Scholars Set for Northern Test

U15 Girls’ International Friendly

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Republic of Ireland Select vs Northern Ireland Select

Oriel Park, Dundalk FC

Saturday, February 20, KO 1pm

THE FAI SCHOOLS U15 Girls’ select with host their Northern counterparts in a friendly match in advance of the Bob Docherty Tournament which is scheduled for early April.

Following the Interprovincial series last November, Lorraine Counihan has whittled down the 68 players on display during that 3 day tournament to a select that will face its first real competitive test against Alfie Wylie’s side.

The girls had a good runout against the MGL U16 select a fortnight ago but were missing some key players on that occasion. The Donegal duo of Tyler TOLAND (Deele College, Raphoe) and Amy BOYLE CARR (St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties) were absent for that encounter so Counihan will be eager to see them in action this time out. Both girls featured last season alongside Meghen HENGERER, Aoife LYNAGH (both Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Salthill) and Louise MASTERSON (Holy Family CS, Rathcoole). The experience gained by these players will be vital in order for the team to progress this season.

The Republic of Ireland have come runners up on two consecutive occasions now and the Manager is hoping to go one better this time out but understands it will be a difficult venture. Counhian stated; “I am delighted to have so many familiar faces return to the set-up. There are several young players that have forced their way into the squad through some hard work over the last few months and I am looking forward to seeing them stake their claims to a starting eleven position as it’s all to play for on Saturday. We are well aware of the talent at England and Scotland’s disposal but the girls will give to everything in the tournament. The main thing is for the girls to enjoy their first real taste of International football in this setting”.

Next up for the Schools select is a trip to Manchester in early March as they take on England Schools in another friendly at Bury FC. The girls will have one final training session following that outing as the squad meet in Dublin on Saturday, March 19. The finishing touches will be applied to the squad before they travel to Wales for the International series.

Counihan and her crew are looking forward to the International excursion as it has proved very competitive in recent years. The four day competition will see hosts Wales with two teams selected (2001, 2002) as well as England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. The sides will be split into two groups with Wales (01) and Northern Ireland in Counihan’s group. The other side of the draw sees current holders Scotland up against 2014 winners England and Wales (2002). It should prove to be a great contest for the Irish girls and one that they will relish.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SELECT:  Alannah McAVOY (Loreto Secondary School, Bray), Tyler TOLAND (Deele College, Raphoe), Meghen HENGERER, Lucia LOBATO, Aoife LYNAGH (all Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill, Salthill), Maria O’SULLIVAN, Zara FOLEY (both Ballincollig Community School), Jessica ZIU (Larkin Community College), Sinéad DONOVAN (Claregalway Community School), Rachel KELLY (Manor House School, Raheny), Rachel O’REGAN (Carrigaline Community School), Amy BOYLE CARR (St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties), Doireann FAHEY (Ardscoil Rathangan), Louise MASTERSON (Holy Family CS, Rathcoole), Karen CONNOLLY (St. Brigid’s School, Convent of Mercy, Tuam), Leah McHUGH (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford), Eabha O’MAHONY (Mount Mercy College, Cork), Isibeal CAROLAN (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush), Aisling SPILLANE (The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown)

Bob Docherty Cup (U15 Girls’ International)

Newport Stadium & Dragon Park, Wales

Friday, April 1

Wales (02) vs Scotland, Newport Stadium, 4pm

Wales (01) vs Republic of Ireland, Dragon Park, 6pm

Saturday, April 2

Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland, Dragon Park, 2pm

Wales (02) vs England, Newport Stadium, 4pm

Sunday, April 3

Wales (01) vs Northern Ireland, Dragon Park, 12 noon

Scotland vs England, Newport Stadium, 2pm

Monday, April 4

1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, 5 vs 6, Newport Stadium, 11am

Bob Docherty Tournament – Roll of Honour