foul of the weather.  It's an excellent way to ensure this game grows, not to mention the fun, fast-paced nature that ensures children and adults alike love it.

FAI Futsal events happen in all counties of the country with club team modules run in conjunction with local authorities and or Schoolboy/Schoolgirl Leagues, in most cases. From Donegal to Dublin, Clare to Cork to Limerick, Wicklow to Waterford there are now pockets of Futsal taking place weekly.

Clare has six different venues, through development officer Denis Hynes. Will Doyle and the Wicklow Schoolboys League have been pushing Futsal for a number of years as has Shane Barr in Donegal. The west is active with Futsal through the efforts of Nigel Keady and John Russell, and Limerick has developed a considerable program through their network of Development Officers. Athlone has also been one of the pioneers of Futsal going back a number of years.

In Dublin, through Gormanston Park and venues in Swords through the efforts of FAI/Fingal CC Development Officers Paul Keogh and Mick Pender, Futsal has really taken off. Thousands of kids are getting to experience the game at first hand with huge support from a progressive sports department of Fingal CC who see the benefits of keeping children active all year round.

The DDSL, through Mick Kennedy and Paddy Dempsey have embraced Futsal massively incorporating it into their season plan for clubs for the last number of years utilising the impressive National Indoor Arena on the National Sports Campus.

Gerry Reardon, FAI Grassroots Development Manager who has viewed and assisted the events at the National Indoor Arena added;

“With the onset of the calendar season, Futsal fits perfectly within the new off-season, offering further valuable contact hours for our younger players. Ideally I hope we can expand the programme to fit all underage sections.”

The FAI now offers a number of Futsal coach education courses for coaches/volunteers and for more information contact your local FAI/Local Authority Development officer for futsal activity in your county.

Alongside the likes of Ireland internationals Daryl Horgan and Matt Doherty all four previously participated in courses, before representing their country at senior level.

The two new locations in Dundalk and Waterford become the ninth and 10th FAI-ETB Centres in the country. There are three centres each in Dublin and Cork, while Limerick and Castlebar each have one centre.

Cabra Course Co-Ordinator Harry McCue said the two new locations will help players in the north-east and south-east of the country.

"The cooperation of the Education and Training Boards has been instrumental in the successful delivery of this programme for well over 10 years," said McCue.

"The courses which are unique and progressive and full-time are a great opportunity for the participants to advance their career in football to professional level.

"We have over 100 ex-trainees playing in the SSE Airtricity League around the country. It also gives trainees opportunities to access a Third Level education on successful completion of our syllabus, through the CAO system.

"In recent years, the courses have provided a solid platform for young people earn professional football contracts. This is most evident in Martin O’Neill’s current Senior National Team where a number of the squad are course graduates including Kevin Long, Daryl Horgan, Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens.

"It’s probably the nearest thing we have to a full time professional football apprenticeship course in the country and the level of coaches and tutors involved in delivering the programme are of the highest quality and include many high profile ex professional players and coaches."

Applications are now open for September's courses. Players can apply now at www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

The year 1998 may not instantly spring to mind when we look for the great seasons of modern Irish football — 1990, 2002 or 2016 are some which appear to have more compelling cases.

Yet that summer 20 years ago, Ireland won not one but two major international competitions; the UEFA Under 16 European Championships in May followed by the U18 competition two months later. It was the remarkable peak of underage football achievement in this country, the year in which many names, now part of the fabric of Irish football history, first became known to us.

John O’Shea was one of them. He was 16 and playing with Waterford Bohemians in his native city when he got the call from Brian Kerr to travel to that U16 tournament in Scotland. Just about to turn 17, the tall youngster from Ferrybank — a Waterford City district locked hard on the Kilkenny border — had already rejected a significant contract offer from QPR. Liverpool were also interested.

O’Shea was sensible though. He wouldn’t be going across the Irish Sea until he had done his Leaving Certificate, due to take place a month after the tournament ended. The general expectation was that he would join Celtic once the on-field and off-field examinations were over.

On route to the final against Italy, Ireland played Scotland, Finland, Spain, Denmark and Portugal, and didn’t concede a single goal in any of those games. O’Shea formed an outstanding centre-half partnership with Jim Goodwin throughout the tournament and shortly after the 2-1 win over Italy in the final, Manchester United were in touch. Martin Ferguson, brother of Alex, had contacts in Waterford.

In some respects, getting a contract offer from a club like Manchester United after years of boyhood dreaming and battling is the end of a journey. Yet the reality is it's just the beginning. O'Shea moved into his Manchester digs and joined the end of a long queue of teenagers, the vast majority of whom would end up bitterly disappointed.

Jim and Mary O'Shea had brought up John well in Ferrybank and his steady origins served him well as he took on the incalcubly difficult task of making it at Old Trafford. Supposedly, O’Shea had never been a superstar growing up but had always shown an ability to slot in comfortably at whatever level and in whatever position he was asked to play in.

His professionalism, calmness and reliability were appreciated at Old Trafford and in the 2001/2002 season, he broke into the first team. He was 20 when he was given his first senior Ireland cap by Mick McCarthy, in an August 2001 friendly against Croatia. He didn't make the 2002 World Cup squad, but by the time the 2002/2003 season was over, he had established himself as an indispensable player for both Manchester United and Ireland. 

His versatility is legendary – he has played in every position at some stage, including in goals – and it would be difficult to choose between full-back, centre-back and centre-midfield to find the position where he has done his best work.

He left Manchester for Sunderland in the summer of 2011, after nearly 400 first team appearances, five Premier League titles, one Champions League title and one nutmeg on Luis Figo, so famously executed against Real Madrid in the 2003 Champions League quarter-finals. 

For his country, O'Shea has been every bit as reliable, versatile and consistent as he was during his time at Old Trafford. This evening, he makes his 118th and final appearance for Ireland having announced his international retirement a few weeks ago. 

In an international career as long and esteemed as his has been, it should be difficult to pick one single moment which shines above all others. And yet we can. 

The 94th minute of Ireland’s EURO 2016 qualifier against the world champions Germany in Gelsenkirchen. Ireland were trailing 1-0 when O’Shea somehow managed to swing his right boot at Jeff Hendrick’s flicked-back cross and plant the ball past the great Manuel Neuer in the German goal. That it was the final seconds of O’Shea’s 100th cap added further to the brilliance of a moment which the man himself recalls as his finest in Green.

From that U16 campaign in Scotland to that moment in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the century plus of appearances in between and since, O’Shea has served Ireland with a grace and distinction that few in the history of football in this country can match. He deserves a monumental send-off tonight. 

Pick up your copy of the Official Match Day Programme at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. 

8 - The Republic of Ireland have played the U.S.A. on 8 occasions and have a won 4,

drew 2 and lost 2 record.     

29 - The number of goals scored in those 8 matches with the Republic of Ireland scoring 17 to the U.S.A.’s 12.

0 - The number of clean sheets kept by both the Republic of Ireland and the U.S.A. in those 8 matches.

5 - The number of players to make their international debut v U.S.A.:  

Chris Hughton (1979); Mike Milligan and Brian Carey both as substitutes (April 1992) and Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick (2014). Milligan was never capped again.

48 - This evening’s match is the Republic of Ireland’s 48th home match to be played at the Aviva Stadium. Our record is W23, D12, L12, F80, A45.

12 - The U.S.A. will become the 12th different country to play the Republic of Ireland at least twice here at the Aviva Stadium. The others are: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia (three times), Germany, Oman, Poland, Serbia, Scotland, Slovakia, Uruguay and Wales.

ON THIS DAY

69 - The Republic of Ireland lost to Sweden by 3-1 in a World Cup qualifying match in Stockholm on this day in 1949. Reg Ryan made his debut and Kalle Palmer scored the first hat-trick to be conceded by the ROI.

33 - The Republic of Ireland beat Switzerland by 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying match at Lansdowne Road on this day in 1985. Seamus McDonagh kept a clean sheet on his 22nd international appearance.

28 - The Republic of Ireland beat Malta by 3-0 in a friendly match in Valletta on this day in 1990.

This was the final warm-up match ahead of Italia 90. Alan McLoughlin made his debut and Frank Stapleton was capped for the 71st and final time. 

22 - The Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 with Croatia in a friendly match at the Aviva Stadium on this day in 1996. Ian Harte made his debut in what was our first-ever match against Croatia.

17 - The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Portugal in a World Cup qualifying match at Lansdowne Road on this day in 2001. Roy Keane and Luis Figo were the goal scorers.

14 - The Republic of Ireland beat Jamaica by 1-0 in a Unity Cup match at The Valley on this day in 2004. Aiden McGeady made his debut as a substitute and another substitute Matt Holland (both came on in the 83rd minute) was winning an international cap on his own club’s (Charlton Athletic) home ground.

5 - The Republic of Ireland beat Georgia by 4-0 in a friendly match at the Aviva Stadium on this day in 2013. Stephen Quinn made his debut as a substitute and the Georgian goalkeeper, Giorgi Loria was sent-off in the 20th minute.

61 - Mark Lawrenson who won 39 caps (scoring 5 goals) between 1977-87 celebrates his 61st birthday today.

47 - Jon Goodman who won 4 caps in 1997 celebrates his 47th birthday today.

29 October 1979

The first meeting of the countries took place on the October Bank Holiday Monday at Dalymount Park.

The Republic of Ireland were 0-2 behind after 63 minutes of play but three goals in a four minute spell from Tony Grealish (64), Don Givens (66) and substitute John Anderson (68)  secured victory.

Chris Hughton made his debut and Paddy Mulligan came on as a half-time substitute for Jeff Chandler to win his 50th and final cap.   

Manager Johnny Giles was unavailable as he was recovering from surgery and Alan Kelly Snr was in charge of the team.

The match referee was Eamonn Farrell from Dublin – the only time that a League of Ireland official refereed a senior Republic of Ireland international match. 

Read More: Farewell to the Ferrybank Boy

In what was his 118th and final appearance in green for Ireland, John O’Shea captained the side. The Waterford native was given a standing ovation by the Aviva Stadium crowd as he was given a guard of honour by players from this two schoolboy clubs Ferrybank and Waterford Bohemians.

For the first time in three games, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill did not hand any players their debuts in the starting lineup, but Graham Burke made his first start in green, after making his debut earlier this week against France.

Ireland had much of the better of the opening period, with O’Shea coming close to scoring his fourth goal for Ireland. The captain headed just wide inside the opening ten minutes. Jonathan Walters also has a decent opportunity, but his effort failed to test USA goalkeeper Bill Mamid.

The visitors also had chances to take the lead, with Tyler Adams’ deflected shot flying just over Colin Doyle’s crossbar and Bobby Wood’s shot just going wide.

Just after the half-hour mark, O’Shea left the field to a standing ovation. The defender, who was ending his international career, was replaced by one starting his. Darragh Lenihan came on to make his debut and in doing so became the first Meathman to every represent Ireland.

With the final kick of the opening period, USA took the lead. Bobby Wood scored from close range, after Matt Miazga’s looping header looked to be going wide.

Ireland equalised ten minutes into the second-half. Callum O’Dowda’s cross to the back-post was headed back into the six-yard box by Kevin Long, to Darragh Lenihan. The debutant’s shot was hit over the line from close range by Graham Burke. It was the Shamrock Rovers star’s last involvement in the game, as he was replaced by Daryl Horgan.

Just under 15-minutes later, Lenihan thought he had scored once more, but this time his effort was ruled out for offside.

Enda Stevens became the second debutant of the night. The defender replaced Shane Duffy in the final 15-minutes to earn his first cap.

Alan Judge scored the winning goal, less than 60 seconds after replacing Callum O’Dowda. The midfielder blasted the ball into the back of the net to score his first goal for his country.

Martin O’Neill’s side return to action in September, away to Wales in the UEFA Nations League.

Republic of Ireland: Colin Doyle; Shane Duffy (Enda Stevens 77), John O’Shea (capt) (Darragh Lenihan 34), Kevin Long; Seamus Coleman, Jeff Hendrick (Harry Arter 82), Declan Rice, Callum O’Dowda (Alan Judge 89), James McClean; Graham Burke (Daryl Horgan 58), Jonathan Walters

USA: Bill Hamid; DeAndre Yedlin (Shaq Moore 70), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tim Parker 61), Matt Miazga, Jorge Villafana; Tim Weah, Tyler Adams, Wil Trapp (capt), Weston McKennie (Joe Corona 81), Rubio Rubin (Luca De La Torre 77); Bobby Wood (Josh Sargent 70).

Referee: Andrew Dallas (Scotland)