February 2009 News Archive

League of Ireland 2009 Season launch in Tallaght...27/02/2009
The FAI will formally launch the 2009 League of Ireland season at a presentation in the Malvern Hotel, Tallaght at 1.00pm on Friday 27 February 2009. Special guest at the event will be UEFA Vice-President David Taylor.
FAI Schools overcome Welsh Schools in Wexford...26/02/2009
The FAI Schools (FAIS) opened their defence of the Carnegie Centenary Shield with a fine three one success over the Welsh Schools in Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford this evening. First half goals from Shane Howard, Andrew Boyle and local hero James Keohane put Ireland in command, despite an early equalising goal for the visitors.
RTE confirm opening live League of Ireland fixtures...24/02/2009
RTE today confirmed the opening three League of Ireland fixtures to receive live coverage on RTE 2. Friday 6 March will see defending champions Bohemian take on First Division champions Dundalk live from Oriel Park at 7.35pm. Week two features the return of Shamrock Rovers to Tallaght where Sligo Rovers will provide the opposition. The Dalymount Park clash of Bohemian and Shamrock Rovers will feature on week three.
U16s lose to Spain in Santarem Tournament finale...24/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland U16 side went down four nil to Santarem International Tournament winners Spain this morning. The Irish boys put in a battling first half display and were disappointed to concede the opening goal during added time. The second period was closely contested for some twenty minutes before Spain scored a second telling goal. Two goals conceded in the last four minutes were disappointing for the boys, but may serve to illuminate the challenges that prevail against the major nations at this level.
Ireland crash to Kazakhstan in Futsal Championship...22/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Futsal team completed their inaugural involvement in the UEFA Championship qualifiers at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght when they faced Group leaders Kazakhstan this evening. Despite their best endeavors, Ireland were no match for the much more experienced Kazakhstan who won comfortably, five nil, to top the final Group on maximum points. In the other enccounter, England defeated Cyprus to take the second group place.
U16s lose to hosts in Santarem Tournament...22/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland U16 side suffered a four nil defeat by host nation Portugal in the Santarem International Tournament today. Ireland will meet Group leaders Spain, three one victors over Denmark today, in their final fixture on Tuesday morning.
RISSC football team fail to recover early season form...22/02/2009
The RISSC football team travelled to Hurlingham Park on Sunday afternoon where they suffered another disappointing 4-2 defeat to fourth placed Aberdeen SC. First half errors set the seal on the outcome with two poorly defended goals leaving the side with a mountain to climb in the second half. The situation was compounded by an eye injury to leading goalscorer Mick Dunford which forced his early substitution. An improved second half performance brought a ray of hope with Chris Coleman getting on the scoresheet twice, but to no avail, as two further goals were conceded.
U16s lose to Denmark in Santarem Tournament...21/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland U16 side opened their four nation Santarem International Tournament campaign in Portugal with a two nil defeat by Denmark this afternoon. Manager Vincent Butler was disappointed with a lethargic display from his charges and will be seeking a much improved performance when his team face hosts Portugal, who lost one nil to Spain this afternoon, in their second fixture at 3.00pm on Sunday afternoon.
Ireland defeat England in UEFA Futsal Championship...20/02/2009
A Lloyd Massey strike in the opening seconds set the Republic of Ireland Futsal team on it's way to an historic victory over old rivals England in the UEFA Championship qualifiers at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght this evening. A compelling encounter remained on a knife edge until three minutes from the end, when Philip McDonagh fired a relieving second goal to set the seal on a magnificent display.
Belgian revenge for U16 'Late Development' squad ...20/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland U16 squad, comprising of players categorised as late developers, gained swift revenge for their Tuesday defeat by their hosts, with a fine two nil victory over Belgium in Blegnytoise on Thursday morning.
Charity Quiz Night another resounding success...20/02/2009
The RISSC (London) annual Charity Quiz event, held recently at the Crown Moran Hotel, Cricklewood proved to be another resounding success with the proceeds from the evening being donated to this year's designated charities, 'The Friends of Michael Sobell House' and 'Teenage Cancer Trust'.
Opening UEFA defeat for Ireland Futsal team...19/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Futsal team made it's competitive bow in the UEFA Championship qualifiers at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght this evening when they went down two nil to Cyprus. Ireland will next face England. who lost their opener 5-2 to Kazakstan, in a crucial encounter at 8.00pm on Friday evening in the NBA.
U16 'Late Development' squad defeated by Belgium...17/02/2009
An inaugural Republic of Ireland U16 squad comprising of players categorised as late developers travelled to Belgium for two matches this week. The team managed by Colin O'Brien with Jason Donohue as his assistant, went down three nil to the hosts in their opening encounter on Tuesday afternoon. The sides meet again on Thursday morning.
FAI in talks concerning friendly at Thomond Park ...14/02/2009
The FAI has confirmed that they are in talks with Munster Rugby concerning the possibility of staging a friendly international at Thomond Park, Limerick on Wednesday 19 August 2009. Despite newspaper speculation, the FAI has this morning denied that the proposed opponents are Northern Ireland.
UEFA competitive bow for Ireland Futsal team...14/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Futsal team will make it's competitive bow in the UEFA Championship qualifiers at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght next week. Manager Derek O'Neill has selected a provisional squad of 16 for the Preliminary Round fixtures against Cyprus, England and Kazakstan.
U16 'Late Development' squad travel to Belgium...14/02/2009
An inaugural Republic of Ireland U16 squad comprising of players caregorised as late developers travel to Belgium for two matches with the hosts next week. The squad will be managed by Colin O'Brien with Jason Donoghue as his assistant.
Ireland complete U15 Midlands Tournament today...13/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Under 15 side was defeated 1-2 by Belgium in Athlone this afternoon in the deciding fixture of the Midlands Tournament. The visitors took an early lead, but Ireland equalised through Michael Drennan immediately after the second half resumption. The outcome remained in the balance until near the end when the visitors netted the winner which they just about deserved.
Irish Women go down to defeat in France...12/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Senior Women were defeated two nil by hosts France in a friendly international played this afternoon.
Ireland Under 19s suffer further defeat in Russia...12/02/2009
 Manager Sean McCarthy took the opportunity to have a look at the rest of his Republic of Ireland Under 19 squad in this morning's clash with Russia near the Black Sea. The hosts scored a comfortable 4-1 victory, with James Collins again on the mark for Ireland.
New Stadium to be called 'Aviva Stadium'...12/02/2009
Ireland's largest insurance company, Hibernian Aviva, has secured the naming rights to the new stadium at Lansdowne Road for a ten year period. The venue will be called 'Aviva Stadium' and the new sponsor will provide investment support to the IRFU and FAI for their grassroots programmes.
Trapattoni admits ' we were a little bit lucky'...11/02/2009
Ireland collected three valuable points with a 2-1 success over Georgia, in a disappointing display at Croke Park this evening. A goal conceded, through error, with less than fifty seconds on the clock, was not on Giovanni Trapattoni's menu, but nevertheless was served. Ireland, despite a below par performance, did show character to recover and ultimately collect three points through a second half brace from Robbie Keane. The equaliser, from a hotly contested penalty, was shrouded in controversy, but the skipper held his nerve to despatch the kick. The winner also owed some gratitude to fortune as Kevin Kilbane's corner was diverted to the net by the shoulder of Keane. At his post-match press conference, manager Trapattoni conceded 'we were a little bit lucky' but re-iterated his pre-match statement, that the result is more important than how we play. Should South Africa 2010 be our ultimate destination, few will ponder too much the merits of tonight's performance.
Ireland held in U15 Midlands Tournament today ...11/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland Under 15 side was held to a two all draw by Latvia at the home of Mullingar Athletic this afternoon. Ireland twice came from behind with goals from Carel Tio Fack and an added time penalty by Michael Drennan. Belgium defeated Lithuania 10-0 in the other tie, so Ireland must defeat Belgium in Lissywoollen, Athlone at 11.30am on Friday morning to win the tournament.
Superb Ireland hold Germany in Cork tonight...10/02/2009
The Republic of Ireland U21 side gave an accomplished performance against UEFA Finals bound Germany in Turners Cross tonight. Despite a bright start, Ireland went behind on 23 minutes to a shot from a very acute angle. However, three minutes later, centre back Michael Spillane headed to the net for a deserved equaliser.
U15 Midlands Tournament kicks-off today ...10/02/2009
New Republic of Ireland Under 15 manager John Morling sent his side into action against Lithuania in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore tonight where they defeated the visitors 5-0 with goals from Michael, Drennan, Michael Hyland and a Kealan Dillon hat-trick. Belgium defeated Latvia 4-3 in the other opening game.
Ireland Under 19s go down to Russia...10/02/2009
 The Republic of Ireland Under 19 side put in a valiant display in a 1-2 defeat in this morning's meeting with Russia in Sochi on the Black Sea. The hosts took a second minute lead but Ireland equalised with fifteen minutes to go through Aston Villa striker James Collins. Parity however, was shortlived as the hosts regained the lead a minute later and held on for victory. The two sides meet again on Thursday morning.
Tonight in Turners Cross ...10/02/2009
Manager Don Givens has confirmed the Republic of Ireland Under 21 starting eleven to face Germany in the enticing clash set for Turner's Cross, Cork at 7.30pm on Tuesday evening. Making their U21 debuts will be Kerry man Brendan Moloney of Nottingham Forest, centre back Shane Lowry who has been in recent Aston Villa match day squads and Cavan native Cillian Sheridan who is currently on loan at Motherwell. Team: Shane Redmond; Brendan Moloney, Michael Spillane, Shane Lowry, Michael Liddle; Stephen Gleeson, James McCarthy, Owen Garvan; Alan Judge, Cillian Sheridan, Sean Scannell.
Irish Women score comfortable victory over Reading...09/02/2009
A Republic of Ireland Women's XI scored a comfortable three nil success over Reading WFC in the AUL Complex this evening. The game marked the retirement of Sharon Boyle, Olivia O'Toole and Claire Scanlon, mainstays of the Senior International side over the past ten years or so.
Late call up Nolan forced to withdraw from squad...09/02/2009
Preston North End defender Eddie Nolan who was summoned to the Senior Squad on Saturday night, has been forced to withdraw through injury. It was noted today, that injury doubts Kevin Doyle and Paul McShane both took a full part in squad training at Portmarnock.
Irish Daily Star become League of Ireland sponsor...09/02/2009
The Football Association of Ireland today announced the Irish Daily Star would become the third top tier sponsor of the League of Ireland, joining Newstalk and eircom. The arrangement will commence in March 2009 and will run for three years.
Retirement of three International Women stalwarts...09/02/2009
A Republic of Ireland Women's XI will meet Reading WFC in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh at 7.15pm this Monday 9 February 2009 to mark the retirement of Sharon Boyle, Olivia O'Toole and Claire Scanlon, mainstays of the Senior International side over the past ten years or so.
Kevin Doyle named 'International Player of the Year'...08/02/2008
Reading striker Kevin Doyle has been awarded the 'International Player of the Year' accolade at tonight's presentation ceremony at the CityWest Complex in Dublin. Former Captain of Holland, Ruud Gullit was the recipient of the 'International Personality' award, while Arthur Fitzsimons was inducted into the 'International Hall of Fame'.
UK Transfer Window closes this afternoon...02/02/2009
The final day of the mid-season transfer window in the UK is today, Monday 2 February 2009, and several Irish players have moved to new clubs. Top of the bill are the transfers of Shay Given from Newcastle United to Manchester City and the return of Robbie Keane from Liverpool to Tottenham Hotspur.