Under-15 Friendly match
Aspire Academy (Qatar) 2-1 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland Under-15 side conceded a late goal against Aspire today as they lost the third and final game of their three-game tour to the Qatar-based Academy.

Ireland had followed up Sunday’s 6-2 defeat against the Academy team by recording a 2-0 victory on Tuesday and today’s final match was a close affair.

John O’Sullivan from Belvedere opened the scoring with just four minutes elapsed when he beat the goalkeeper with a precise shot from 25 yards out.

Aspire settled more into the game as the half wore but it was Ireland who had the best of the chances. Garry Merritt, Adam Piggott and Anton Rodgers were all guilty of missing good opportunities to extend the advantage.

The hosts drew level ten minutes before the break when an in-swinging corner found it’s way past goalkeeper Sean McDermott and into the net.

It was much the same pattern in the second period, with Ireland creating lots of chances but not applying the necessary finishing touches.

The fitness levels of the Aspire team, who train ten times a week in the Academy, began to tell in the final stages.

They opened the Irish defence up with some good flowing moves and eventually sprung the offside trap and capitalised with a good finish three minutes from full-time.

Ireland manager Vincent Butler said afterwards: “We matched the Aspire team for most of the game and although they had more of the play in the second half, rarely did they threaten our goal until the late winner.

“These three matches were a learning process for our team and hopefully, they will have gained a lot from playing against some exceptionally talented players.”

He added: “I am pleased that we have got to assess 19 players in action over the past three weeks between this trip and the Midlands tournament a fortnight ago which totals six matches overall.

“Our next games are not due to take place until May when we participate in the tri-nations tournament in Belfast along with Northern Ireland and Wales.”

Republic of Ireland U15 team:
Sean McDermott – IK VAG
Conor Morrissey – Waterford Bohemians
Neil Byrne - Belvedere
Daniel Devine - Crumlin United
Robert Maloney - St. Joseph's Boys
Gary Merritt - Milford United
Anton Rogers – Chelsea
James Kavanagh – Belvedere
Derrick Williams - Tramore AFC
John O'Sullivan - Belvedere
Adam Piggott - Kingdom Boys
Substitutes:
Daniel McGuinness - Lourdes Celtic for Piggott (45 mins)
Michael Barker – Shelbourne for Rodgers (55 mins)
Shane Byrne – Crumlin United for Kavanagh (55 mins)
Daniel Purdy - Crumlin United for Merritt (65 mins)
Ryan Markey – Shelbourne for O’Sullivan (75 mins)
Alan Smith - Springfield Ramblers for McDermott (75 mins). 

Under-15 Friendly Games:
Sunday, February 24th
Aspire Academy (Africa) 6-2 Republic of Ireland

Tuesday, February 26th
Aspire Academy (Asia) 0-2 Republic of Ireland

Thursday, February 28th
Aspire Academy (Asia/Africa) 2-1 Republic of Ireland.

Under-15 Friendly match
Aspire Academy (Qatar) 0-2 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland Under-15 team were comfortable victors against the Aspire Academy representative side in a game played on Tuesday afternoon in Doha, Qatar.

Ireland played with a tempo much quicker and sharper than the previous display on Sunday, when they lost 6-2 to a team comprised of Aspire’s graduates from Africa.

Vincent Butler’s Irish team gradually unlocked the home side’s defence and grabbed the lead on 27 minutes when a low shot drilled in by winger Gary Merritt ricocheted off a defender and diverted into the net.

Ireland had the initiative and got a deserved second goal after 57 minutes after being awarded a penalty following a shove on midfielder Shane Byrne in the penalty area.

Substitute Anton Rodgers stepped up to convert the spot-kick, scoring his third goal in two games after netting both of Ireland’s goals in Sunday’s defeat.

More chances followed for the Irish but they completed the game as comfortable winners, which was extremely pleasing for manager Vincent Butler.

He said: “The team were back to their old selves in the second game and were excellent on the day. The tiredness from a long journey played a major part in our performance on Sunday but this match was a different story.

“It was a useful display, as we controlled possession for long periods during the match. We probably could have scored a few more goals but it was pleasing to get the performance and result.”

Ireland will play their third and final match of their tour against the Aspire Academy on Thursday.

Republic of Ireland U15 team:
Alan Smith - Springfield Ramblers
Neil Byrne - Belvedere F.C
Derrick Williams - Tramore AFC
Daniel Devine - Crumlin United
Michael Barker - Shelbourne
Gary Merritt - Milford United
Carl McHugh - Dungloe Town
Shane Byrne – Crumlin United
Ryan Markey - Shelbourne
Daniel Purdy - Crumlin United
Daniel McGuinness - Lourdes Celtic
Substitutes:
Conor Morrissey – Waterford Bohemians for Barker (40 mins)
Adam Pigott - Kingdom Boys for Markey (45 mins)
Anton Rogers – Chelsea for Purdy (45 mins)
James Kavanagh – Belvedere for Merritt (53 mins)
John O'Sullivan - Belvedere for S. Byrne (53 mins)
Robert Maloney - St. Joesph's Boys for Williams (70 mins)
Sean McDermott – IK VAG for Smith (70 mins).

Under-15 Friendly Games:
Sunday, February 24th
Aspire Academy (Africa) 6-2 Republic of Ireland

Tuesday, February 26th
Aspire Academy (Asia) 0-2 Republic of Ireland

Thursday, February 28th
Aspire Academy (Asia/Africa) v Republic of Ireland

This is the first age-group of players brought together to represent Ireland in international competition.

Republic of Ireland Under 15 manager Vincent Butler announced an 18 strong squad to take part in the inaugural FAI Midlands International Tournament which took place in Athlone and Tullamore from the 12th -15th February 2008.

The Tournament proved a spectacular success.

Turkey, Latvia and Belgium travelled to compete with Ireland in a competition which produced a series of high-scoring game, packed with exciting football from tomorrow’s senior internationals.

Turkey finished the tournament as winners with a flawless record after defeating Ireland 4-2, Belgium 2-1 and Latvia   4-0.

Ireland were second, their loss to Turkey their only set-back. They beat Latvia 4-1 and Belgium 2-0.

The matches were played at Athlone Town’s Stadium at Lissywoollen and at Leah Victoria Park, the home of Tullamore AFC over a four-day period.

Republic of Ireland manager, Vincent Butler, was looking forward to this inaugural tournament.

He said: “The FAI Midlands International Tournament is the first of its kind anywhere in Europe.

“Every year more countries in UEFA introduce an Under 15 team to their international set-up and I believe this tournament will be an illustrious competition for years to come.

“The four teams competing in the tournament are very diverse in terms of technical ability and playing style and I think this will lead to a very open and interesting tournament.

"This is the first time this group of under 15 players will represent their country and to do so at this tournament in the Midlands will be of massive benefit to them as they prepare for the competitive nature of the UEFA Championship qualifiers when they feature at under 17 level.”

Included in the Irish squad was goalkeeper, Sean McDermott from Norwegian outfit, IK Vag.

Butler said: “Sean came to the Irish trials earlier this month and earned his place in the squad with some good performances.

"Interestingly, Sean’s father is from Donegal and his mother is from Norway. Sean is eligible to play for both Norway and the Republic of Ireland and when you include German based Under 16 striker, Selcuk Tidim, you see that there is a new generation of players based throughout Europe who are declaring for the Republic,” added Butler.

Republic of Ireland Squad:
James Kavanagh - Belvedere F.C
Neil Byrne - Belvedere F.C
Daniel Devine - Crumlin Utd
Anton Rodgers - Chelsea FC
Daniel Purdy - Crumlin Utd
Daniel McGuinness - Lourdes Celtic
Michael Barker - Shelbourne
Ryan Markey - Shelbourne
Robert Maloney - St. Joesphs
Alan Smith - Springfield Ramblers
Carl McHugh - Dungloe Town
Brian McGroary - Eany Celtic
Gary Merritt - Milford United
Adam Pigott - Kingdom Boys
Conor Morrissey – Bohemians Waterford
Derrick Williams - Tramore AFC
Sean McGinty - Charlton AFC
Sean McDermott – IK VAG

Manager - Vincent Butler

2008 - FAI Midlands International Tournament Results

12/02/’08 – Republic of Ireland   4 – 1   Latvia, at Athlone Town Stadium      
                      Daniel Devine 23                  Verdins 37
                      Daniel McGuinness 27, 32
                      Daniel Purdy 46

                      Belgium 1 – 2 Turkey


13/02/’08 – Republic of Ireland    2 – 4    Turkey, at Tullamore AFC                
                     Adam Piggott 37                       Hasan Turk 25
                     Gary Merritt 78                          Unlu 27 
                                                                        Emre Pehlivan 52, 75

                      Belgium   5 – 3   Latvia                                                                           

15/02/’08 – Republic of Ireland   2 – 0   Belgium, at Athlone Town Stadium   
                     Daniel Purdy 11
                     Daniel McGuinness 55

                     Turkey   3 - 0   Latvia

Ireland visit Qatar for three matches

A Republic of Ireland Under-15 squad will travel to Qatar for the second time in following the success of last year’s trip (2007) for the group who currently form Ireland’s Under-16 panel.

Ireland manager Vincent Butler is looking forward to seeing his charges perform against teams from the Aspire Academy whom they meet in three friendly matches from February 24-28.

The Irish squad land in Doha on Saturday, February 23rd and will have their first assignment on Sunday, February 24th . The teams will meet again on Tuesday, February 26th as well as on Thursday, February 28th.

Butler believes the game will benefit the squad, having seen the first-class set-up of Aspire when he managed last season’s visit.

"The games we played last season were a bit of an eye-opener for the lads as the opposition played a contrasting style of football to what they were used to," said Butler.

“I was very pleased with how the squad performed in last week’s FAI Midlands International Tournament when we scored eight goals and won two of our three matches.”

Republic of Ireland U15 Squad:
Alan Smith - Springfield Ramblers
Sean McDermott – IK VAG
Neil Byrne - Belvedere F.C
Daniel Devine - Crumlin United
Michael Barker - Shelbourne
Conor Morrissey – Bohemians Waterford
Derrick Williams - Tramore AFC
Robert Maloney - St. Joesph's Boys
Sean McGinty - Charlton Athletic
James Kavanagh - Belvedere
Anton Rogers - Crumlin United
Carl McHugh - Dungloe Town
John O'Sullivan - Belvedere
Daniel Purdy - Crumlin United
Daniel McGuinness - Lourdes Celtic
Ryan Markey - Shelbourne
Gary Merritt - Milford United
Adam Pigott - Kingdom Boys.

Republic of Ireland 4-1 Latvia

The Republic of Ireland started with more purpose than their Latvian counterparts who looked to soak up the Irish pressure early on.

Irish striker, Daniel Purdy almost gave the Irish a deserved lead after 19 minutes, he ran on to a Daniel McGuinness cross but he saw his headed effort flash past the Latvian goal.

The Irish opened the scoring after 23 minutes, midfielder, James Kavanagh provided a perfectly flighted corner-kick into the box and Belvedere's Daniel Devine rose above everyone in the box to power his header past Latvian keeper, Zabusovs.

The opening goal seemed to inspire the Irish attack line and they got a second four minutes later, Daniel Prunty chased a long ball down the right flank and he provided a pin-point cross into the six yard which evaded the keeper and his strike partner, Daniel McGuinness was on-hand to slide the ball home from close range.

As the Irish continued to cause the Latvian back-line severe problems, it was the Lourdes Celtic hit-man, Daniel McGuinness who punished some slack Latvian defending. Daniel Purdy burst through the box and his shot was blocked by the on-rushing defenders, James Kavanagh let loose from the rebound which was blocked into the path of McGuinness who made no mistake of his finish from close range.

Latvia clawed a goal back just before half-time with a sublime effort by Latvian striker, Verdins. He collected the ball at the edge of the box from a pass by teammate, Petrenko and he curled a well-placed shot beyond the reaches of Alan Smith in the Ireland goal.

 Vincent Butler's side began the second with the same force which gave his side a comfortable lead at half-time. After 46 minutes, Daniel Purdy chased down a long ball from the Irish midfield, he let the ball run over this shoulder and struck a half-volley from 15 yards, placing it well out of the Latvian keepers reach to make the scores 4-1.

The Irish maintained their dominance throughout the second half in which Latvia failed to register any real meaningful attempt on Alan Smith’s goal. After today’s results, Vincent Butler’s side will face Turkey at Tullamore tomorrow evening knowing that victory will go some way to deciding the winners of the FAI International Midland Tournament.

Referee: T. Kelly

Republic of Ireland: Alan Smith, Conor Morrissey, Robert Maloney, Sean McGinty, Daniel Devine (C), James Kavanagh, John O’ SullivanShane Byrne, Daniel McGuinness, Daniel Purdy, Gary Merritt,

Substitutes: Sean McDermott, Neil Byrne (on for McGinty, 58 Mins), Michael Barker (on for Byrne, 63 Mins), Derrick Williams, Carl McHugh, Ryan Markey (on for Merritt,51 mins) , Adam Pigott (on for Purdy, 51 Mins)

Latvia: Andris Zabusovs, Vitalijs Barinovs, Sergejs Rebizovs, Agris Otankism, Arturs Reinis, Aleksejs Gilnics, (C), Roberts Savalnieks, Edgars Vardanjans, Filips Petrenko, Edgars Verdins, Jurijs Arhipovs-Prokofjevs
Substitutes: Raivo Varazinskis, Kristians Bozis, Vladimirs Mukins, Ojars Ostrovskis, Ivans Visockis, Artjoms Loginovs, Artjoms Stasko

Republic of Ireland (Under 15) 2-4 (Turkey Under 15)

The Irish were quick out of the traps and it took a mere 20 seconds before they registered an attempt on goal, striker, Daniel Purdy muscled through the centre of the Turkish defence and as he pulled the ball back to strike partner, Adam Pigott, Turkish keeper, Uysal was quickest to react and managed to take the ball under control.

Turkish striker, Akcalin had a great opportunity to give his side a dream start after three minutes. On the break, Turkish winger, Hasan Turk whipped in the perfect to Akcalin on the back post and his left foot volley was palmed away by IK Vag keeper, Sean McDermott.

Turkey seemed well in control of the game and the Irish were lucky not to concede after 22 minutes, a Turkey corner caused disarray in the Irish defence and Turkish striker, Akacalin managed to gain control of the ball and slammed his effort towards the top right-hand corner which McDermott managed to claw away, the Irish defence reacted brilliantly and pushed the ball to safety.

Three minutes later, Turkey opened the scoring through the boot of Hasan Turk, he held the ball up at the edge of the Irish box and he powered a left foot shot into the top corner past the despairing McDermott, despite the close presence of Irish defence.

Turkey doubled their advantage after 27 minutes, the Irish defence were caught in possession deep in their own half and Akcalin capitalised with a cutting ball to team-mate, Unlu who cooly slotted the ball under McDermott in the Irish goal.

The Irish reacted instantly and pushed the Turks deep into their own half, Belvedere's James Kavanagh produced a marvelous effort from 30 yards out and was just tipped past the post by the scrambling Turkish keeper.

Vincent Butler's side pulled a goal back in the 37th minute, Shelbourne midfielder, Ryan Markey made a pivitol run down the left wing and he provided a low pin-point cross to Piggott who shot first time past Uysal in the Turkish goal to make it 2-1 before the break.

With 12 minutes played in the second half, Turkey shocked the Irish with a killer third goal, Turkey surprised the Irish defence with a short free-kick and Emre Pehlivan ran through the Irish defence on the blind side and chipped the ball into the roof of the net.

Turkey put the game beyond Vincent Butler’s side with their fourth goal in the 75th minute, Cagri Tekin played a superb through-ball straight between the Irish defence, Emre was quickest to react and he fired low and hard past the keepers left in to the bottom corner of the net.

Gary Merritt pulled a goal back for the boys in green with two minutes remaining, substitute Daniel McGuinness turned inside his marker and he pulled the ball back for Merritt who had the easy task of poking the ball into an empty net.

In today's opening game, Belgium took on Latvia as both sides looked to avenge their opening game defeats, Belgium were given a scare early on as Latvia ran in three goals within 25 minutes to put them in a commanding position. However, Bob Browaeys Belgium side responded well and they pulled back two goals before half time before adding another three in the second half to win the contest, 5-3.

Republic of Ireland: Sean McDermott, Conor Morrissey, Derrick Williams, Neill Byrne, Michael Barker, Gary Merritt, James Kavanagh, Carl McHugh, Ryan Markey, Daniel Purdy, Adam Pigott
Substitutes: Alan Smith, Robert Maloney (on for Purdy, 44 mins), Sean McGinty (on for Markey, 44 mins), Daniel Devine, John O’ Sullivan (on for Derrick Williams, 70 mins), Shane Byrne (on for James Kavanagh, 62 mins), Daniel McGuinness (on for Neill Byrne, 44 mins)

Turkey: Alperen Uysal, Omer Kandemir, Onhr Yavuz, Suleyman Ozdamar, Hasan Turk, Cagri Tekin, Artun Akcalin
F. Selim Unlu, Mehmet Tocu, Mert Gifti, Emre Pehlivan
Substitutes: Eyup Bekar, Huseyin Ibis, Can Karabulut, Aguzhan Azgar, Ahmet Kerem Gezen, Ilker Sayan, Baran Yardimci