The Republic of Ireland amateur international team recovered some of their lost pride when they defeated the UEFA Regions Cup Finalists from Spain in their final Group B fixture played at OKS Okocimski in Brzesko, Poland this afternoon.

Manager Gerry Smith and his Ireland squad had travelled to southern Poland with some degree of optimism that they could achieve success in the Championship finals, however, a disappointing draw in their opening fixture against the side from Romania, which was regarded as the weakest team in the Group, was a severe setback to their aspirations.

Their hopes of success crumbled in a calamitous second group game against the representatives from the Ukraine when, despite getting off to the best possible start by scoring twice in the opening six minutes and retaining that advantage until approaching the hour mark, they imploded dramatically in the last half hour and conceded four goals.

This afternoon’s victory over the potential champions from Spain was well merited and was an illustration of what might have been possible but for the vagaries of their opening performances. The match did not begin in the most promising fashion when Ireland fell behind on eight minutes to a soft goal conceded following a corner.

Ireland, however, responded with pride and determination and equalised six minutes later when Ian Callaghan of Wayside Celtic, a stalwart of the amateur team for several years, delivered a superb ball into the Spanish penalty area and debutant, Eamonn Lynch of CYM Terenure, drove home a fine half volley.

Inspired by this swift response, Ireland continued to take the game to their Spanish opponents and were rewarded on forty two minutes when a fine free kick delivered by Lynch was met powerfully by the head of centre back James Walsh to give them the lead. Walsh from the St Michaels Club in Tipperary has become something of a prolific goalscorer with his trademark headers.

Twelve minutes into the second half Ireland extended their lead when the Callaghan/Lynch combination struck again. The Wayside Celtic man pushed a delightful pass through the Spanish defence where Lynch energetically fired home his second goal of the game. Despite tiring a little in the latter stages of the game, Ireland maintained their discipline and remained in control of affairs through to the final whistle.

Gerry Smith and his squad will return home with a sense of frustration that they did not achieve the maximum they were capable of, and it is hoped that their disappointment will transcend itself into a positive attitude, enabling them to embark on the next qualifying campaign with a sense of purpose and vigour to achieve qualification for the Championship Finals to be held in 2007.