Republic of Ireland enjoy scoreless draw against the North

International Friendly | Under 15 Girls’

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Republic of Ireland stalemate in Armagh

Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND enjoyed a physical encounter against their Northern Ireland scholars in Armagh City FC yesterday afternoon (Saturday).

The challenging conditions were conducive to plenty of goals but Berkeley’s first competitive fixture of the season was a lively exchange which yielded little in the way of goals.

The outing was an excellent run out for both sides as they put their finishing touches to the squad ahead of their International tour to Salou. Berkeley got to see seventeen of the eighteen players with Amy Clifford (Loreto SS, Kilkenny) withdrawn late on due to a leg injury.

Berkeley’s side were very solid at the back and restricted the North’s scoring opportunities throughout the seventy minutes. However the very strong wind made it difficult to get any sort of quality possession in the final third. By the end though, the Republic were well on top and did create some good chances.

Ellen Molloy of Presentation SS, Kilkenny created the best opportunities of the game through her set piece play as well as close range efforts from Palmerstown stalwart Jessie Stapleton and the impressive St. Mary’s Naas student Orlagh Fitzpatrick but the deadlock remained.

Berkeley remarked ‘It was a tough day but a really good challenge for the girls. They will have learned a lot from the experience and now know that the physical side of the game is a big factor at International level’.

The next outing for the Schools select will see them face Sue Ronan’s new look Under 16s at Abbotstown on March 23. This session will be followed by the final training session on April 6 before the team jet off to Salou for the Bob Docherty Cup which will kick off on April 21.

POTM

Alex Harkin, FAI Schools Executive was present to announce our Player of the Match for this game. The management team were impressed with a number of players on the day but the accolade was deservedly awarded to Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale pupil Nicole McNAMARA for her outstanding work rate throughout the game.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND | Robyn MURRAY (St. Joseph’s SS, Navan), Aoibheann COSTELLO (Scoil Bhríde, Mercy SS, Tuam), Liadán CLYNCH (Bush Post Primary School, Dundalk), Jessie STAPLETON (Palmerstown Community School), Nicola McNAMARA (Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale), Maria REYNOLDS (Loreto Abbey, Dalkey), Áine WALSH (Salesian Secondary College, Pallaskenry), Eva MANGAN (Carrigaline Community School), Aoife CRONIN (Scoil Pól, Kilfinane), Ellen MOLLOY (Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny) Captain, Orlagh FITZPATRICK (St. Mary’s College, Naas),

SUBS USED | Rebecca McMAHON (St. MacDara’s CC, Templeogue), Ellie LONG (Carndonagh Community School), Jenna SLATTERY (Laurel Hill Coláiste), Amy MAHON (St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown), Emma DOHERTY (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), Alison LONG (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross) INJURED Amy CLIFFORD (Loreto SS, Kilkenny)

MANAGEMENT | Head Coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh)Coach Karen Byrne (St. Michael’s Special School, Skerries), Coach Emma Mullin GK Coach Scott Gaynor (Presentation SS, Wexford), Performance Analyst Sarah O’Donoghue Kit Person Karen Henry (Mulroy College, Milford), Physio Aoife Burke