FAI SCHOOLS
Republic of Ireland gets their season off to a winning start
Friday, 29 February 2008
Wales 1 – 2 Rep. of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland received an injection of confidence when they came from behind to secure victory in the first game of the Centenary Shield which was rescheduled to St. Helen’s grounds in Wales on Friday night.
The squad had travelled to Swansea without their Captain Robbie Creevey, who had to withdraw from the squad due to club commitments and the injured Gary Murphy.
Wales scored the opening goal of the game when Mark Evans punished some slack defending at the edge of the Irish box, he powered a low shot under the arms of diving Collopy in the Irish goal with 9 minutes played.
Following the Welsh lead, Sean Carr’s team pushed forward and enjoyed a period of sustained pressure in the Welsh half. This period saw Ireland denied a clear penalty opportunity when Clarke was taken down inside the box.
Wales broke on the counter attacked on several occasions but the Irish defence and keeper Collopy were in fine form to deny the Welsh side. Marcus Griffiths should have scored a second when put through late in the first half but the power driver hit the wood work. Luck of the Irish was certainly on their side.
The Republic of Ireland started the second half with much more intensity and determination. It took them 65 minutes to score the equaliser courtesy of some good support play from Clarke and Hand and a fine finish by John Mulroy.
Kevin Barry was introduced after 80 minutes and his impact on the game was instant as he scored the winner with 86 minutes on the clock.
The Republic of Ireland will have home advantage when they take on Northern Ireland at Milebush, Castlebar on Monday, 17 March (St. Patrick’s Day) at 2pm.
FAI Schools Team:
Brian Collopy – CSB Sexton Street, Limerick
Mark O’Reilly – Chanel College, Dublin
Sean Houston – St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Philip Knight – Clonkeen College, Blackrock
David Webster – Templeogue College, Dublin
Declan Edwards – Blackrock College, Dublin
Jake Kelly – St. Laurance College, Loughlinstown
Philip Hand – Chanel College, Dublin
Jason Hughes – CBS Sexton Street, Limerick
John Mulroy – Moyle Park College, Clondalkin
Shane Clarke – CBS Sexton Street, Limerick
Substitutes:
Oisin McMenamin – St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Mark Mc Ginley – PCC Falcarragh, Letterkenny
Gerard Cheevers – St. Mary’s College, Galway
Patrick Madden – Chanel College, Dublin for Clarke
Peter Acheson – Rockwell College, Cashel for O’Reilly
Kevin Barry – CBS Sexton Street, Limerick for Kelly
Jack Flynn – Belverdere College, Dublin for Hughes
Management:
Manager
Sean Carr – St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Assistant Manager
Dave Archbold – Palmerstown Community School
Coach
Hugh Colhoun – St. Laurance College, Loughlinstown
Goalkeeping Coach
Ian Carry – FAI