Republic of Ireland loss out to North

SAFIB Centenary Shield | Under 18 Boys’ International

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Republic of Ireland 1-2 Northern Ireland        

Hugh Parker (72)                                                   Michael Harkin (45+2), Karter Bond (85)

The Republic of Ireland Schools suffered a narrow defeat against Northern Ireland in the second of their SAFIB Centenary Shield outings in Athlone Town AFC last Thursday night (March 7).

Presentation College, Headford star Brian Cunningham forced Ryan Kerr into an excellent save with a quarter of an hour played.

Three minutes later, Hazelwood College pupil Robbie Lynch smashed his header off the crossbar following a Daire Patton (Summerhill College, Sligo) free kick.

O’Brien’s side were dealt a body blow ten minutes from the break as talisman’s Brian Cunningham limped off with a hamstring injury as Rhys Kelly Noonan was introduced. 

The Republic of Ireland were outdone by a set piece for the opening goal at the stroke of half-time. Very similar to the Scottish encounter as they conceded at a vital time in the game.

Michael HARKIN rose highest in the box from a corner to head past Jakas with two minutes of added time on the clock in the first half.

The visitors took the slight advantage into the interval.

Another shattering loss for the hosts was the withdrawal of Kyle McDonagh (St. Attracta’s CS, Tubbercurry) following a head injury before the hour mark.

However, Derek O’Brien’s charges equalised through Hugh PARKER on 72 minutes as Rhys Kelly Noonan’s initial shot was palmed away by Kerr for the Temple Carrig School scholar to tap in from close range. It was a well worked manoeuvre which saw great work from Evan Lynch in the buildup. 

However, the Republic were to concede again five minutes from time with a free kick doing the damage. Jude Johnston hit the post from his attempt and the round fell nicely to Karter BOND who struck the decisive winner to snatch a late victory over their hosts.

The Republic of Ireland defeat follows a one all draw at home to Scotland a week previous.

O’Brien’s team will be out again against England on April 5 while they conclude the campaign away to Wales on April 18. The Irish will be hoping that Cunningham and McDonagh will be fit to play some part in the remaining two games.  Two wins from two are required if they are to challenge the other Nations for a share of the title. A big ask away from home with the final two games against defending joint Champions, England, and Wales.

Meanwhile the hard-earned result from Thursday evening will see Simon Nicks’ side top of the table with two wins from two. They opened their campaign with 3-0 victory against England in Belfast on the Shield’s opening night on February 23. The North will face Scotland on March 21 before hosting Wales on April 11.

All eyes will be on this Thursday’s crunch encounter as Scotland entertain Wales in Greenock Morton in the fourth of a ten-match series as they enjoy an afternoon kick-off (1.0)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Christian Brothers College student Evan LYNCH was named Player of the Match following a solid performance at the back for the Republic of Ireland.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Edvinas JAKAS (Lucan Community College), Seán MACKEY (Coláiste Chiarain, Leixlip),  Kyle McDONAGH (St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry), Callum HONOHAN © (Edmund Rice College, Carrigaline), Robbie LYNCH (Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher), Evan LYNCH (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Calum COSTELLO (Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir), Daire PATTON (Summerhill College, Sligo), Hugh PARKER (Temple Carrig School, Greystones), Brian CUNNINGHAM (Presentation College, Headford), Kyle DONOGHUE (Kildare Town Community School),

SUBS USED | Rhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Mhuire, Crosshaven) for Cunningham (36), Callum DOYLE TRAVERS (St. Fintan’s High School, Sutton) for McDonagh (58), Darragh COYLE (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) for Mackey (83)

SUBS NOT USED | Óisín COONEY (Carndonagh Community School), Jack  AHERN (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore), James McATEER (Loreto Community School, Milford), Aidan RUSSELL VARGAS (Lusk Community College)

MANAGEMENT | Derek O’BRIEN, Head Coach (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore), Alan MURPHY, Coach (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway) Ollie HORGAN, Coach (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), John POWER, GK Coach, Martin CAVANAGH, Equipment Manager (Carndonagh Community School), Michael McGLYNN (Physio), Dr. Aidan O’COLMAIN (Team Doctor)

NORTHERN IRELAND |  Ryan Kerr, Callan Farley, Harry Lynch, James Douglas, Senan Devine, Oisin Devlin ©, Casey Smith, Owen O’Neill, Alfie Gaston, Michael Harkin, Karter Bond

SUBS USED | Jack Hastings for Gaston (HT), Jude Johnson for Michael Harkin (66), Rory Powell for Douglas (66), Logan Graham for Devine (81)

SUBS NOT USED | Jack McLaughlin, Joshua Gracey, Jack Hastings, Sam McClintock

MANGEMENT | Simon Nicks, Richard Clarke, Neil McGaughey, Eamon Curry, James McGaughey

MATCH OFFICIAL | John Hanney (Dublin)

2024 SAFIB Centenary Shield

Results

Friday, February 23           Northern Ireland 3-0 England              (Blanchflower Park, Welders FC) 19.00hrs

Thursday, February 29    Republic of Ireland 1-1 Scotland                   (Athlone Town AFC) 19.00hrs

Thursday, March 7            Republic of Ireland 1-2 Northern Ireland   (Athlone Town AFC) 19.00hrs

Fixtures

Thursday, March 14          Scotland vs Wales                                            (Greenock Morton) 13.00hrs

Thursday, March 21          Scotland vs Northern Ireland                      (Stenhousemuir FC) 13.00hrs

Thursday, March 28         Wales vs England                                             (Briton Ferry FC) 19.00hrs

Friday, April 5                     England vs Republic of Ireland                   (Walsall FC) 19.00hrs

Thursday, April 11              Northern Ireland vs Wales                  (Blanchflower Park, Welders FC) 19.00hrs

Friday, April 12                   England vs Scotland                                        (Chesterfield FC) 19.00hrs

Thursday, April 18             Wales vs Republic of Ireland                       (Briton Ferry FC) 19.00hrs

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS

Head to Head Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland | 20  encounters | | 9 wins, 6 draws, 5 defeats