February 2008 News Archive

Rodgers on the mark again in victory for Ireland...27/02/2008
Chelsea youngster Anton Rodgers scored from the penalty spot on the hour mark, adding to an own goal after twenty minutes, to help secure a 2-0 victory for Ireland in their second encounter with Aspire Academy in the Under 15 International played in Qatar on Wednesday morning. Ireland were much improved from their opening, travel impacted performance, and worthy winners. Manager Vincent Butler, will hope that Ireland continue their form for the final encounter on Thursday morning.
Sean Scannell wins Junior Sports star Award...28/02/2008
The Republic of Ireland Under 19 striker Sean Scannell is the winner of the 2007 Irish Examiner National Junior Sports Star Award for Soccer. Seventeen year old Scannell, whose father hails from Castleblaney, broke into the Crystal Palace first team during December 2007 and has now featured in 12 matches. He opened his scoring account for Palace with an excellent chip in the home match against Sheffield Wednesday.
Arsenal Ladies in Premier League Cup Final...28/02/2008
Republic of Ireland Women's captain Ciara Grant, goalkeeper Emma Byrne and defender Yvonne Treacy are all members of the Arsenal Ladies squad which will contest The FA Tesco Women's Premier League Cup final against Everton Ladies at the Matchroom Stadium, home of Leyton Orient FC, at 7.35pm on Thursday 28 February 2008. The match will feature live on Sky Sports 2.
Opening Setanta Cup success for Cork and Drogheda...26/02/2008
The fourth edition of the Setanta Sports Cup kicked off tonight with holders Drogheda United scoring a 3-2 success over, debutants from the Carnegie League, Cliftonville in United Park. A brace from Eamon Zayed, either side of a Richie Baker goal enabled the Boynesiders to overcome the debutants, for whom Fran Murphy and Mark Holland scored. The other Group A encounter saw Cork City, through two first half goals from George O'Callaghan, comfortably defeat Dungannon Swifts in Stangmore Park.
Robbie Brady in Ireland Under 17 Elite Squad ...26/02/2008
Manager Sean McCaffrey has announced his 18 man squad for the upcoming European U17 Championship Elite Group Stage, which will be played in Ireland between 13 March and 18 March 2008. Robbie Brady, who joined Manchester United from St Kevin' Boys on his 16th birthday last month, is named in the squad.
Draw made for 2009 UEFA Regions Cup...26/02/2008
The draw for the 2009 UEFA Regions Cup, the primary European competition for amateur players, was made this morning in Lyon. The Republic of Ireland has been drawn in Central/West Group 2 and will face England, Scotland and Italy who will host the Group. In preparation for the Championship, manager Gerry Smith will take his squad to the Isle of Man for a four team tournament during April 2008.
Under 17 Women turn the tables on Poland...24/02/2008
The Republic of Ireland Under 17 Women's side gained revenge for Fridays's defeat by Poland with a fine 2-1 success at the Oscar Traynor Centre this morning. Ireland took an early lead through Amy Ryan and should have gone two up, but missed a penalty just before half time. The visitors scored an equaliser early in the second half but Ireland recovered and Karen Duggan scored a deserved winner.
Rodgers double not enough to lift tired Ireland...24/02/2008
A brace of goals from Chelsea starlet Anton Rodgers made only a small dent in the comfortable six goal tally accrued by hosts, Aspire Academy in the Under 15 International played in Qatar today. Ireland, following their lengthy journey, looked and played with weary expression. Manager Vincent Butler, will be seeking a much improved performance in Tuesday's encounter.
St Kevins continue SFAI Evans Cup crusade...24/02/2008
St Kevin's Boys progressed to the last 8 of the SFAI Evans Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mount Merrion in Shanowen Road this morning. International midfield trio, Jeff Hendrick, Sean Stewart and Eoin Wearen found the net in a comprehensive victory. The St Kevin's Major side scored a fine 3-0 win over Castlebar Celtic this afternoon, to join the Premier team in the quarter-final stage of the National Competition.
RISSC collect three points in relegation battle...24/02/2008
RISSC (London) collected three valuable points with a 3-2 victory over Stoke City SC in this afternoon's crucial relegation battle played at the LPR Sports Ground. The three points lift RISSC up two places in the league and are a boost in their fight against relegation.
Under 17 Women go under to Poland...22/02/2008
The Republic of Ireland Under 17 Women's side went down 1-2 to Poland at the Oscar Traynor Centre this afternoon. Ireland went behind after three minutes, but re-grouped to contain the visitors for the remainder of the first half. The second half was only minutes old when Stella Maris striker Amy Ryan equalised for Ireland. Parity was short lived however, as ten minutes later, Poland regained the lead which they held to the end. The two sides will meet again in the Oscar Traynor Centre at 12.00 hours on Sunday 24 February 2008.
Ireland Under 17s hit Finland for six...21/02/2008
Sean McCaffrey's side completed their preparations for the forthcoming European U17 Championship Elite Group with a resounding 6-1 defeat of Finland in Buckley Park, Kilkenny tonight. Ireland found the net through six different goalscorers. While the seventh minute strike by Greg Cunningham was equalised after 25 minutes by the visitors, Ireland then assumed complete command and further first half goals from Robbie Brady and Darragh Satelle were supplemented by second half scores from Conor Hourihane, Paul Murphy and John Sullivan.
Second half treble secures victory for Under 17s...19/02/2008
The Republic of Ireland Under 17 side secured an impressive 3-0 success over Finland in Buckley Park, Kilkenny this evening. Ipswich Town striker Paul Murphy opened the scoring on 62 minutes and substitute Lee Jay Lynch of Limerick outfit Regional United embellished his debut with a brace of finely executed goals. The two sides will meet again at 7.30pm in Buckley Park on Thursday 21 February 2008.
Robert Brady to make Ireland Under 17 debut...19/02/2008
Former St Kevin's Boys, and now Manchester United player, Robbie Brady has been selected by manager Sean McCaffrey, to make his Ireland Under 17 debut in tonight's important match against Finland in Buckley Park, Kilkenny. This evening's encounter is vital to Ireland's preparations for the Elite Group stage of the UEFA European Championships next month.
Draw for eircom League of Ireland Cup...18/02/2008
The draw for the preliminary round of the eircom League of Ireland Cup was made this afternoon. The competition is played on a knockout basis, but is initially divided into regional pools of six teams. The twenty two eircom League of Ireland clubs are joined by regular entrants the Kerry League and for the first time Kildrum Tigers. The Donegal side are last year's Ulster Senior League champions and are again vying for this year's title. Both non-league sides have received home draws, with the Kerry League welcoming Waterford United to Tralee while Sligo Rovers will travel to face Kildrum Tigers.
St Kevins crush Cherry Orchard in SFAI Cup...17/02/2008
St Kevin's Boys are through to the last 16 of the SFAI Evans Cup following their crushing 4-0 defeat of Cherry Orchard this morning. Goals from centre back Cian Bolger and striker Danny Murphy, both of whom joined the club this season, supplemented by a brace from international midfielder Jeff Hendrick, set the seal on a polished performance.
'International Hall of Fame - Paddy Mulligan'...16/02/2008
The former Shamrock Rovers and Chelsea defender Paddy Mulligan, who was capped 50 times by Ireland, joined other luminaries such as Charlie Hurley, John Giles, Liam Brady and Johnny Carey when he was inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the recent presentation ceremony held at the CityWest Complex in Dublin. Paddy will be special guest at the next RISSC (London) meeting on Friday 29 February 2008.
Taylor dismissal leads to Irish collapse...16/02/2008
World boxing champion Katie Taylor, playing in midfield for the Irish senior women's team, was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence, eight minutes into the second half of this afternoon'd UEFA qualifier against Italy in Sardinia. Taylor's superb 25 yard shot after 13 minutes had given the Irish women the lead and they seemed set fair for a magnificent result. After the dismissal , Ireland defended stoutly but eventually the intense pressure told and Italy equalised with eight minutes remaining on the clock. Tragically for Ireland the goal proved the catalyst of collapse and Ireland conceded three further goals in the remaining minutes of the game.
Daniel does it again for U15s in Athlone...15/02/2008
A first half goal from Daniel Purdy and another in the second half by Daniel McGuinness secured a 2-0 victory for Ireland over Belgium in the final game of the FAI Midlands International Under 15 Tournament in Athlone today. Ireland finished runners-up to Turkey who won the Trophy following their 3-0 success over Latvia.
U15s tumble to Turkey in Tullamore...13/02/2008
The second series of games in the FAI Midlands International Under 15 Tournament took place in Tullamore this evening. Ireland suffered a comprehensive 4-2 defeat to Turkey while Belgium came from behind to score a 5-3 success over Latvia. Ireland were never really in contention against the powerful Turkey side despite a first half Adam Pigott goal and an added time second for Gary Merritt. The final series of fixtures take place in Athlone on Friday morning when Turkey face Latvia at 10.00am and Ireland meet Belgium at 12 noon.
Exciting start to U15 International Tournament...12/02/2008
The inaugural FAI Midlands International Under 15 Tournament kicked off in style today at the Athlone Town Stadium. The opening feature saw Turkey score a 2-1 victory over Belgium. That was followed by Ireland defeating Latvia by an impressive 4-1. It was something of a 'Daniel' day for Ireland, as their goals came courtesy of Daniel Devine, Daniel Purdy and two goal Daniel McGuinness. The competition continues tomorrow, Wednesday 13 February 2008, with another double header in Leah Victoria Park, home of Tullamore Town FC. Belgium and Latvia open proceedings at 5.30pm while Ireland will meet Turkey at 7.30pm.
Ireland Under 17 call up for Robert Brady...12/02/2008
Robbie Brady, who departed St Kevin's Boys Under 15 side four weeks ago to link up with Manchester United, has been called up to the Republic of Ireland Under 17 squad by manager Sean McCaffrey. Ireland will twice face Finland in Buckley Park, Kilkenny next week in final preparation for the Elite Group stage of the UEFA European Championships where they will meet Germany, Greece and Portugal, with the Group Winner only, qualifying for the UEFA European Championship Finals to be held in Turkey during May 2008.
St Kevins triumph in first fixture of 2008...10/02/2008
St Kevin's Boys Under 15 side played their first match of this calender year this morning and scored a 2-0 success over WFTA in the DDSL Premier Division. Goals from Jean Biansumba and Eoin Wearen secured the victory which sends the boys to the the top of the league table.
Irish women score another win in Dalymount Park...07/02/2008
The senior Irish women's team, finalised their preparations for the UEFA Championship qualifier against Italy in Sardinia on Saturday 16 February 2008, with a 1-0 victory over European Club Champions Arsenal in Dalymount Park this evening. The winning goal was scored after 58 minutes by substitute Olivia O'Toole. Ireland came under intense pressure from the London side, which contained several England internationals, and survived some anxious moments before the final whistle.
Dunne named 'International Player of the Year'...03/02/2008
Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has been awarded the 'International Player of the Year' accolade at tonight's presentation ceremony at the CityWest Complex in Dublin. Former Brazil Captain, Socrates was the recipient of the 'International Personality' award. The giant of Irish Football History, Jack Charlton, received the Special Merit Award.
Irish Women score comfortable win over Poland...02/02/2008
The senior Irish women's team, preparing for the championship qualifier against Italy, scored a comprehensive 4-1 success over Poland at a wet and windy John Hyland Park this afternoon. First half goals from Olivia O'Toole and Aine O'Gorman and second half strikes from Yvonne Tracy and the prolific Stephanie Curtis set the seal on victory.