International Junior Team

[smellyfeet]

From FAI Site, Good start.

Crowe on song for the Republic Amateurs in International tournament

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thursday, 24 April 2008 Section: International

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isle of Man 0 – 2 Republic of Ireland Amateurs
Seamus Crowe 20, 90.

Sheamie Crowe helped to secure a 2-0 win for the Republic of Ireland with a brace of goals in their opening game against the Isle of Man in the Quadrangular International tournament in the Isle of Man.

Scotland ran out 4-3 winners against Northern Ireland in their opening match and the Northern Ireland will now face the Republic of Ireland later today in the competition.

Ireland’s manager, Gerry Smith, has made five changes in the team for today’s must win game against the North. Into the team come Tony Scully (Clonmel Town) and Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United) to win their first International caps.

Sheamie Crowe set the Republic on their way against the Isle of Man when he scored in the 20th minute after seeing his initial effort blocked by a fine reflex save from the Isle of Man goalkeeper.

Ireland started well with Wayne Fitzgerald and Rob Coombes showing nice touches while in defence Ross Carrig and James Walsh were always comfortable.

In the last 15 minutes of the first half the Isle of Man started to press and goalkeeper Adrian Walsh pulled off an excellent safe when it looked odds on for an equaliser. Another clean sheet means that goalkeeper Walsh has now conceded just one goal in eight internationals.

The second half saw the Isle of Man dominate play without creating very many chances with Ireland relying on the speed of David Lacey and Mick Keogh upfront to cause the Isle of Man's problems.

Crowe’s strike in the 90th minute bounced over the goalkeeper and eased Irish nerves in what was an ordinary performance in a game when a positive result was essential.

Gerry Smith will be hoping for an improved performance against Northern Ireland. Wins for the Republic and Scotland, who play Isle of Man today, would see Ireland play Scotland on Saturday with the winners’ trophy to play for.

Republic of Ireland team: Adrian Walsh (Carrick United), Stephen O' Mahony (Lisselton Rovers), John Carroll (St. Kevin's Boys), Ross Carrig (Killester United), James Walsh (St. Michael's), Rob Coombes (Portmarnock), Wayne Fitzgerald (Carrick United), Keith Kennedy (WFTA), Sheamie Crowe (Athenry), David Lacey (Killester United), Mick Keogh (Killester United).
Subs: James Sugrue (Lisselton Rovers) for Keith Kennedy, Paul Breen (St. Michael's) for John Carroll, John Mernagh (St. Michael's) for David Lacey.

Smith makes five changes for Northern Ireland game.

Gerry Smith will hand first international caps to Tony Scully (Clonmel Town) and Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United) in this evening’s game against Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland were unlucky not to take a point from their game with Scotland and will provide tough opposition. They must chase a win to stay in contention.

The Republic of Ireland team will be:

Austin Hannon (Portmarnock), Ross Carrig (Killester United), James Walsh (St. Michael's), Adrian Mc Donald (Portmarnock), Tony Scully (Clonmel Town), Ken Curley (Killester United), Seamus Crowe (Athenry), Rob Coombes (Portmarnock), Michael Keogh (Killester United), Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United).



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[abbeyvale]

From FAI Site, Good start.

Crowe on song for the Republic Amateurs in International tournament

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thursday, 24 April 2008 Section: International

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Isle of Man 0 – 2 Republic of Ireland Amateurs
Seamus Crowe 20, 90.

Sheamie Crowe helped to secure a 2-0 win for the Republic of Ireland with a brace of goals in their opening game against the Isle of Man in the Quadrangular International tournament in the Isle of Man.

Scotland ran out 4-3 winners against Northern Ireland in their opening match and the Northern Ireland will now face the Republic of Ireland later today in the competition.

Ireland’s manager, Gerry Smith, has made five changes in the team for today’s must win game against the North. Into the team come Tony Scully (Clonmel Town) and Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United) to win their first International caps.

Sheamie Crowe set the Republic on their way against the Isle of Man when he scored in the 20th minute after seeing his initial effort blocked by a fine reflex save from the Isle of Man goalkeeper.

Ireland started well with Wayne Fitzgerald and Rob Coombes showing nice touches while in defence Ross Carrig and James Walsh were always comfortable.

In the last 15 minutes of the first half the Isle of Man started to press and goalkeeper Adrian Walsh pulled off an excellent safe when it looked odds on for an equaliser. Another clean sheet means that goalkeeper Walsh has now conceded just one goal in eight internationals.

The second half saw the Isle of Man dominate play without creating very many chances with Ireland relying on the speed of David Lacey and Mick Keogh upfront to cause the Isle of Man's problems.

Crowe’s strike in the 90th minute bounced over the goalkeeper and eased Irish nerves in what was an ordinary performance in a game when a positive result was essential.

Gerry Smith will be hoping for an improved performance against Northern Ireland. Wins for the Republic and Scotland, who play Isle of Man today, would see Ireland play Scotland on Saturday with the winners’ trophy to play for.

Republic of Ireland team: Adrian Walsh (Carrick United), Stephen O' Mahony (Lisselton Rovers), John Carroll (St. Kevin's Boys), Ross Carrig (Killester United), James Walsh (St. Michael's), Rob Coombes (Portmarnock), Wayne Fitzgerald (Carrick United), Keith Kennedy (WFTA), Sheamie Crowe (Athenry), David Lacey (Killester United), Mick Keogh (Killester United).
Subs: James Sugrue (Lisselton Rovers) for Keith Kennedy, Paul Breen (St. Michael's) for John Carroll, John Mernagh (St. Michael's) for David Lacey.

Smith makes five changes for Northern Ireland game.

Gerry Smith will hand first international caps to Tony Scully (Clonmel Town) and Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United) in this evening’s game against Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland were unlucky not to take a point from their game with Scotland and will provide tough opposition. They must chase a win to stay in contention.

The Republic of Ireland team will be:

Austin Hannon (Portmarnock), Ross Carrig (Killester United), James Walsh (St. Michael's), Adrian Mc Donald (Portmarnock), Tony Scully (Clonmel Town), Ken Curley (Killester United), Seamus Crowe (Athenry), Rob Coombes (Portmarnock), Michael Keogh (Killester United), Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United).



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not one player from Limerick is a bit of a joke in all fairness.
There are at least 4 or 5 midfielders in this town better than Robbie Coombes.

[Noddy]

3 from portmarnock. Pike played them in the FAI and not one of their players stood out.

[smellyfeet]

Not one player from Limerick is a bit of a joke in all fairness.
There are at least 4 or 5 midfielders in this town better than Robbie Coombes.

In fairness to Robbie Coombes, he seems to play well for Ireland when picked.
Gerry Smith is a loyal manager to players TBH, Sure Sheamie Crowe can't get on the Athenry first 11 but is always picked for Junior team.Good player tough.

[smellyfeet]

Ireland’s Amateurs come from behind to draw with Northern Ireland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thursday, 24 April 2008 Section: International

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reputlic of Ireland (Amateur) 1 - 1 Northern Ireland (Amateur)
Barry Kavanagh 63

Killbarrack United Barry Kavanagh helped Gerry Smiths Junior International team secure a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland in very entertaining game today in the Isle of Man quadrangular international tournament.

The first half was dominated by the North but they failed to capitalise on their pocession and did little to test goalkeeper Austin Hannon.

The best chance fell to Barry Kavanagh when in the 39th minute to raced on to chip the goalkeeper only to see his effort fall the wrong side of the post.

The Republic dominated the second half and against the run of play fell behind in the 60th minute from a free kick just out side the box when the ball was deflected in off Ross Carraig.

The Republic equalised three minutes later when Kavanagh raced through and rounded the goalkeeper before he slotted the ball home from an acute angle.

Kavanagh missed a glorious chance to win the game when he hesitated in front of goal after a pin-point cross from Michael Keogh picked him out.

New cap Tony Scully as well as the central pairing of Walsh and Breen had outstanding games and Keogh, Coombes and Crowe gave their all.

With Scotland winning against the Isle of Man by 3-2 the Republic go in to Saturday’s game needing a win against the Scots who have picked up six points from two wins over Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Ireland have four points after defeating the Isle of Man and drawing with Northern Ireland so they look forward to a decisive game against Scotland to decide first place in the tournament.

Republic of Ireland: Austin Hannon (Portmarnock), Ross Carrig (Killester United), Paul Breen (St. Michael's), James Walsh (St. Michael’s), Adrian Mc Donald (Portmarnock), Tony Scully (Clonmel Town), Seamus Crowe (Athenry), Rob Coombes (Portmarnock), Ken Curley (Killester United), Michael Kehoe (Killester United), Barry Kavanagh (Kilbarrack United).
Substitues: Daniel Power (Newcastlewest) for Rob Coombes, John Mernagh (St. Michael's) for Michael Keogh, Wayne Fitzgerald (Carrick United) for Seamus Crowe.

[hoops12]

Not one player from Limerick is a bit of a joke in all fairness.
There are at least 4 or 5 midfielders in this town better than Robbie Coombes.

very true,robbie never did much when up against the better teams when playing with aisling.tho from what i understand he,s playing on the wing with ireland and we are not exactly blessed with great wingers down here apart from maybe john boyle or paul harmon [zuby] when he bothers to play.in fairness i thought alan o carroll might have got a chance this year

[Abbey Road]

Well Alan Carroll at least deserved a trial for the International team!Can't understand why Ballynanty keep getting overlooked when in fairness they have been one of the most consistent teams over the last few years.Surely they should have at least one or two pushing for a trial at the least.

Why was Keith Hartnett omitted from this squad does anyone know??

[Killer]

Well Alan Carroll at least deserved a trial for the International team!Can't understand why Ballynanty keep getting overlooked when in fairness they have been one of the most consistent teams over the last few years.Surely they should have at least one or two pushing for a trial at the least.

Why was Keith Hartnett omitted from this squad does anyone know??

ye Keith got told two weeks before the squad left that he wasn't in it along with 5 other's, a very surprising omission indeed. i thought he should of got in easy enough as he is a very good player but unfortunately for him theres a hat full of center midfielders in the current squad.

[Abbey Road]

At least he has got plenty of 'caps' already even if he fails to make another squad!

I thought Alan Barry was chosen a few weeks back.Surely he deserves a chance especially after recovering from his broken leg and still showing that he is one of the best strikers around.

[hoops12]

At least he has got plenty of 'caps' already even if he fails to make another squad!

I thought Alan Barry was chosen a few weeks back.Surely he deserves a chance especially after recovering from his broken leg and still showing that he is one of the best strikers around.

ya alan and mark sheehan were named in preliminary squad and took part in a few training sessions but thats as far as it got really.also i know balla have been excellent for last few years but in my opinion david dunphy is the only what i would call a stand out player.he can play anywhere across the back or the middle and it still doesnt affect his impact in a game .aprt from him i would struggle to name another balla player deserving of a cap apart from maybe gareth ryan in his prime which is 4/5 years ago now

[da bishop]

lads,there are 4 players from the tipp league and 1 from the desmond league in this squad....where does this leave our league.

[Green_Hoop]

I wouldn't be so sure that squad is picked on form to be honest..

[summervilleman]

I'd say the team is picked on the basis as how far your team gets in the fai...They must be the only games the selectors are watching i'd say!!!

[presario]

I'd say the team is picked on the basis as how far your team gets in the fai...They must be the only games the selectors are watching i'd say!!!

No its not. How far did Newcaslte west get in the competition? If your good enough your in the team.

[Green_Hoop]

No its not. How far did Newcaslte west get in the competition? If your good enough your in the team.

Power was in playing with Pike at the start of the season and couldn't make any sort of impact,looked award playing at the back,Left then when he wasn't getting a game,yet he's playing on the amateur Irish team,Says it all really...

Same story with Nabs(Martin O'Neill) a few years ago,got an Irish cap for no reason at all.Then there's players like Alan Barry who deserves one for some of his performances and yet he's got nothing..

The Limerick OT team has consistently made the latter stages of the competition,had 2 of the 4 teams in the semi's of the MJC.Somethings not quite right about that panel me thinks...

[hoops12]

Power was in playing with Pike at the start of the season and couldn't make any sort of impact,looked award playing at the back,Left then when he wasn't getting a game,yet he's playing on the amateur Irish team,Says it all really...

Same story with Nabs(Martin O'Neill) a few years ago,got an Irish cap for no reason at all.Then there's players like Alan Barry who deserves one for some of his performances and yet he's got nothing..

The Limerick OT team has consistently made the latter stages of the competition,had 2 of the 4 teams in the semi's of the MJC.Somethings not quite right about that panel me thinks...

it was keith power that was in with pike,his brother daniel was capped not keith,daniel is a good player in my opinion but not an internaqtional but if the guy continues to get picked fair play to him

[Abbey Road]

Why has Davy Wall been overlooked for the International squad surely there should be a place for him in the squad???

[Cloggs]

Why has Davy Wall been overlooked for the International squad surely there should be a place for him in the squad???

the same bunch of lads seem to be picked generally for the irish team.its not what you know but who you know in fairness.castlebar celtic got to the last two of the fai junior cup and none of their lads arre getting a look in.depends where you're playing in my opinion

[Abbey Road]

There is actually a couple of St Michael's players consistently on the panel and i think i remember a quote from a Castlebar player/supporter on this site that their forwards gave the St Michaels center backs the run around.The same center backs who are virtually ever present on the International team.Maybe it was just a once off bad game but it would frustrate when your team gets overlooked.

[Killer]

Power was in playing with Pike at the start of the season and couldn't make any sort of impact,looked award playing at the back,Left then when he wasn't getting a game,yet he's playing on the amateur Irish team,Says it all really...

Same story with Nabs(Martin O'Neill) a few years ago,got an Irish cap for no reason at all.Then there's players like Alan Barry who deserves one for some of his performances and yet he's got nothing..

The Limerick OT team has consistently made the latter stages of the competition,had 2 of the 4 teams in the semi's of the MJC.Somethings not quite right about that panel me thinks...

its obviously a great honour to be chosen to play for your country, the JI selectors only see certain games and have to rely on other people and reports to chose players for squads but the harsh reality is that some players cant take that step up another level to compete with the juniors,. Danny may be OK in his league but with the juniors he just lacks a small bit, and the same with Alan barry hes a good player but put him beside the current forwards on the squad and he just wouldn't get in!!, unfortunate but best of luck to the two of them. Saying that there are other players in the squad that are not up to the level either but obviously play well on a sunday/saturday so maybe on those merits they deserve a chance, thanks.