The Northern Ireland Under 15 team continued their fine form by recording a second 2-1 victory over Slovakia at Newry.

The home team started brightly and went in front after 22 minutes.  A period of intense pressure saw Alberto Balde crash a shot against the bar and when Ben Wylie fired in the rebound a Slovak defender handled the ball.  Chris McKee stepped up to slot the penalty kick low inside the post.

On the half hour Slovakia came close with a powerful free kick by Tomas Suslov which David Walsh tipped over the bar.

After the interval Slovakia came more into the game but Northern Ireland were always dangerous on the break and it was a breakaway after 65 minutes which produced a second goal for the home team.  Peter McKiernan and Barry Baggley carved open the visitors defence but Baggley's shot was deflected for a corner.  Jessie Carson, who had scored a spectacular goal on Monday, met the corner kick to crash an unstoppable volley into the corner of the net. 

Slovakia pressed strongly but found Walsh in fine form, saving from Matej Rosenberger and Adrian Mojzis.  With 7 minutes remaining Slovakia were awarded a penalty when Matus Capko was brought down and Sebastian Nebyla confidently converted the spot kick.

Northern Ireland

David Walsh

Carl Johnson

Aaron Brown

Trai Hume

John McGovern

Jessie Carson

Ben Wylie (c)

Alberto Balde

Gerald Storey

Chris McKee

Adrien Steele

Substitutes

Matthew Smith (replaced Brown 38 minutes)

Peter McKiernan (replaced McKee 57 minutes)

Barry Baggley (replaced Steele 60 minutes)

Harry Anderson (replaced Balde 67 minutes)

The Northern Ireland U18 squad knew that with a win away in Cardiff they would at very least share the trophy this year depending on other results.  Frankie Wilsons men duly delivered with a comprehensive 3-0 win to end a fantastic season for the team. Northern Ireland must now wait for the result of tonight’s game between England and the Republic of Ireland to see if they share the trophy or win it outright with everyone hoping for a draw.

The match in Cardiff came to life in the second half when a stubborn Welsh defence was unlocked by a delightful 20 yard free kick by Ryan Strain.  It was two to the away side shortly after when a through ball send Daniel Reynolds in on goal who made no mistake striking the ball into the corner.  The final goal came late on when Niall Owens was upended in the penalty area, Eamon Scannell stepped up and made no mistake with the spot kick. 

Frankie Wilson was understandable delighted with the squad “It's not often as a manager you have a feeling of contentment. Last nights win in Wales was extra special. Despite being in total control we couldn't get the goal. We missed a conservative 10 guilt edged chances. But as Niall Owens said ' this team would always find a way.'

Readers will not realise that this process started last year scouting at the Milk Cup. It progressed to trial of over 120 boys throughout NI. We travelled to Derry, south Armagh, Magherafelt and Belfast to get a squad.  Each Sunday since November we have been in working with the squad.  Coach Brian Donaghy sessions were both innovative and challenging with possession and retention being important elements. Eamon Curry and Newry high schools Simon Nicks assisted as goalkeeping coach and defence coach. Kit man Adam Steed was as ever brilliantly organised. Our Physio Linda was most professional and secretary Bob Ramsey was forever the wise old head. 

After the game I said to the boys that these wins will be forever remembered. To beat England 4-1 away from home and score 2 in last 5 mins against Scotland will live long in the memory. One sad part was that my old teacher and NISFA secretary Martin Donaghy passed away before Christmas and didn't see us do so well in centenary shield. The win was also dedicated to my friend and co manager last year Conor Marlin who had to leave our shores to find work in football. We had a little luck this year a commodity we didn't have in last 3 years. I told the boys that they should bask in the glory as it's not often a team from NI outplay and dominate and a win tournaments.”

Bob Docherty Cup | U15 Girls’ International

 Press Release: Thursday, April 6, 2017

 Republic of Ireland to host Bob Docherty Cup

FAI SCHOOLS will welcome their counterparts from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to the impressive surrounds of the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh this weekend.

 The International tournament will cater for the best U15 Schools’ players in their respective jurisdictions. The four day event will kick off on Sunday evening, April 9 at 6pm.

 As host nation, the Republic of Ireland have invited club representatives Shelbourne Ladies to participate in this year’s event. Last season saw hosts Wales invite their younger age group (2001) to compete alongside their 2002 Select in Dragon Park. Similarly, a MGL Select participated in this tournament when FAI Schools last facilitated the competition.

 This will be the fourth occasion for the FAI Schools Association to play host having previously catered for the event as far back as 2004 in Co. Clare when Scotland secured the title for a second consecutive year. Four years later it was the turn of Salthill Devon FC, Galway which saw Michael Gallagher’s Captain Olivia Smartt (Mount Sackville) lift the Cup for the Republic of Ireland.

 Alongside Smartt that day were colleagues Megan Campbell (Our Lady’s College, Drogheda), Ciara Grant (Loreto Convent, Letterkenny), Dora Gorman (Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill), Ciara O’Brien (St. Angela’s Waterford) and Aileen Gilroy (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross).  It was the Republic’s fourth title win having captured the Cup the previous year in Wrexham (2007) and Ballymena (2005 and 2002).

 2010 was the last occasion in which the Republic of Ireland were crowned Champions as Keeva Keenan (St. Michael’s SS, Finglas), Jessica Gargan (St. Finian’s CC, Swords), Amy O’Connor (St. Vincent’s SS, Cork), Aisling Frawley (St. Angela’s Waterford), Chelsea Noonan (Christ King Girls’ SS, Cork), Amber Barrett (Loreto CS, Milford) and Roma McLaughlin (Moville CC) all starred for the Schools outfit.  

 The Clonshaugh venue last hosted in 2012 when Northern Ireland sealed an impressive two in-a-row. It will be interesting to see if home advantage will help Counihan and her team this time around. The Limerick native has managed the squad for the last four seasons with a runners up medal in the Bob Docherty Cup in 2016, 2015 and 2014. She may be due a gold at this stage of development!

 As well as the Irish players donning the Irish jersey, it will be a massive occasion for Shelbourne Ladies, who will no doubt relish the opportunity afforded to them. The club have tasted recent success having captured the FAI Women’s U16s Cup last weekend with a victory over a much fancied Enniskerry in Home Farm FC, Whitehall.

 Many of the players involved last week for Shels will line out for the Republic of Ireland with Ellie Ferguson (Coláiste na nInse, Bettystown), Emily Whelan (Ardgillan CC) who picked up POTM in that U16 Cup tie, Jessica Ziu (Larkin CC), Mia Dodd (Presentation SS, Warrenpoint) and Taylor White (St. Dominic’s College, Cabra) all selected for Lorraine Counihan’s side. Ironically Enniskerry club-mates Shauna Carroll and Club Captain Nadine Clare will line out alongside the quintet on Sunday when the Republic of Ireland face Wales in their opening match.

 Shelbourne Manager Casey McQuillan will opt for a new look side as he enters the contest with a select from 2001, 2002 and 2003 at his disposal. The club will have a series opener as they face defending Champions England on Sunday evening. The crunch encounter will provide him with an opportunity to assess his players on the big occasion before they take on Northern Ireland on Monday evening.

 Counihan will be without the services of her most influential starlet as Éabha O’Mahony (Mount Mercy College, Cork) was ruled out last month haven taken ill with appendicitis while on International duty with Dave Bell’s U17s. The youngster is recovering well but unfortunately won’t make a return for this campaign. The Irish will however be boosted by the return of last season’s duo Zara Foley (Ballincollig CS) and Jessica Ziu (Larkin CC). Counihan will reply on their experience to settle the team ahead of the tournament showcase against the Welsh Dragons. 

Wales will come into this tie with some notable players making a welcome return. Lucy Attwood played for their first team in Dragon Park last season with colleague’s Ellie Mai Sanford, Hayley Hoare, Grace Corne, Aneeka Bardsley, goalkeeper Deanna Lewis and Jasmine Simpson all featuring for their second tier squad and making the step up this season. Head Coaches Kat Lovett and Matthew Clement will be hoping that the girls can upset the hosts with a full three points to kick start their campaign on the right note. 

Scotland would like to emulate the success that their U19s are currently having at the Elite Phase in Limerick when they enter the fray on Monday evening against the Republic of Ireland. The squad have been selected since January and have enjoyed an excellent campaign thus far with a number of competitive friendlies under their belt as well as their annual trip to Jersey which reaped dividends for David Thomson’s charges. Mearns Castle High scholar Cara Henderson will make a return from their 2016 squad and will be one to watch out for come match day!

Defending Champions England will see Claire Robinson at the helm this season ably assisted by Stephanie Libby and the experienced Andy Williams. The well-polished unit enjoyed a training camp in Porto this season as well a number of competitive outings against some top class opposition.  Their preparations were hampered slightly by the late withdrawal of Molly Bull due to injury which will see only 15 players make the trip to Dublin.

Northern Ireland will make the short journey South to Dublin with a startling six squad members making another appearance at the Bob Docherty Cup as Leah McAvoy, Joely Andrews, Carla Devine, Aimee Lee Peachey, Rachel McLaren and Jessica Magee all feature for Gail Redmond’s side.  The Northerners will have an opportunity to review the Shelbourne crew on Sunday before they feature against them on Monday evening. The next test will be England on Tuesday afternoon before the play-off’s Wednesday morning.

The Bob Docherty Cup is always highly contested with some very close calls in recent years. The Republic of Ireland just missed out on the silverware last season as England’s Holly Manders’ second half strike was the only difference between the two sides.  

The competition has seen four of the five nations lift the title in its 15 year history. Top of the leader board is Scotland with six titles to their credit (2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013, 2015) closely followed by the Republic of Ireland on five (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010). Could Counihan and her Schools’ Select match the Scottish record on Wednesday morning with the final day of competition kicking off early? They will have to overcome the challenge of Wales and Scotland first and that’s no easy feat as both sides are quality opposition who too have their eye on the top prize.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND | Ria McPhilbin (Coláiste Iognáid), Courtney Maguire (St. Laurence's College, Loughlinstown), Mia Dodd (Presentation Secondary School, Warrenmount), Ellie Ferguson (Coláiste na hInse, Laytown), Nadine Clare & Shauna Carroll (both Loreto Secondary School, Foxrock), Taylor White (St. Dominic’s College, Cabra), Jessica Ziu (Larkin CC, Cathal Brugha Street), Kayla Brady (Wilson's Hospital School, Multyfarnham), Aoibheann Clancy (Presentation Secondary School, Thurles), Zara Foley (Ballincollig Community School), Sophie Liston (Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Newcastle West), Kelsey Munroe (Ballinrobe Community School), Kate O’Dowd (St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen), Emilia Koziel (Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill), Muireann Devaney (St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Anna Fahey (St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oughterard), Emily Whelan (Ardgillan Community College, Balbriggan)

MANAGEMENT | Lorraine COUNIHAN, Manager (Coláiste Mhuire, Buttevant), Maureen O’DONNELL, Assistant Manager (Deele College, Raphoe), Richard BERKELEY, Coach (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh), David ROONEY, GK Coach, Aoife BURKE, Physio, Aoife LYNCH, Video Analyst

 SHELBOURNE LADIES FC | Jodie Leavy, Shannon Guildea, Nicole Keogh, Jess Carroll, Jodie McQuillan, Sarah O’Sullivan, Kerri Duffy, Chloe Johnston, Faye Larkin, Lucy Edwards, Lara Walshe, Taylor Massey, Simone Peat, Sophie Murray, Rebecca Cooke, Emma Ring, Zoe Leonard, Ellen Tester

MANAGEMENT | Casey McQuillan, Karen O’Connell, Keith Hennessy, Stephen Gray, Jason Dunbar, Kayleigh Cooling, Rebecca Fitzsimons

 WALES | Lucy Attwood, Aneeka Bardsley, Grace Burke, Grace Corne, Grace Godwin, Phoebe Hampson, Hayley Hoare, Carrie Jones, Cerys Jones, Ellen Jones, Deanna Lewis, Esther Morgan, Ellie-Mai Sanford, Elena Scrivens, Jasmine Simpson, Josie Smith, Samantha Wynne, Anna Bebb

MANAGEMENT | Matthew Clement, Kat Lovett, Loren Dykes, Jack Long, Charlotte Preen, Clare Daley, Wayne Peter, Josh Harfoot, Garther Rogers, Alan Morgan

 NORTHERN IRELAND | Jenna Corry, Fi Morgan, Cara Mervyn, Rachel McLaren, Jessica Magee, Joely Andrews, Kerry Beattie, Toni Leigh Finnegan, Anna Wilson, Leah McAvoy, Carla Devine, Teegan Lynch, Jessica Rea, Eirinn Canavann, Aimelee Peachey, Kathryn McConnell, Lucy Andrews, Maddie Clifford,

MANAGEMENT | Gail Redmond, Danielle McDowell, Andy Smyth, Amie Campbell, Leah McCready.

 ENGLAND | Lucy Williamson, Arabella Suttie, Deerna Goodwin, Melissa Robertson, Emily Wallace, Jasmine McQuade, Emma Harries, Sophie Peskett, Gemma Lawley, Georgia Brown, Jess Brown, Abbie Fenton, Libby Gilmore, Sharna Wilkinson, Lexie Harrison

MANAGEMENT | Claire Robinson, Stephanie Libbey, Will Smith, Andy Williams, Hannah Cornell

 SCOTLAND | Georgia Crooks, Mhairi Crooks, Hannah Cunningham, Carly Girasoli, Cara Henderson, Rebecca McAllister, Philippa McCallum, Laura McCartney, Chelsea McEachran, Karsey McGlinchey, Kathleen McGovern, Rosie McQuillan, Aisha Maughen, Aaliyah Jay Meach, Hannah Scott, Eilidh Shore, Jodie Strachen, Alicia Yates

MANAGEMENT | David Thomson, Jim Bettley, Gillian Duffy, Mark Grant, Kirsty Hendry

FIXTURES

All fixtures will take place at the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh

Bob Docherty Cup Group Stages | U15 Girls’ International Tournament

Republic of Ireland vs Wales

Shelbourne vs England

Sunday, April 9, KO 6pm

Bob Docherty Cup Group Stages | U15 Girls’ International Tournament

Republic of Ireland vs Scotland

Shelbourne vs Northern Ireland

Monday, April 10, KO 6pm

Bob Docherty Cup Group Stages | U15 Girls’ International Tournament

Wales vs Scotland

Northern Ireland vs England

Tuesday, April 11, KO 2pm

Bob Docherty Cup Play-offs | U15 Girls’ International Tournament

5 vs 6

3 vs 4

Wednesday, April 12, KO 10.30am

Bob Docherty Cup Final | U15 Girls’ International Tournament

1 vs 2

Wednesday, April 12, KO 11.00am

Bob Docherty Cup | Roll of Honour