April 2007 News Archive
St Kevin's through to SFAI Cup Final...29/04/2007
St Kevin' Boys Premier U14 side travelled to Monaghan United today and secured a fine 2 nil victory over the hosts in the semi-final of the SFAI Goodson Cup. Goals from Ethan Mannion and Sean Stewart mean that St Kevins will face Galway side Salthill Devon in the final. St Kevin's hectic schedule continues when they meet Ballyfermot United in the semi-final of the DDSL Thunder Cup, this Wednesday 2 May 2007.
Brilliant Byrne inspires UEFA Cup win...29/04/2007
Republic of Ireland Women's International goalkeeper Emma Byrne pulled off a string of superb saves to help Arsenal Ladies win the UEFA Women's Cup this afternoon...Match Update>
Depleted RISSC slump to heavy defeat...29/04/2007
The RISSC (London) football team suffered a thumping 8-2 defeat by London Hibs SC this afternoon. Missing six first team regulars and of course Donnie Mullen who recently emigrated to the United States, the side was always likely to struggle. Despite the valiant efforts of those players forming the heart of the team such as Jon Carey and goalscorers Mick Coffey and Mauricio Carillo, RISSC were no match for their visitors.
Junior International victory for Ireland...28/04/2007
The Republic of Ireland Junior International team managed by Gerry Smith scored a fine 4-2 success over Scotland at Frank Cooke Park this afternoon. The Irish goals came from Portmarnock's Alan Corcoran and Wayne Fitzgerald of Waterford club Carrick United together with a brace from John Mernagh of Athenry F.C.
U16s bedazzle in Ballymena final..27/04/2007
A sparkling second half performance, embellished with three superb strikes, brought joy and the David Cairns Memorial Trophy to Vincent Butler's Republic of Ireland U16 team in the final of the Ballymena International Tournament tonight...Tournament Details and Report>
Joy for Ryan but despair for Fagan...26/04/2007
Eighteen year old Republic of Ireland Youth International Jimmy Ryan made a significant contribution to Liverpool's FA Youth Cup victory over Manchester United, for whom Dubliner Christy Fagan also had an excellent game. Manchester United took a 2-1 lead, from the first leg at Anfield, into tonight's second leg at Old Trafford but were outplayed for most of the evening. Liverpool levelled the aggregate score eleven minutes into the second half but, despite their dominance, were unable to secure the winner during the remainder of the half or throughout the thirty minutes of extra-time. Liverpool won a penalty shoot-out by 4 goals to 3 to retain the Trophy.
U19s restore confidence in Chocen...26/04/2007
Sean McCaffrey's Republic of Ireland U19 team produced a much improved performance in this second meeting with the Czech Republic and recorded a deserved 2-1 victory. Ireland scored after 8 minutes through the prolific Adam Rooney and dominated the game up to the interval. A Czech equaliser, ten minutes into the second half, from a penalty put a damper on things. Ireland stuck to their task however and following a superb passage of play, Everton striker Aidan Downes fired an exquisite winner in the final minute.
Butler's Boys set up All-Ireland final...25/04/2007
A hard fought 2-1 victory by the Republic of Ireland U16 side over an athletic USA, coupled with a 1-0 defeat of Switzerland by hosts Northern Ireland has created a mouth watering final in the 2007 Ballymena International Tournament. In tonight's match, a Greg Cunningham header and a penalty from skipper Conor Clifford gave the Republic of Ireland an excellent start. The USA fought with determination and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time.The second half was evenly contested and a fine last minute save from goalkeeper Chris Oldfield ensured progress to the final for Vincent Butler's Boys.
U16s draw with Scotland...24/04/2007
A Conor Clifford goal, two minutes from time, earned Vincent Butler's Ireland U16 side a 1-1 draw with Scotland in the Ballymena Tournament this evening. A defensive error led to the Scots taking the lead after six minutes and try as they might, Ireland could not find the equaliser until the final minuters of the game. The third and final Group B fixture against the USA takes place tomorrow evening, Wednesday 25 April 2007.
U19s crash to defeat in Czech Republic...24/04/2007
Ireland's U19 side, preparing for next month's Elite Group Qualifying stage of the UEFA Championships, suffered a stunning 4-1 defeat in the Czech Republic this afternoon. Ireland took a 19th minute lead through Everton defender Darren Dennehy but were completely over-run in the second half with the hosts scoring four times to cruise to victory.
RISSC share spoils in double header...22/04/2007
RISSC (London) faced Manchester United SC in a league double-header at the LPR Club on Sunday afternoon and honours finished even with both sides recording a victory. RISSC scored a 3-2 success in one match but fell to a 4-2 scoreline in the second encounter. The team meet London Hibs SC in another double-header, again at the LPR Club, on Sunday next 29 April 2007 with the final game of the season , against Glasgow Rangers SC, scheduled for Sunday 20 May 2006 at the LPR Club.
Winning start for Butler's Boys...23/04/2007
The Republic of Ireland U16 side came from behind to record a fine 2-1 victory over last year's winners, the Czech Republic, in the opening match of the Ballymena Tournament this evening. Ireland's goals were scored by midfielder Aaron Doran of Blackburn Rovers and Everton striker James Wallace.
St Kevin's crush Cherry in cup...21/04/2007
Goals from Robert Brady, Ethan Mannion, Alex McCann and a brace from Conor Murphy gave St Kevin's Boys a comfortable 5-1 victory over Cherry Orchard in the quarter-final of the SFAI Goodson Cup this afternoon.
FIFA ranking surge for Republic of Ireland..18/04/2007
The recent competitive victories over Wales and Slovakia, coupled with other results, sees Stephen Staunton's Republic of Ireland sweep twenty places up the FIFA rankings to 31.
France overcome U19 Women in UEFA Group decider...14/04/2007
Hosts France were just too strong for a spirited Ireland U19 Women's team in the final Group qualifying tie played in Orleans this afternoon. Two first half goals settled the match, but Sue Ronan's side put in a fighting performance and with twelve of the squad eligible for next year's competition, Ireland will look to a bright future at this level. Ireland still have an outside chance of qualifying for the finals, as the best placed runner-up from the six groups will join the Group winners and hosts Iceland in the July finals.
U19 Women continue UEFA challenge...11/04/2007
Sue Ronan's Ireland U19 Women maintained their European Championship Group challenge with a one nil victory over Holland this afternoon. Diane Caldwell of Hofstra University scored the goal with a delicate header in the 74th minute. Favourites France defeated Portugal 5-0. Ireland and France will meet on Saturday afternoon to decide who goes forward to the Finals in Iceland. Ireland will be very much the underdogs, but will give their all in search of success.
Cork City stun Derry in the Brandywell...09/04/2007
Derry City's lack lustre start to the season was emphasised this evening when Cork City delivered a 4-1 trouncing at the Brandywell, Cork took the lead through in form Roy O'Donovan after 12 minutes but Derry icon Peter Hutton levelled matters three minutes later. That was as good as it got for the 'Candystripes' as further strikes from Softic, Murray and Behan eased the 'Leesiders' to victory and third position in the Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division.
Butler's Boys defeat Japan in Montaigu Cup...09/04/2007
Ireland's U16 side, managed by Vincent Butler, scored a 5-2 victory over Japan in their final fixture at the Montaigu Tournament today. Two goals from Jason Hughes together with goals from Aaron Doran, Conor Hourihane and Karl Sheppard secured a comfortable success. The result means Ireland finished seventh in the competition.
Positive start for U19 Women in UEFA challenge...09/04/2007
A goal on the stroke of half-time from prolific Stella Maris striker Aine O'Gorman gave Sue Ronan's Ireland U19 Women victory over Portugal in their opening European Championship Group qualifying game this afternoon. In the other opening Group 2 fixture, hosts and hot favourites France defeated Holland 4-0. Ireland will next face the Dutch on Wednesday afternoon in the St John de Braye Stadium, Petit Bois.
Russia overcome U16 boys...07/04/2007
Ireland conceded two goals in added time at the end of this afternoon's Montaigu Cup tie with Russia to lose 4-2. Ireland's goals came from Conor Clifford and Greg Cunningham. Ireland will now face Japan on Monday in their final game of the Tournament.
U17 Women defeat Scotland...06/04/2007
Ireland's U17 Women's team finished fifth in the Amsterdam Tournament with a 2-1 victory over Scotland this evening. Ireland conceded a goal mid-way through the first half but did not panic and retained their composure. Second half goals from Gillian McDonald of Dundalk and Westport United's Maria Harrington secured a merited success.
Defeat in Portugal for U19s...05/04/2007
A cracking goal after 16 minutes, secured a 1-0 victory for hosts Portugal in the Oporto Tournament this evening. Manager Sean McCaffrey made seven changes to his team and was reasonably happy with the performance of several of the support cast. Ireland meet Ukraine in their final game of the Tournament on Saturday morning.
Victory for U16s over USA...05/04/2007
Ireland recovered from the concession of a goal on 15 minutes to record a 2-1 success over the USA in the Montaigu Tournament this evening. The equaliser came from James Wallace of Everton in the twentieth minute and was followed by a goal from Shelbourne's Karl Sheppard approaching half-time.Ireland will next face Russia on Saturday afternoon.
U19s draw with Germany...04/04/2007
Sean McCaffrey's U19 side played out a 1-1 draw with Germany in the opening match of the Oporto Tournament this afternoon. Despite the fact that the teams will meet again in the Elite Qualifying Group stage of the 2007 UEFA Championships, both managers fielded their strongest sides. Ireland dominated the majority of the exchanges and went ahead on twenty minutes when the prolific Adam Rooney powered home a header from a Keith Treacy cross. Ireland had several opportunities to increase their lead but just could not find the net. They paid the penalty when Germany scored an equaliser four minutes from time. Sean McCaffrey confirmed that all of his remaining squad players will play in the second fixture tomorrow against hosts Portugal who defeated Ukraine 1-0 in the other opening tie.
U17 Women lose to USA...04/04/2007
Ireland's emerging U17 Women's team, under the guidance of manager Noel King and coach Johnny Morris-Burke, suffered a three nil defeat by the USA in the Amsterdam Tournament this evening. Ireland will now meet Scotland in the 5th/6th place play-off on Friday.
Disappointing defeat for U16s...03/04/2007
Ireland went down to a three nil defeat by England in their opening Montaigu Cup match this evening. Manager Vincent Butler conceded that Ireland were well beaten by the better team. The squad will now regroup before facing the USA on Thursday evening.
U17 Women lose in Holland...02/04/2007
Despite an early goal from Stella Maris striker Amy Ryan, the Ireland Women's U17 team was overtaken by a talented Dutch side and lost by 2 goals to 1 in their opening Amsterdam Tournament fixture. Ireland dominated possession and were very unfortunate not to have at least earned a draw. The team will face a powerful USA side on Wednesday evening in their next game.
Setanta Cup Group Stage nears climax...02/04/2007
The penultimate series of fixtures at the Group stage of the Setanta Cup took place on Monday 2 April 2007. Linfield guaranteed progress to the semi-final stage following their scoreless draw with Drogheda United in Windsor Park. Derry City lost at home to Glentoran, so must win by two goals against Drogheda at United Park in their final Group fixture to overtake the 'Boynesiders' and claim the second semi-final spot. St Patrick's Athletic have won Group 2 following their 1-0 victory over Cork City and will have home advantage in the semi-final. Cork will almost certainly claim the other place unless Dungannon defeat them by seven goals at Turner's Cross in their final Group fixture.
Eircom League of Ireland Cup commences...01/04/2007
The Preliminary Round of the Eircom League of Ireland Cup kicked off this afternoon with the Donegal meeting of Finn Harps and non-league side Fanad United. Finn Harps won 2-0 to go through to the next stage.
Irish Women open with win in UEFA Qualifier...01/04/2007
Noel King's Ireland Senior Women's team opened their 2009 European Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Hungary in Tolka Park this afternoon. Exchanges were even in the opening period but a lapse in concentration allowed Hungary to take the lead. Ireland's quest for the equaliser was rewarded three minutes from the break when, World Boxing Champion Katie Taylor thundered a 35 yard shot into the roof of the net. The Irish side continued to dominate the match and five minutes after the break, the swift reactions of defender Susan Byrne following a Sharon Boyle free kick gave Ireland the lead which they comfortably held to the end.