Republic of Ireland salvage draw with England

England 3-3 Republic of Ireland

White (6), Hampson (20), Oneymah (53)    Donnellan (1), Manning (81), McGrath (90+) 

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS International side staged a dramatic second half revival as they came back from a 3-1 deficit to draw 3-3 in the dying minutes of an action packed tie (March 28, 2014)

Two quick goals in the final eight minutes secured a memorable draw with England at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate tonight:

These two sides couldn’t be separated last season in Turner’s Cross as the Republic of Ireland came from a goal behind in that game to take it to 2-2: A header from another Yeats College student, Alex Byrne ten minutes from time gave the Irish a lifeline then: While in tonight’s decider, Captain Ryan Manning (Yeats College) played a pivotal role in his team’s success:

Ollie Horgan’s Irish side ensured a share of the spoils again after a thrilling encounter when Jamie McGrath forced the ball home in the dying minutes:

Coláiste Chriost Rí pupil Craig Donnellan had given the visitors a dream start when he grabbed the opener after just 25 seconds:

But the English response was swift and they found an equaliser in the fifth minute when a free kick by Andrew White found its way into the Irish net:

The home side then grabbed the lead through Michael Hampson in the 20^th minute:

England extended their lead through Mark Onyemah in the 53rd minute and looked to have control of the game but Ireland produced a tremendous fight back:

Captain Ryan Manning (Yeats College) proved his quality on this stage once again when he brought the tie back to 3/2 on 81 minutes:

That set up a grandstand finish and Jamie McGrath of Athboy CS was the hero with the late equaliser

St: Eunan's College defender Chris Flanagan could have sealed a remarkable turnaround victory but was denied by the England goalkeeper deep into injury time:

Ireland’s final game in the competition will be at home to Scotland in Tallaght Stadium on April 24:

There is plenty to play for as the other Nations to battle in the lead up to this game:

Currently Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the Republic of Ireland are all tied on four points each: Wales sit at the bottom of the league table following three defeats:

Last season’s champions, Northern Ireland has a game in hand as do Scotland and England

Northern Ireland will host England in Comber, Belfast next Friday, April 4 in what should prove to be a cracking game:

England will then host Scotland in Ewood Park on April 11 hoping home advantage will play a part in proceedings:

Wales will make the journey to Knockbreda as Northern Ireland sees their final game staged on home soil:

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS: Patrick DUNICAN (Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore), Maxime KOUOGUM (Coláiste Chairain, Leixlip), Gary BOYLAN (Our Lady’s SS, Belmullet), Christopher FLANAGAN (St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Dylan KAVANAGH (Salesian College, Celbridge), Jack BAYLY (Salesian College, Celbridge), Craig DONNELLAN (Coláiste Chríost Rí, Cork), Cian KAVANAGH (Patrician College, Finglas), Val FEENEY (Colaiste Phobáil, Ros Cré), Jamie McGRATH (Athboy Community School), Ryan MANNING CAPTAIN (Yeats College, Galway)

SUBS: Antaine Ó LAOÍ (Coláiste Cholmcille, Galway) for Feeney (75), Darragh GANNON (Lucan Community College) for C Kavanagh (64), Darragh BLACK (Loreto Community School, Milford) for Bayly (58), Aidan McCAULEY (Moville Community College) for Kouogum (h/t), George KELLY (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for injured Donnellan (20)

SUBS NOT USED: Jack BRADY (St: Anne’s Community College, Killaloe), Michael BROWN (Maynooth Post Primary School)  

MANAGEMENT: Ollie HORGAN, Manager (St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Paddy O’REILLY, Assistant Manager (Trinity Comprehensive School, Ballymun), Dave ARCHBOLD, Coach (Palmerstown Community School), Gary POWER (Kit Person), Mickey McGLYNN (Physio), Dr: Aidan O’COLMAIN (Team Doctor)

CENTENARY SHIELD RESULTS

Wales Schools 0-3 Republic of Ireland Schools

Thursday, March 6, 2014

The Rock Cefn Druids (7:00pm)

Republic of Ireland Schools 1-2 Northern Ireland Schools

Monday, March 17, 2014

The Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers FC (3:00pm)

England Schools 3-3 Republic of Ireland Schools

Friday, March 28, 2014

Ashton Gate, Bristol City FC (7:00pm)

CENTENARY SHIELD FIXTURES

Republic of Ireland Schools v Scotland Schools

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Tallaght Stadium, Dublin (7:00pm)

CENTENARY SHIELD TABLE (as of 28:03:14)