The Republic of Ireland U18 team, comprised wholly of home based players, gave an excellent performance in Lignano, Italy this afternoon when they faced Switzerland, the nemesis of our senior side in recent years, in the third place bronze medal play-off at the European Youth Olympics.

Noel O’Reilly selected an extremely attack conscious team for the encounter and was rewarded with a magnificent four goal return from his charges. Ireland were positive from the outset and took the lead in the 13th minute when Aiden Downes of Tolka Rovers struck a fine goal. The Irish boys continued to dominate proceedings throughout the first half and were very unfortunate not to add to their tally. As is often the case in situations of unrewarded dominance, Ireland conceded a sucker punch equaliser just on the stroke of half time.

Undaunted, Ireland opened the second half in the same adventurous spirit and playing some stylish football, regained the lead some twenty minutes into the half when the prolific Adam Rooney of Crumlin United netted. The boys maintained their discipline and reaped the benefits when substitute James O’Sullivan of Belvedere, who had entered the fray some five minutes earlier scored the third goal.

A little lapse in concentration enabled the Swiss to pull a goal back, but any hopes they might have entertained about retrieving the match, were swiftly extinguished, when with ten minutes remaining, that man Rooney popped up again with goal number four.

Ireland were deserved winners of the bronze medal and manager, Noel O’Reilly expressed his delight at the performance of his team which played with an assured composure and no little technical ability. The spirit of adventure emphasised by the inclusion of midfield players John Connellan of Belvedere, Lakewood’s Darren O’Connor and Alan Power from Crumlin United in the back four, was amply rewarded and the squad will return to Dublin with heads held high.