The Republic of Ireland will be represented at the European Youth Multi Sports Olympics, which take place in Lignano, Italy from the 3rd to the 8th July 2005, by a home based U18 squad managed by Noel O’Reilly. Ireland have been drawn with hosts Italy and Finland in their three team Group.

In preparation for the tournament, manager O’Reilly summoned an initial squad of sixteen players to Dublin for a training session last week. The squad which includes players from ten separate counties is reflective of the expansion and growth of soccer throughout Ireland.

Noel O’Reilly and his players will be seeking to emulate the success of the squad he took to Murcia, Spain for the 2001 Youth Olympics where Ireland were crowned champions and claimed the Gold Medal.

The squad will depart from Dublin Airport on Friday the 1st July 2005 and will meet the hosts Italy in their opening group fixture on Monday the 4th July 2005 at 18.00 hours. The second group fixture against Finland will take place on the following evening, Tuesday 5th July 2005 also at 18.00 hours.

Squad:
Eugene Ferry (Trojans/Derry City), Brendan Daly (Corinthians Boys, Cork), Darren O’Connor (Lakewood, Cork), Alan Power (Crumlin United), Darren Dennehey (St Brendan’s Park, Tralee), Mark Byrne (Crumlin United), Kevin McArdle (Shelbourne), Eoin Doyle (Crumlin United), Stephen O’Shea (Tramore), Patrick Bonner (Keadue), Adam Rooney (Crumlin), James O’Sullivan (Belvedere), Alan Judge (St Joseph’s Boys), Aidan Downes (Tolka Rovers), John Donnelan (Belvedere), Jack Douglas (St Joseph’s Boys).

Support Staff:

Goal keeping Coach: Josh Moran
Physiotherapist: Tony Stain
Equipment Manager: Paraic Carney