Paul Doolin's side started the year on a high with two victories over Azerbaijan in friendlies at Tallaght Stadium. The first game was a spectacular 6-0 win with Jamie McGrath and Ryan Manning each scoring twice with Jack Hallahan and Des Hutchinson also finding the net. They followed that up with a 2-0 at the same venue two days later through Hallahan and Manning once more.
That set the Irish up for their UEFA Elite Qualifying Round which took place in Germany and was always going to be a real test for Doolin's side. They were unfortunate to lose 1-0 in their opening game against Czech Republic in Mannheim.
Ireland had to beat Germany in their next game to stay in contention for qualification and they produced brilliant display before unfortunately succumbing to a 3-2 loss in Sandhausen. The hosts went ahead in the 52nd minute but Hallahan and Joel Coustrain each scored to put Ireland ahead. To their great disappointment Ireland conceded an 82nd minute equaliser before the Germans further rubbed salt in the wounds by claiming the victory in injury-time.
Their final group game was a 2-2 draw with Slovakia in Mannheim with Coustrain and Manning again finding the net.
The 1997-born players began their season with a 2-1 friendly loss to Italy in September. Tom Holland scored Ireland's goal in the first half at Cava de'Tirreni but the home side scored twice in the second half to claim the spoils.
In October Doolin's squad played two testing friendly matches against Ukraine in Limerick's Markets Field. Captain Danny Kane struck in the final minute to earn his side a draw in the first game then two days later the Ukraine won 2-1 after bagging two second half goals to turn the game around following Dan Casey's first half thunder-bolt of a goal.
Ireland hosted the UEFA Qualifying Round in November in a mini-tournament plagued by inclement weather. The opening game against Slovenia ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss for the Irish at Eamonn Deacy Park when the Irish could not turn their dominance into goals.
Next up were Latvia at the same venue on another stormy night but the Irish were strong in front of goal this time around and won 3-0 thanks to a Frank Mulhern double and a Graham Kelly finish to keep their hopes to progressing to the Elite Phase alive.
Unfortunately the campaign ended in real disappointment as Ireland lost 4-0 to Scotland at Markets Field in a game which saw them fail to hit top gear from early on.
Doolin has confirmed his intention to step down at the end of his contract in May and while 2015 may have ultimately ended in disappointment his six years in the role were full of many highs and this was the first time they had failed to progress to the Elite Phase of qualifying under his stewardship.
Results
Rep of Ireland 6-0 Azerbaijan, Friendly, 25 February
Rep of Ireland 2-0 Azerbaijan, Friendly, 27 February
Rep of Ireland 0-1 Czech Rep, UEFA Qualifier, 26 March
Germany 3-2 Rep of Ireland, UEFA Qualifier, 28 March
Slovakia 2-2 Rep of Ireland, UEFA Qualifier, 31 March
Italy 2-1 Rep of Ireland, Friendly, 7 September
Rep of Ireland 1-1 Ukraine, Friendly, 10 October
Rep of Ireland 1-2 Ukraine, Friendly, 12 October
Rep of Ireland 0-1 Slovenia, UEFA Qualifier, 13 November
Rep of Ireland 3-0 Latvia, UEFA Qualifier, 15 November
Rep of Ireland 0-4 Scotland, UEFA Qualifier, 18 November
Appearances (most)
6 - George Poynton, Dylan Watts
Goals (most)
4 - Ryan Manning
3 - Jack Hallahan
2 - Joel Coustrain, Jamie McGrath, Frank Mulhern