Gerry Smith Announces Junior Squad to Face Scotland Date: Monday, 27 August 2007 Section: International extract from www.fai.ie  Republic of Ireland Junior international manager, Gerry Smith has announced an 18 strong squad to face Scotland in a friendly international in Glasgow on 22nd September. Smith will be hoping that his side can bounce back from a 2-0 defeat suffered to the USA at Cooke Park, Tipperary last July. Included in the squad are David Lacey and Andy Fitzsimons who starred for Killester United in last year's FAI Junior Cup victory, also included is Waterford Crystal and International deaf midfield playmaker, Joesph Watson. Smith’s side last faced Scotland in a friendly in April when the Irish came out on top with a 4-2 win with goals from John Mernagh and Wayne Fitzgerald. Junior International Friendly Scotland v Republic of Ireland Saturday, 22nd September Petershill, Glasgow Kick-off: 3pm Republic of Ireland Squad Austin Hannon - Portmarnock FC David Conroy - Ballymun Utd John Carroll - St. Kevins Boys Paul Breen - St. Michaels FC James Walsh - St. Michaels FC Adrian Mc Donnell - Portmarnock FC Andy Fitzsimons - Killester Utd Robbie Coombes - Portmarnock FC Keith Hartnett - Pike Rvs Wayne Fitzgerald - Carrick Utd Seamus Crowe - Athenry FC James Sugrue - Tralee Dynamos Daniel Power - Newcastle West FC John Mernagh - Athenry FC Joe Watson - Waterford Crystal Keith Kirwan - Baldoyle Utd David Lacey - Killester Utd Stephen O’ Mahony - Lisselton FC Manager Gerry Smith Ireland Junior Team Lose to USA in Cooke Park, Tipperary Date: Sunday, 29 July 2007 Section: International Match report extracted from www.fai.ie Photos: Tralee Dynamos Junior International Friendly Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 USA                                       Ochoa                                      Potter
James Sugrue with his proud Grandfather Peter after the game against the U.S.A. The USA recorded their second win of the week over the Republic of Ireland at Amateur/Junior International level on Saturday at Cooke Park, Tipperary Town Ireland's (Kerry's) Left Flank: James Sugrue & Stephen O'Mahony Gerry Smith’s Ireland were gunning for revenge following Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Turners Cross. . By contrast to the experimental Munster-based team that was picked on that occasion, several of the heavyweights from the upper echelons were chosen in a strong Irish Junior side for the rematch. Kerry pair James Sugrue and Stephen O’Mahony added to their growing reputation with solid performances while Seamus Crowe and Wayne Fitzgerald both outlined their class in midfield. AUL Oscar Traynor stalwarts Austin Hannon and David Conroy shared the goalkeeping duties with the latter especially busy. However, by the time Conroy entered the fray with 27 minutes left Ireland were well on their way to a second defeat in succession after a couple of well taken first half goals. The USA definitely deserved the win as Ireland created little in the final third and trailed two-nil by half time. The writing was on the wall for the Irish from midway through the first half when Jesus Ochoa wriggled free of his marker to tap home a probing cross from Marquis Muse. Ireland were dealt a second blow ten minutes later when Kirk Scarlett caused havoc with a deft touch which led to panic in the penalty area. Geoffrey Potter gathered possession and darted beyond James Walsh before stroking the ball to the left of Hannon from the penalty spot for a second goal. After half time America’s dominance continued, with a John Mernagh header as close as the hosts came to reducing arrears. In the final stages, substitute goalkeeper Conroy came to Ireland’s rescue and prevented a third goal with a save from Kellan Zindel. Republic of Ireland: A. Hannon (Portmarnock); S. Dunne, D. Lacey (both Killester United); S. O’Mahony (Lisselton); J. Walsh, P. Breen (both St Michaels); S. Crowe, J. Mernagh (both Athenry); K. Kennedy (WFTA); W. Fitzgerald (Carrick United); J. Sugrue (Tralee Dynamoes) Subs: M. Keogh (Killester United) for Kennedy 45; D. Conroy (Ballymun United) for Hannon 63; P. McClelland (Ardmore) for Breen 72; K. Hartnett (Pike Rovers) for Fitzgerald 58; P McGarry (Pike Rovers) for Lacey 72; Mick Duffy (Ballina Town) for Sugrue 76. USA: J. Bubonja, J. Dugena, J. Hallenhack, B. Jovicic, M. Muse, M. Nerkowski, J. Ochoa, G. Potter, K. Zindel, K. Scarlett, M. Uremovich. Subs: M. Johnson for Uremovich 70; M. Horne for Nerkowski 84; S. Murray for G. Potter 85; D. Zimmerman for Bubonja 86; D. Rogers for Zindel 86. Rogers for Zindel 78 Referee: F Murphy (Cork) Ireland Junior Team Seeking Better Fortune against USA Date: Friday, 27 July 2007 Section: International extract from www.fai.ie Junior International Friendly Republic of Ireland v USA Saturday, July 28th Cooke Park, Tipperary Kick-off: 5pm The Amateur Union League will be the best represented of the leagues in the land on Saturday when the Republic of Ireland Junior team play the United States. For only the second time ever, the palatial surrounds of Cooke Park in Tipperary Town will play host to an International fixture.Last Autumn Gerry Smith’s side recorded a historic victory over England, and nine months on the Irish boss had no hesitation in returning to the scene of one of the best results of his tenure. AUL Premier ‘A’ giants Killester United, who beat St John Bosco in June’s FAI Junior final, provide three players as do north Dublin rivals Portmarnock.Goalkeeper Austin Hannon has been an ever-present in Junior squads for the best part of a decade, while club-mate Brian Rickard returned to the International fold earlier in the year. Following wins over Northern Ireland (3-1) and Scotland (4-2), confidence is high in the Irish camp especially with Hannon’s fellow AUL panellist David Conroy back in contention.A former winner of the FAI Junior player of the year accolade, Conroy joined Dublin City in March of 2006 before switching to Waterford United but with first team opportunities limited at the RSC he returned to his home-town club. Also included in the Irish squad is Paul McClelland from Ardmore in Coolock, a lively attacking midfielder and part of the AFL team which recently won the Oscar Traynor trophy.Smith has also chosen two of Galway’s Inter-League players - Seamus Crowe and John Mernagh - while Mick Duffy is Mayo’s sole representative. Former Irish Youth International Stephen O’Mahony is one of two squad members from Kerry. Tralee Dynamos James Sugrue debuted against Northern Ireland in March. Republic of Ireland Junior Squad: Michael Keogh, David Lacey, Shane Dunne (Killester United); James Walsh, Paul Breen (St Michaels); Pat McGarry, Keith Hartnett (Pike Rovers); Seamus Crowe, John Mernagh (Athenry); Brian Rickard, Austin Hannon (Portmarnock); David Conroy (Ballymun); Stephen O’Mahony (Lisselton); James Sugrue (Tralee Dynamoes); Wayne Fitzgerald (Carrick United); Paul McClelland (Ardmore); Keith Kennedy (WFTA); Mick Duffy (Ballina Town). Irish Junior and Amateur Sides Prepare for USA Friendlies
Date: Monday, 23 July 2007	Section: News
extract from www.fai.ie

The Republic of Ireland Amateur side face the USA team at Turners Cross this Wednesday with a 7.30 pm kick-off. The Irish team contains all Amateur players with the majority coming from the Munster area. David Spratt and Ian O’ Callaghan are late withdrawals from the squad and have been replaced by Blarney’s Ray O’ Leary and Enda McCartney from Cherry Orchard. Gerry Smith’s Junior squad will face the USA on Saturday, July 28th at Cooke Park, Co. Tipperary with a 3pm kick-off. Mick Duffy from Ballina Town FC earns a late call up as he replaces Vinnie Flaherty who was forced to withdraw through injury. Gerry Smith looks forward to the USA friendlies this week, “The USA are somewhat of an unknown entity and I expect a massive challenge for our lads, The USA pick from a pool of 150,000 players and I have no doubt that they will be a tough test in both games,” he says. “I am looking forward to playing in front of a strong home crowd in Turners Cross and indeed, Frank Cooke Park in Tipperary. We have always enjoyed playing international games in Cork and Tipperary and I hope that we can give the spectators a good showing against top class opposition,” he added. Junior International Friendly Republic of Ireland v USA Saturday, July 28th Cooke Park, Tipperary Kick-off: 15-00. Republic of Ireland Junior Squad Austin Hannon - Portmarnock David Conroy - Ballymun Utd Stephen O’ Mahony - Lissleton Celtic James Walsh - St. Michaels Paul Breen - St. Michaels Shane Dunne - Killester Utd Brian Rickard - Portmarnock Pat Mc Garry - Pike Rovers Keith Hartnett - Pike Roverss James Sugrue - Tralee Dynamos Seamus Crowe - Athenry Wayne Fitzgerald - Carrick Utd Paul Mc Clelland - Ardmore Keith Kennedy - W.T.T.A. Michael Keogh - Killester Utd David Lacey - Killester Utd Mick Duffy - Ballina Town John Mernagh - Athenry Amateur International Friendly Republic of Ireland v USA Wednesday, July 25th Kick-Off: 7.30pm Republic of Ireland Amateur Squad Brendan O’Connell - Avondale Utd. Adrian Walsh - Carrick Utd Ken Hoey - Rockmount Alan Weldon – Rockmount James Walsh - St. Michaels Mark Cromwell - Belgrove John Lawlor - Malahide Utd John Carroll - St. Kevins Boys John O’ Neill - Wayside Celtic Ray O’ Leary – Blarney Chris Barbour - Tolka Rovers Ray Whelehan - Tolka Rovers Pat O’ Connor - Grattan Utd Rob O’ Mahony - Avondale Utd Stephen Larkin - Crumlin Utd Ruairi Beechinor – Rockmount John Paul O’ Sullivan - Grattan Utd Enda Mc Cartney – Cherry Orchard

 

IRELAND 4 SCOTLAND 2: James Sugrue made his Irish debut 5 minutes into the second half and made a fantastic impact on the game. Ireland trailed 2-1 at the time to a very strong Scottish side. James was highly complimentary about the playing conditions at Frank Cooke Park. The quality of play and coaching. Also well done to Kerry's other Irish player Stephen O'Mahoney who started at right back and later on switched over to left back.

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Gerry Smith’s Junior Side Continue Winning Streak Against Scotland
Date: Monday, 30 April 2007	Section: International
Article extracted from www.fai.ie

Republic of Ireland 4 – 2 Scotland Corcoran, 45 Dingwall, 16 Mernagh, 63, 78 Downes, 48 Fitzgerald, 72 Second half goals were required to cancel the visitors two separate leads in each half and in the end, Gerry Smiths men ran out comfortable winners. Galway man John Mernagh stood out on the day with two goals, as Ireland followed up a recent junior win over Northern Ireland and an amateur win over Holland. Scotland were handed the opening goal of the game, when a twenty-five yard half volley from striker Brian Dingwall looped over Hannon’s head in goal and into the back off the net. Despite failing to get into gear in the opening 45 minutes and handing Scotland a couple of chances to double their lead, the home side equalized right on the half time whistle. A Rob Coombes corner found Alan Corcoran at the near post and he headed past the stranded Alan Fleming in goal. Brian Slavin was allowed to shoot from twelve yards three minutes into the second half and despite his effort being blocked, Robert Downes followed up from eight yards and shot past the helpless Hannon, to give Scotland the lead again. Ireland were gifted an equaliser however soon after, when a long kick by Hannon reached his opposite number, however Alan Fleming ended up with egg on his face, when his attempted sheparding out of play of the ball resulted in John Mernagh tapping the ball into an empty net. Twenty-five minutes into the second half, a Seamus Crowe ball into the box caused havoc in the visiting defence and substitute Wayne Fitzgerald was able to tap the ball into the open goal and put his side in front. Substitute John Paul O’Sullivan was fed the ball on the edge of the box and he delicately nicked the ball past the defender and striker John Mernagh was on hand to fire home from the edge of the box, to seal the win for Ireland soon after. Despite handing the initiative to Scotland at the beginning of both halves, Ireland boss Gerry Smith was more than happy after the game. “We just couldn’t get to them early on, but in the last fifteen minutes it happened for us and we kicked on,” said Smith. “I am really happy with the three groups of players who have come in over the past three games. “They were three different types of games, with the Dutch technical, Northern Ireland good too and Scotland today were also very strong.” Republic of Ireland Austin Hannon (Costello, 71), Stephen O’Mahony, Brian Rickard (Dunne, 57), Adrian McDonnell (Breen, 76), James Walsh, Seamus Crowe, Rob Coombes, Keith Hartnett (James Sugrue, 49), John Mernagh, Vinny Faherty (O’Sullivan, 71), Alan Corcoran (Fitzgerald, 49). Scotland Alan Fleming, Steven Swift (McKeown,19) Paul Hillard, Joe Curruth, Joe Mbu, Martin Hughes, Sean Grady, Brian Slavin, Brian Dingwall, Robert Downes, Andy Essler. **************************************