FAI Schools International team to face New Zealand
The Oscar Traynor Centre in Coolock will be the venue for an International Friendly when the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools team takes on New Zealand on Friday, 12 December at 1pm.
Manager Hugh Colhoun, is looking forward to the challenge stating that “this game will prove to be highly competitive and a valuable exercise for the team’s preparation in the Centenary Shield”.
The team hope to emulate the success of last season which saw them capture the Celtic Cup and the Centenary Shield with an unbeaten run in the competition.
The Republic of Ireland has a wealth of experience with Jason Hughes of Limerick CBS, who was capped for FAI Schools last season making a return. Joining him is school colleague, Eoin Hanrahan and Ian Storan of Crescent College Comprehensive.
Leinster dominates proceedings with thirteen players selected from throughout the Province. This is not surprising as Leinster captured the Interprovincial title last October.
Connacht will be represented by Neil Harney of St. Alouysius, Athlone, Danny Fallon of Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh and Brian Gaffney of St. Joseph’s College, Galway.
The only Ulster man to feature is Cillian Morrison of St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny.
The New Zealand U19 National Schools’ team embark on their European tour with a comprehensive list of fixtures to fulfil. The Kiwi’s will take on Northern Ireland (10 December), Republic of Ireland (12 December), Wales (16 December) and West Bromwich Albion Academy (18 December).
The Irish management have yet to finalise the panel of 18 to represent the Republic in the Centenary Shield series and will be using this friendly as part of the selection process.
The Republic of Ireland will commence their International campaign against Wales on Thursday, 26 February at Wexford Youths FC (7pm KO).
Republic of Ireland: David QUIRKE St. Patrick’s Navan, Neil HARNEY St. Aloysius College, Eoghan OSBOURNE Colaiste Ris, Dundalk, Garvan BROUGHALL Athlone Community College, Tomas BOYLE Salesian College, Jason HUGHES CBS Sexton Street, Limerick, Shane HOWARD Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Carlow, Paul CORRY Belvedere College, Cillian MORRISON St. Eunans College, Letterkenny, Carl FORSYTH Cabinteely Community School, Brian GAFFNEY St. Joseph’s College, Galway, Jason DWANE St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne, Stephen RELIHAN Athlone Community College, Ian STORAN Crescent College Comprehensive, Danny FALLON Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Ryan O’FLAHERTY St. Kevin’s CBS, Eoin HANRAHAN CBS Sexton Street, Limerick, Gary BURKE Larkin Community College, Shane MURRAY, Arklow Community College, Jimmy KEOHANE CBS Kilkenny
Management: Hugh Colhoun, St. Laurance College, Loughlinstown (Manager), Dave Archbold Palmerstown School (Assistant Manager), Ollie Horgan St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny (Coach), Ian Carry, FAI Schools Development Officer (GK Coach), Mickey McGlynn (Physio), Aidan O’Colmain (Doctor).
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