SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield | Under 18 Boys’ International
Friday, March 3, 2023
Ireland takes on defending Champions Wales
The Republic of Ireland Schools have their second outing of the 2023 SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield in Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford on Thursday evening (KO 7.0)
The Irish scholars were held to a goalless draw away to Scotland in the opening night of the series nearly a fortnight ago.
Last night, Scotland drew one apiece with Northern Ireland in Belfast to ensure little between the sides in the early stages of the competition.
The third of the ten-match schedule will see the Republic take on defending Champions Wales following their historic victory last season having waited 41 years to lift the prestigious Shield. The Welsh students won 2-0 on the night.
Goals from Jake MORRIS and Roan PIPER inside a ten-minute period were enough to see Marc Williams’ side pass the Irish test as winner took all in the final game of the 2022 contest.
Wales only needed the draw going into the final game while Ireland required a win. It was a physical battle which the hosts won well.
Thursday’s game is a must win for John McShane’s side if they’ve any ambitions of claiming a stake on the Shield title this season having come so close twelve months previous.
John McShane will make two changes to the squad that faced Scotland as Stephen MOHAN (Clonkeen College, Blackrock) and Dan McHALE (Firhouse Community College) replaceRhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven) and Adam O’HALLORAN (Clarin College, Athenry). Mohan was previously involved with the squad making a half-time substitution appearance against Australia while McHale had limited contact time with the squad due to his club commitments.
McShane has a squad of twenty players that he is rotating for the Shield campaign as he can only name sixteen on matchday. This is the first home game for the Republic, and they’ll be hoping for a good crowd to cheer on the lads in green on Thursday night.
Local talent Jesse DEMPSEY (Wexford CBS) is sure to draw a crowd with his performances in recent weeks. The talented student captained the Schools select to a 2-1 victory over Australia in January. He is now plying his trade with UCD AFC having moved from Waterford FC this year. Dempsey’s School just qualified for this year’s FAI Schools Dr. Tony O’Neill Senior National Cup Final following their display against Ulster Champions St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, winning out 4-2 in a thrilling contest in Dublin yesterday. They now face Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew in the National decider on Wednesday, March 15.
Following the Welsh game, Ireland will also enjoy home advantage in their penultimate outing of the campaign when they entertain England on Friday, March 24 in Athlone Town AFC.
The Republic of Ireland will then conclude their series with a short trip to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 30.
The Republic of Ireland vs Wales match will be streamed live via Recast on https://share.recast.tv/v/8Z77v?referrer=6oWNg for £3 (300 credits required to view full game).
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Ryan DELANEY (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Jonathan ADEDEJI (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry), Jesse DEMPSEY (Wexford CBS), Eli ROONEY (Summerhill College, Sligo), Niall HOLAHAN (Carrick on Shannon Community School), Senan MULLEN (St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill), Callum BONNER (St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan), Arran HEALY (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Peter GROGAN (St. Mary’s CBS, Carlow), Aidan RUSSELL VARGAS (Lusk Community College), Eoin KENNY (St. Mary’s College, Dundalk), Brian CUNNINGHAM (Presentation College, Headford), Stephen MOHAN (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Dan McHALE (Firhouse Community College), Ryan McBREARTY (St. Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda), Daithí FOLAN (Belvedere College, Dublin)
MANAGEMENT | John McSHANE, Head Coach (Loreto Secondary School, Bray), Derek O’BRIEN, Coach (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore) Ollie HORGAN, Coach (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Conor FOLEY, GK Coach (Athlone Community College), Martin CAVANAGH, Equipment Manager (Carndonagh Community School), Michael McGLYNN (Physio), Dr. Aidan O’COLMAIN (Team Doctor)
2023 SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield Results & Fixtures
RESULTS
Thursday, February 23 Scotland 0-0 Republic of Ireland Renfrew FC
Thursday, March 2 Northern Ireland 1-1 Scotland Blanchflower Park
FIXTURES
Thursday, March 9 Republic of Ireland vs Wales Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford
Thursday, March 23 Wales vs Northern Ireland Britton Ferry FC
Friday, March 24 Republic of Ireland vs England Athlone Town AFC
Thursday, March 30 Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland Blanchflower Park
Friday, March 31 Scotland vs England Broadwood Stadium
Thursday, April 13 Wales vs Scotland Colwyn Bay FC
Friday, April 14 England vs Northern Ireland Billericay Town FC
Friday, April 28 England vs Wales Hednesford Town FC
All games kick off at 7pm