The U18 Schools team will travel to Haverfordwest to take on the Welsh in the second game of their Centenary Shield campaign. The match kicks off on Thursday evening (25 March) at 7pm.
Dave Archbold has made one change to the side that lost to Northern Ireland at home last week. Marwan Azimi is unavailable due to club commitments and will be replaced by the versatile Sean Brosnan of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Castleisland.
Wales lost out to Scotland last Thursday in their second fixture of the Shield campaign having held England to a scoreless draw the week previously. Mixed fortunes for the Welsh who will be hoping for better things at home. The Welsh will make one late change with James Loveridge out due to International duty
Ireland will be mindful that Wales came from two goals down against Scotland and showed a very spirited second half performance to take the game to the Scots. With home advantage the Welsh will be hoping to add to their points tally while Ireland still has to get off the mark.
Top of the leader board sees England, Northern Ireland and Scotland level on 4 points each with England and Scotland with a game in hand.
This is a crucial game for the Irish and an important win away from home will see Archbold’s side a step closer in contention for the Centenary crown.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND PANEL: Marty McGinty (Deele College), Josh Byrne (De La Salle), Brian Nolan (St Paul's CC), Nathan Murphy (Colaiste Ris); Jason Dwane (St. Peter's College), Tomas Boyle (Salesian College), Daryl Horgan (St. Enda's College, Galway), Barry O'Mahony (Summerhill College), Sean Skelly (St. Joseph's Fairview), Tom O'Halloran (Athlone CC), Daragh Walshe (St. Kieran's College), Sean Brosnan (St. Patrick’s SS, Castleisland) , Niall Cooney (Templeogue College), Gary Shaw (Patrician SS) Stephen Chambers (St. Fintan's), Jake Carroll (Confey CC, Leixlip), Hugh Douglas (St. Brendan’s College), Robbie Benson (Marist College)
MANAGEMENT: Dave Archbold, Manager (Palmerstown Community School), Ollie Horgan, Assistant Manager (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Hugh Colhoun, Coach (St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown), Ian Carry, GK Coach (FAI Schools Development Officer), Mickey McGlynn (Physiotherapist), Dr. Aidan Colmain (Doctor)