February 2007 News Archive

U21s recover to draw with Madeira...28/02/2007
Ireland twice came from behind to secure a two all draw with hosts Madeira this afternoon. Goals from debutant Millwall striker Ross Gaynor, the second, seven minutes from time, set up a Tournament decider against Portugal on Friday. Portugal defeated Slovakia by four goals to nil and lead the group from Ireland on goal difference.
Opening victory for U21s in Madeira...27/02/2007 A superb header on the hour mark, from MK Dons defender Kieran Murphy, gave Ireland a well merited win over Slovakia in the Madeira Tournament this evening. Despite eleven withdrawals from his original squad, manager Don Givens was delighted with the performance of his charges and now looks forward to tomorrow afternoon's encounter with hosts Madeira, who played out a scoreless draw with Portugal in today's other game.
Third Setanta Sports Cup kicks-off...25/02/2007
The Setanta Sports Cup commences on Monday 26 February 2007 with all eight participants in action. Topping the bill is the televised clash (kick-off 8.05pm) between holders Drogheda United and inaugural winners Linfield in United Park. The other three fixtures all start at 7.45pm when Dungannon Swifts entertain Cork City, Glentoran host Derry City and debutants St Patricks Athletic welcome Portadown to Richmond Park.
Sean McCaffrey announces U18 squad...21/02/2007
In preparation for the 2008 UEFA U19 Championship qualifying round, which commences in September 2007, an Ireland U18 squad will travel to Portugal for a quadrangular Tournament involving Belgium, Georgia and the host nation.
Eircom League of Ireland fixtures published...20/02/2007
The executive committee of the new Eircom League of Ireland, today published the 2007 fixture list for both the Premier and First Division. Premier Division favourites Derry City will host Bray Wanderers while Drogheda United will travel to meet a much fancied Bohemian FC in the opening round of fixtures, which will take place on the week ending Sunday 11 March 2007.
Shelbourne lose Premier Licence...19/02/2007
The First Instance Committee of the FAI this evening withdrew the Premier Division licence of Shelbourne and instead awarded the Club a provisional First Division licence. The decision will be formally confirmed tomorrow and Shelbourne will then have five days in which to appeal the matter.
2008 UEFA Women's U19 Championship draw...19/02/2007
Following the draw in Nyon this afternoon, Sue Ronan's Republic of Ireland side will travel to Slovakia to face Croatia, Switzerland and the host nation in Group 8 of the first qualifying round for the 2008 UEFA Women's U19 Championship. The group fixtures will be played from 27 September to 2 October 2007.
UEFA Women's U17 Championship draw...19/02/2007
Noel King's Republic of Ireland has been drawn in a very difficult Group Six in the first qualifying round of the inaugural UEFA Women's U17 Championship. The Group opposition will be Moldova, Sweden and Turkey.
RISSC lose to league leaders...18/02/2007
Lady luck deserted RISSC (London) when they went down to a two nil defeat to Aberdeen SC this afternoon. In a keenly contested game, RISSC, inspired by the indefatigable Martin Flannery, matched the league leaders throughout the contest. Aberdeen scored a first half breakaway goal, following a RISSC corner, in their only meaningful attack. RISSC strove for the equaliser and Mick Coffey did put the ball in the net but was flagged for a very debateable offside. RISSC went close on three other occasions but were caught for the proverbial sucker punch with another breakaway goal in the final seconds.
St Kevin's spurn countless chances...17/02/2007
Club Coach Paul Boyle was frustrated this morning as he watched his team lose control of their own League destiny when they dropped two crucial points to lowly WFTA. Eoin Wearen scored St Kevin's goal in a one all draw, but the team as a whole failed to convert numerous chances.
Six early withdrawals from U21 Squad...16/02/2007
Immediately following his return from the 2009 European Championship draw in Stockholm, U21 manager Don Givens was greeted with a spate of withdrawals from his initial Madeira Tournament squad. Darron Gibson, Stephen Quinn, Darren Randolph and Anthony Stokes, who were members of the last senior squad, have been withdrawn by their clubs as have Ipswich Town pair Owen Garvan and Shane Supple.
U19 Women draw with Italy...15/02/2007
A much improved performance from Ireland's U19 Women led to a 2-2 draw with Italy in Rome this morning. Ireland took an early lead through Noelle Murray and dominated much of the first half until minutes before half time when they conceded a penalty and another soft goal to trail at the interval. Ireland recovered to control matters throughout the second half and the equaliser, again from Murray, was no more than the girls deserved.
Don Givens announces squad for Madeira...13/02/2007
U21 manager Don Givens today named his squad for the defence of the Madeira International Trophy, won last year. Ireland will meet hosts Madeira, Portugal and Slovakia in the four team Tournament which takes place from 27 February to 2 March 2007.
U21s to face England in UEFA Championships...13/02/2007
Ireland was today drawn in a very tough qualifying Group 3 for the 2009 UEFA European U21 Championship, the finals of which will take place in Sweden. Ireland will face England, Bulgaria, Montenegro and top seeds Portugal. The Group games will take place between June 2007 and September 2008, with the ten Group winners and the four best runners-up playing off for the seven positions to join the host nation in the finals.
U19 Women lose to Italy...13/02/2007
Sue Ronan's U19 Women lost to Italy by the only goal of the game in Rome this afternoon. Italy dominated the first half and went ahead on twenty five minutes with a well worked goal. Ireland performed much better in the second half and created a number of opportunities but were unable to equalise. The sides will meet again at 10.30am on Thursday morning at the Centre Sportivo La Borghesiana.
St Kevins Boys crush Ballina in cup...11/02/2007
RISSC (London) sponsored St Kevins Boys U14s, struck eleven unanswered goals when they defeated Ballina Town in the SFAI Goodson Cup in Mayo this afternoon. Anthony Bolger top scored with five while Ethan Mannion hit three. Robert Brady, two and Eoin Wearen were also on the scoresheet. The team will now travel to Cork to meet Wilton United in the next round. The boys will also participate in the 25th Anniversary of the prestigious Milk Cup in Northern Ireland between 29 July and 3 August 2007.
Stokes strikes for Sunderland...10/02/2007
RISSC member Anthony Stokes, scored his first Sunderland goal at Plymouth this afternoon. A superb twenty yard shot from the teenager in the 69th minute, gave the 'Black Cats' the lead, and a second from fellow Irish striker, David Connolly, ensured a two nil success. Sunderland have now climbed to joint sixth place in the Championship.
Sue Ronan announces U19 Squad...10/02/2007
Ireland Women's U19 manager, Sue Ronan, has announced her squad for two friendly fixtures with Italy in Rome next week. The sides will meet at Stadio Comunale, Bracciano at 14.30hrs on Tuesday 13 February and at Centre Sportivo La Borghesiana at 10.30hrs on Thursday 15 February 2007. Ireland will travel to France during April for the final qualifying group stage of the European Championships.
Limerick 37 invited to join League of Ireland...09/02/2007
The new Limerick based soccer group, involving several strands of football in the area, is to be granted a First Division licence by the FAI First Instance Committee and has been invited to join the First Division of the Eircom League of Ireland.
Ireland survive San Marino shocker...07/02/2007
A Stephen Ireland goal in the fifth minute of added time saved the Republic of Ireland from another disaster in the EURO 2008 qualifier played in San Marino tonight. An extremely disappointing display was lit up briefly by a fine Kevin Kilbane goal four minutes after the interval. Ireland failed to build on their lead and an horrific defensive blunder brought an equaliser for the hosts, with four minutes of normal time remaining. Ireland finally showed a degree of passion and urgency and aided by the lengthy period of added time, secured the three points, when an effort from substitute Anthony Stokes fell kindly for Stephen Ireland to score the winner.
U18s hold Dutch scoreless...07/02/2007
Sean McCaffrey ran the rule over his next crop of players, who will form part of his squad for the 2008 UEFA U19 Championships, in Richmond Park this afternoon. All eighteen squad members received some match time and there were several interesting performances in an entertaining but scoreless draw with Holland.
Wexford Youths invited to League...06/02/2007
The new Wexford based soccer franchise, backed by Mick Wallace, has been granted a First Division licence by the FAI First Instance Committee and has been invited to join the Eircom League of Ireland.
US games confirmed for May...04/02/2007
It has now been formally confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will travel to the United States at the end of May and will play Ecuador in the Giants Stadium, New York on Wednesday 23 May 2007. Ireland will then meet Bolivia in the Gillette Stadium, Boston on Saturday 26 May 2007.
Last minute heartbreak for RISSC...04/02/2007
RISSC (London) football team recovered from their demoralising defeat of the previous week and were dreadfully unlucky to concede a last minute equaliser to Middlesbrough SC in a 1-1 draw this afternoon.