Cunningham a part of Ireland Schools squad while Horgan joins coaching staff

The Republic of Ireland U-18 Schools side, which includes Donegal’s Daniel Cunningham from Coláiste na Carraige on the extended squad, and former Finn harps boss Ollie Horgan from St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, as part of the management team, will kick off their international campaign against Australia at Home Farm FC next Saturday.

Head Coach Derek O’Brien (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore) has selected an experimental team for the encounter with the Socceroos. Preparations were disrupted last week due to challenging weather conditions, but O’Brien is optimistic that the players will perform well as they aim to make an impression ahead of the season.

O’Brien commented: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Australia again this year; it is always a fantastic test for our squad in preparations for our Shield fixtures.

"The players have been working hard over the last number of months with their provinces and with us to get to this point, so it is a real honour for them to get to line out this weekend. This will also be a great chance for the staff to see how the squad is progressing and a brilliant opportunity for the players to try to claim a spot in the squad for our upcoming games.”

Martin Cavanagh from Carndonagh Community School is also a part of the backroom team as equipment manager while Michael McGlynn takes the role of physio.

The Republic’s season begins in earnest with their first Shield fixture against Wales on March 20 at Tramore AFC, followed by a trip to Scotland to face Stenhousemuir on 27 March.

The squad will then take on defending champions Northern Ireland in Belfast on 11 April before concluding their campaign against England on April 24 at Athlone Town AFC.

Next week’s fixture will provide a valuable opportunity for Ireland’s scholars to build momentum against a physically strong Australian team which kicks off at 2pm.

Last year, the Australians edged out Ireland with a 2-1 victory. First-half goals from Lachlan Middleton (23’) and Noah Maieroni (26’) gave the visitors the lead, while Ireland’s Calum Costello (Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir) pulled one back with 20 minutes to go. Despite a determined effort, Ireland couldn’t find an equaliser.

The Australians’ current tour has been affected by weather, with their match against England Independent Schools in Shrewsbury cancelled due to a frozen pitch.

However, they will have faced Welsh colleges and Welsh schools before meeting Ireland to ensure they arrive well-prepared for the contest.

This will mark the 14th meeting between the two teams. Australia holds a slight edge historically, with six wins, five losses, and two draws.

Republic of Ireland Schools Select
Kyle Gabbidon (Coola Post Primary School, Sligo), Sam Neville, Ethan Cheese (both Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge), Aaron Cass (Abbey Community College, Ferrybank), Alain Kizenga (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue), James Morahan, MacDaragh Scanlon, Billy Regan (all St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Luke Doohan (St. Brendan’s College, Killarney), Jack Sweeney (Merlin College, Galway), Adam Nolan (Maynooth Community College), Fionn McNamara (St. Patrick’s College, Cavan), Rhys Knight (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Callum Lynch (Summerhill College, Sligo), Matt Jones (St. Flannan’s College, Ennis), Oisín Kelly (Ballyhaunis Community School), Jayden O’Donovan (St. Clement’s College, Limerick), Eoin Hannon (Presentation College, Athenry).

Extended Panel
Jacob Carroll (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway), Shaun Hall (Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge), Finn Dalton (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Luke Mulligan (Ballybay Community College, Monaghan), Seán Richmond (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Daniel Cunningham (Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick, Donegal).

Management
Derek O’Brien, Head Coach (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore); Alan Murphy, Coach (St. Joseph’s Patrician College, Galway); Ollie Horgan, Coach (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny); John Power, Goalkeeping Coach; Martin Cavanagh, Equipment Manager (Carndonagh Community School); Michael McGlynn (Physio); Dr. Aidan O’Colmain (Team Doctor).