SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield | Under 18 Boys’ International
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Ireland entertain England in Athlone
The Republic of Ireland Schools have their penultimate outing of the 2023 SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield when they take on England in Athlone Town AFC on Friday evening (KO 7.0)
The Irish scholars had a disappointing start to their campaign thus far as they were held to a goalless draw away to Scotland in the opening night. This was followed up by 3-4 defeat to Wales in Wexford nearly a fortnight ago. Ireland will rue their missed opportunities in that contest especially an Aidan Russell Vargas goal that was chalked off for off-side late on.
John McShane’s team will be looking to put those setbacks behind them and cement a win in the Midlands venue at the end of the week.
This is the twenty year anniversary of the Republic of Ireland’s involvement in the Centenary Shield. The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the 2020 and 2021 outings so these two sides have met on 18 previous occasions; Ireland winning 6, drawing 7 and losing 5.
In 2022, the sides played out a one all draw in Eastleigh FC with Bailey Hall cancelling out Lennon Gill’s earlier effort on the stroke of half-time. Previous to that, England enjoyed a two nil victory in Dalymount Park in 2019. The brace courtesy of Isaac Sinclair and Connor Taylor.
Friday’s game is a must win for John McShane’s side if they’ve any ambitions of claiming a stake on the Shield title this season having come so close twelve months previous.
England on the other hand will be opening their account on Friday evening on Match Day 5. They will then play Scotland away, a week later while they enjoy the final two games at home. They will host Northern Ireland on April 14 and the series will conclude on April 28 when England play reigning Champions Wales.
John McShane has made one change to the squad that lost to Wales as Ronan MANSFIELD (Blackwater Community School) misses out. Rhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven) is recalled to the team having featured against Australia as well as being on the bench for the opening game against Scotland.
Following the England game, the Republic of Ireland will conclude their series with a short trip to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 30.
The Republic of Ireland vs England match will be streamed live via Recast on https://share.recast.tv/v/8g779?referrer=6oWNg for £3 (300 credits required to view full game).
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Ryan DELANEY (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Jonathan ADEDEJI (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry), Jesse DEMPSEY (Wexford CBS), Eli ROONEY (Summerhill College, Sligo), Niall HOLAHAN (Carrick on Shannon Community School), Senan MULLEN (St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill), Callum BONNER (St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan), Arran HEALY (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Peter GROGAN (St. Mary’s CBS, Carlow), Aidan RUSSELL VARGAS (Lusk Community College), Brian CUNNINGHAM (Presentation College, Headford), Stephen MOHAN (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Ryan McBREARTY (St. Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda), Daithí FOLAN (Belvedere College, Dublin), Rhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven), Adam O’HALLARON (Clarin College, Athenry)
MANAGEMENT | John McSHANE, Head Coach (Loreto Secondary School, Bray), Derek O’BRIEN, Coach (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore) Ollie HORGAN, Coach (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Conor FOLEY, GK Coach (Athlone Community College), Martin CAVANAGH, Equipment Manager (Carndonagh Community School), Michael McGLYNN (Physio), Dr. Aidan O’COLMAIN (Team Doctor)
2023 SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield Results & Fixtures
RESULTS
Thursday, February 23 Scotland 0-0 Republic of Ireland Renfrew FC
Thursday, March 2 Northern Ireland 1-1 Scotland Blanchflower Park
Thursday, March 9 Republic of Ireland 3-4 Wales Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford
FIXTURES
Thursday, March 23 Wales vs Northern Ireland Britton Ferry FC
Friday, March 24 Republic of Ireland vs England Athlone Town AFC
Thursday, March 30 Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland Blanchflower Park
Friday, March 31 Scotland vs England Broadwood Stadium
Thursday, April 13 Wales vs Scotland Colwyn Bay FC
Friday, April 14 England vs Northern Ireland Billericay Town FC
Friday, April 28 England vs Wales Hednesford Town FC
All games kick off at 7pm
