March 2007 News Archive

Eircom FAI League Cup second round completed...08/05/2007
The second round of the Eircom League Cup was completed this evening with victories for Athlone Town, Bohemians, Cobh Ramblers, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers who scored a facile 3-0 victory over a Drogheda United youth selection. With Saturday's Setanta Cup Final against Linfield in Windsor Park beckoning, Drogheda manager Paul Doolin rested his entire first team squad.
U19 Squad leave for Oporto Tournament...31/03/2007
Sean McCaffrey's Ireland U19 side take part in the Oporto Tournament next week as part of their preparation for the Elite Group of the 2007 European Championships which will take place in Dublin during May. The Tournament will provide three very difficult games against Germany, Ukraine and hosts Portugal.
Irish Schools held by England...30/03/2007
The Football Association of Ireland Schools (FAIS) came from behind to earn a Centenary Shield point against their English counterparts in Whitehall tonight. FAIS went behind on the half hour mark and their eager response was rewarded with the equaliser, courtesy of a fine header from Robbie Creevy just before half-time. Despite the creation of a number of second half opportunities, the team was unable to find the winner.
St Patrick's Athletic continue to lead League...30/03/2007
A hat-trick in the opening nine minutes from Mark Quigley helped St Patrick's Athletic to a comfortable 3-1 success over Bray Wanderers in Richmond Park tonight. The 'Saints' maintain their 100% start in the League and lead Drogheda United, who had a 2-1 home success over Derry City, by two points. In tonight's other Premier Division matches,Cork City defeated Longford Town 2-0 in Turner's Cross while Bohemian away to Waterford and Shamrock Rovers at home to Galway both scored 1-0 wins.
St Patrick's Athletic replace Shelbourne in Europe...30/03/2007
Shelbourne confirmed today that they will not pursue European football this year and consequently, Derry City will represent the League of Ireland in the Champions League. St Patrick's Athletic will replace Shelbourne and together with Drogheda United will compete in the UEFA Cup. Our InterToto Cup representatives will be Cork City.
Drogheda and Derry in Friday feature...29/03/2007
The fourth series of Premier Division League of Ireland fixtures takes place this weekend with top billing going to the live Setanta Sports game between Drogheda United and Derry City in United Park at 8.00pm on Friday night. League leaders St Patrick's Athletic entertain Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park at 7.45pm, again on Friday night.
Dundalk stretch First Division Lead...29/03/2007
Goals from six different players contributed to an emphatic 6-2 victory for First Division leaders Dundalk over joint second placed Athlone Town in Oriel Park tonight. The other joint second placed side, Limerick 37 travel to meet fellow League debutants Wexford Youths on Sunday next.
U19 Women draw with Switzerland...29/03/2007
Sue Ronan's Ireland U19 Women's team completed their preparations for the upcoming UEFA Championship qualifiers in France with a one all draw against Switzerland in Whitehall tonight. Ireland dominated much of the game but were unable to translate their superiority into goals. Switzerland took the lead on sixty five minutes but Ireland maintained their composure and discipline and were rewarded with a deserved equaliser in the final minute of the game. The goal was scored by centre back Susan Hacket who headed home a corner from full back Grace Murray.
Doyle strikes to sink Slovakia...28/03/2007
A beautifully taken goal after twelve minutes, from Reading star Kevin Doyle, gave Ireland another three points, in their EURO 2008 campaign, against Slovakia in Croke Park tonight. A much improved performance from the team and a better athmosphere created by the crowd were facets of this deserved victory. The team as a unit played well and foremost amongst them were, a resurgent Damian Duff, the hugely committed Paul McShane together with the energetic goalscorer Doyle.
Ireland's U21s lose in Holland...27/03/2007
A youthful Ireland U21 side put in a fine performance against an older European Championship bound Holland in Venlo tonight. In an evenly balanced competitive encounter, Ireland should have taken the lead on the half hour mark. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Stephen Ward was brought down but Ward himself had his penalty saved. The only goal of the game came twenty minutes from time with a superb free kick from Dutch full back Drenthe.
Doyle and McGeady to start against Slovakia...27/03/2007
Stephen Staunton today confirmed that Kevin Doyle and Aidan McGeady will replace Jonathan Douglas and the suspended Robbie Keane against Slovakia tomorrow night. The full team, in what appears to be an attacking 4-4-1-1 formation, is: Given (Captain); Finnan, McShane, Dunne, O'Shea; Duff, Carsley, Kilbane, McGeady; Ireland; Doyle.
U19 Women slip up against Switzerland...27/03/2007
Ireland lost 2-0 against Switzerland in Whitehall tonight. The game, in preparation for the forthcoming UEFA Championship Qualifying Group in France, was extremely competitive, but the more clinical finishing of the visitors earned them a deserved victory. Centre-back Susan Hackett and striker Aine O'Gorman of Ireland, had exemplary games. The sides face each other again at 7.00pm on Thursday evening at Home Farm FC, Whitehall.
Valiant effort as U17s lose...26/03/07
Ireland's U17 team put in a brave performance against favourites Germany this afternoon but were eventually outgunned by the hosts. The match was scoreless at half time but a German goal early in the second half put extreme pressure on Ireland. As the game entered the final stages, Ireland fought tigerishly for the equaliser and were twice caught out in the last few minutes to go down by 3 goals to nil.
League of Ireland Premier 'away day'...23/03/07
The third series of Premier Division fixtures, tonight produced an unique full house of away victories. Pride of place must go to St Patrick's Athletic who continued their excellent start to the season with a one nil success over Derry City in the televised game at the Brandywell. Travelling success was also achieved by Drogheda United in Galway, Cork City at UCD, Sligo Rovers in Longford and Bray Wanderers at the RSC in Waterford.
Two nil popular in First Division...23/03/07
Each of tonight's Eircom League of Ireland First Division fixtures ended in a 2-0 scoreline. Dundalk maintined their 100% start with victory over Shelbourne in Tolka Park while newcomers Limerick 37 also continued their good form with home success against Kildare County. Kilkenny City collected their first points of the season with an away victory in Monaghan.
Winning start for U17s...21/03/07
Ireland opened their UEFA Elite Group One campaign with a 2-1 victory over Scotland today. Ian Daly of Manchester City scored both Irish goals in a magnificent first half team performance which deserved greater reward. In deteriorating weather conditions, the second half was a tougher affair with Scotland applying physical pressure, which resulted in three players being cautioned. The Scots did reduce the deficit with a well worked goal, but Ireland, with skipper David Joyce in commanding form at the back and the central midfield axis of Conor McCormack and James Mc Carthy in resilient form, retained their composure to ensure the vital opening victory. In the other fixture, hosts Germany defeated Greece 4-1. Ireland will next meet Greece on Friday afternoon.
Irish Women defeated by Italy...12/03/2007
Ireland went down to a 4-1 defeat by Italy, whom they will meet later this year in the European Championship qualifiers, in the Algarve Cup today. Ireland went behind on 18 minutes, but a fine goal from Susan Byrne levelled matters ten minutes before the break. Ireland competed well in the opening stages of the second half, but were completely undone in a seven minute spell when the Italians scored three quality goals to end the match as a contest.
Turner's Cross hosts TV double header...11/03/2007
The TV cameras will focus on Cork City twice this week. On Monday 12 March 2007, Setanta Sports will screen their own sponsored cup tie when St Patrick's Athletic travel to Turner's Cross. On Friday 16 March 2007 the cameras of RTE2 will present the Premier Division visit of Galway United.
Cup disappointment for RISSC...11/03/2007
RISSC went down to a disappointing three nil cup quarter-final defeat to league leaders Aberdeen SC this afternoon. RISSC went behind after ten minutes to a needlessly conceded free kick and on the stroke of half time, poor defensive communication led to a penalty which Aberdeen converted. Try as they might, RISSC could not get any real foothold in the game and a further carelessly conceded free kick led to the third goal. The squad will now re-group and seek to complete their league campaign on a high.
St Patricks Athletic win in Flancare Park...10/03/2007
Following on from their opening Setanta Cup win over Portadown, St Patrick's Athletic travelled to the midlands and secured three league points with a comfortable 2-1 victory over troubled Longford Town. Former Millwall junior Mark Quigley scored both goals for the Inchicore outfit.
Athlone bonanza welomes Lissywoollen...10/03/2007
Athlone Town played their first competitive game at their new Lissywoollen ground tonight and celebrated in exhuberant style with three goals in the final ten minutes against Kilkenny City to become the early pacesetters in the First Division.
Hendrick strikes for St Kevin's Boys...10/03/2007
Midfield organiser Jeff Hendrick scored a rare goal for St Kevin's in their DDSL Thunder Cup meeting with southside rivals St Joseph's this morning. A further goal from Anto Bolger, in a disciplined performance, sent the Boys through to the next round.>
'Dry' weekend for RISSC Boys?...10/03/2007
With their season-defining cup quarter final against league leaders Aberdeen SC looming in Hurlingham Park tomorrow afternoon, RISSC (London) football manager Paul Franklin may be a very busy man as he extols the virtues of 'restraint' to his squad. RISSC have lost both league encounters with Aberdeen SC by narrow margins, but the players have this week exuded a quiet air of confidence that tomorrow's tie can finally bring victory for these 'boys in green'.
St Kevin's in more Cup action...10/03/2007
The RISSC (London) sponsored St Kevin's Boys U14 team switch their attention this weekend from the National Goodson Cup to the DDSL Thunder Cup when thay travel to meet St Joseph's Boys on Saturday morning. Club Coach Paul Boyle and his assistant John Moore are confident that the boys will have recovered from the exertions of last week's trip to Cork and are looking forward to the match.
Early surprises in Eircom Premier Division openers...09/03/2007
The new Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division kicked off this evening with some surprise opening results. Waterford United defeated Cork City at the RSC with a goal from Stephen Cooling while managerless Sligo Rovers travelled to Connacht rivals Galway United and secured all three points with second half goals from local boys Gary Curran and Jason McCartney.
Draw without drama in Dalymount...09/03/2007
The first televised Eircom Premier Division fixture of the 2007 season between mooted title contenders Bohemian FC and Drogheda United ended scoreless in Dalymount Park tonight. In a very disappointing encounter with little creativity, Drogheda did have several goalscoring opportunities but failed to convert any, while Bohemian did not trouble goalkeeper Dan Connor throughout the entire match.
Bright start for Limerick and Wexford...09/03/2007
The two new Clubs in the Eircom League of Ireland First Division had excellent starts to their inaugural campaigns this evening. Limerick 37 travelled to Turners Cross and scored a two nil victory over Cobh Ramblers while Wexford Youths came from two goals behind to gain a point in a two all draw from their trip to Monaghan United. In the other First Division game, relegated Shelbourne drew two each at home to Kildare County.
Irish Women draw with Iceland...09/03/2007
The Irish Senior Women's team drew one all with Iceland in their second Algarve Cup game this evening. Despite the concession of a goal after 35 minutes, Ireland dominated the match for large periods and scored a deserved equaliser on 72 minutes with a powerful Olivia O'Toole header. Ireland will face Italy in their final Group game on Monday afternoon.
Irish Schools win Centenery Shield opener...09/03/2007
Heavy rain in Scotland, forced the Centenery Shield fixture against the Scottish Schools to be switched to the artifical surface at Stenhousemuir today. In a tough encounter, Ireland collected three points courtesy of a goal six minutes from time, scored by left back Michael Leahy of St Killian's DSD and Belvedere FC.
Dundalk get off to winning start ...08/03/2007
Oriel Park, Dundalk played host to the first fixture of the newly constituted Eircom League of Ireland tonight and the home side emerged as 3-2 victors over Finn Harps...More>
Eircom League of Ireland Fixtures This Week...08/03/2007
The new Eircom League of Ireland season commences this week with a full compliment of games in both the Premier and First Divisions.
Ireland qualify for World Military Games Finals...07/03/2007
The Irish Defence Forces scored an emphatic three nil success over European favourites Italy in Whitehall this evening. On this, their first entry into the competition, IDF qualify for the World Military Games finals to be held in India during October 2007.The Irish goalscorers were Alan Corboy, Philip Gorman and Thomas Hughes.
All square in Algarve Cup opener...07/03/2007
Manager Noel King was very satisfied with the performance of the Senior Irish Women's team in the one all draw with hosts Portugal this afternoon. Stephanie Curtis of Bristol Academy scored the Irish goal after seven minutes and troubled the Portuguese defence throughout the match. Ireland deserved to win the encounter and will be disappointed with the careless concession of a free kick which led to the Portuguese equaliser on sixty three minutes.
U17 Squad announced for Elite Phase in Germany...07/03/2007
Sean McCaffrey today announced his squad for the Elite Stage of the 2007 UEFA U17 Championships where Ireland will travel to Germany from the 21st to 26th March to face Greece, Scotland and the host nation.
2008 Underage draws made in Barcelona...05/03/2007
The draws for the preliminary rounds of the 2008 UEFA Underage Championships took place in Barcelona. At U19 level, Ireland will face Andorra, Belarus and Portugal in Group 1, while the U17s will meet Denmark, Slovenia and Ukraine in Group 5. The fixtures will be played during September and October 2007.
All square in Northern Setanta Derbies...05/03/2007
Glentoran came from behind to draw one all with Belfast rivals Linfield in the second series of Setanta Sports Cup fixtures tonight. In Group Two, a last minute equaliser gave Dungannon Swifts a share of the points in a two all draw with Portadown in Shamrock Park.
U18s win Lisbon Tournament...04/03/2007
Sean McCaffrey's U18 team defeated Portugal one nil this morning to lift the Lisbon Quadrangular Trophy. Centre back and captain Michael Spillane of Norwich City, followed up his equalising goal against Belgium on Friday with the 85th minute winner today. Manager Sean McCaffrey expressed his satisfaction at the efforts of his young charges in all three fixtures and looks forward to working with them in the opening Group Stage of the UEFA U19 Championships in September 2007.
RISSC recover to draw with Glasgow Rangers SC...04/03/2007
RISSC (London) twice came from behind to secure a two all draw with Glasgow Rangers SC at a rain sodden LPR Sports Ground this afternoon. RISSC fell behind early on to a goalkeeping error, but an astute cut back from Tim Nagle enabled Mick Coffey to fire home the equaliser. The visitors regained the lead as half time approached with a simple cross and header. RISSC pressed strongly in the second half and earned a point when Adrian Ward was brought down in the area and Coffey cooly despatched the penalty.
Statoil FAI Junior Challenge Cup...04/03/2007
The esteemed Paul McGrath and former Dundalk and Galway United manager Joey Malone, made the draw for the semi-finals of the Statoil FAI Junior Challenge Cup this morning. The draw paired the winners of the Wembley Rovers(Limerick) and Killester United(Dublin) tie with Salthill Devon(Galway) while the other tie will feature St John Bosco(Dublin) against Villa F.C.(Waterford).
Brave St Kevin's Boys survive Cork ambush...03/03/2007
St Kevin's Boys won through to the quarter-final of the Goodson Cup after a penalty shoot-out against Wilton United in Cork this afternoon. A pair of first half errors saw the Boys trail 2 nil at the interval. A second half performance of passion and pride retrieved the situation and goals from Eoin Wearen and Conor Carberry forced extra-time. Kevin's dominated the additional period but were unable to score the decisive winner. Nerves held in the penalty shoot-out and the Boys progressed to the next round. Afterwards,Club Coach Paul Boyle spoke of his immense pride in the Boys, who were reduced to ten by the dismissal of Anto Bolger. A disappointing performance from the referee, calls to question the policy of appointing local officials to high profile National Cup games.
Irish Schools win in Wales...02/03/2007
The Football Association of Ireland Schools (FAIS) scored a 2-1 success over their Welsh counterparts at a wet and windy Haverfordwest tonight. The Irish goals were scored by Richard O'Donovan of PBC,Cork and Cork City, in the first half and Ross Moran from De La Salle, Dundalk and Cherry Orchard, with nine minutes remaining. The match was part of the preparations for the upcoming Centenery Shield series in which FAIS will face England, N.Ireland and Scotland.
U18s recover to draw with Belgium...02/03/2007
Sean McCaffrey's U18 team recovered from a two goal deficit to secure a valuable point against Belgium this afternoon. Late goals from David Hutton and captain Michael Spillane earned the draw which put Ireland top of the group following Portugal's shock defeat by Georgia. Ireland face Portugal in the decider on Sunday morning.
Portugal defeat U21s to win Madeira Tournament...02/03/2007
Ireland lost their unbeaten Madeira record when they succumbed to Portugal this afternoon. The only goal came on 26 minutes when a stunning shot flew into the back of the net. Try as they might, Ireland could not retrieve the situation and manager Don Givens conceded that the better team won.
U18s overcome Georgia in Lisbon...01/03/2007
A goal in each half from Glasgow Celtic striker Graham Carey and a third from his clubmate Paul Cahillane, were the bedrock of a fine 3-1 victory over Georgia in the opening game of the Lisbon Quadrangular Tournament this afternoon. In the other fixture, hosts Portugal defeated Belgium three nil. Ireland will face Belgium in the second game tomorrow afternoon.