Kyra Gavigan named in Republic of Ireland Schools squad for Northern Ireland clash

St Columba’s College student Kyra Gavigan has been named in the Republic of Ireland U-15s Schools squad set to take on Northern Ireland in an international friendly this Sunday, March 16, at Rock Celtic FC, Dundalk (1.00pm).

The talented defender from Stranorlar will be aiming to impress as she vies for a place in the final squad for next month’s SAFIB Bob Docherty Cup.

Adding to Donegal’s strong representation, two local coaches have also been named in the management team. Kaneshia McKinney, of Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, and Paddy McDaid, of Finn Valley College, Stranorlar, will play key roles in preparing the squad for this crucial fixture.

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Head coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh) has selected a 19-player squad for the clash, which serves as a final opportunity for players to stake their claim ahead of the upcoming international tournament in Belfast from 14th to 17th April.

Gavigan will be competing alongside experienced players such as goalkeepers Lucy Doyle Farrington (St Mary’s College, Arklow) and Sarah Doyle (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick-on-Suir), who both return from last year’s squad. Other returning names include Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Ciara Milton (St Leo’s College, Carlow), and Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry).

Several players bring international experience, including Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells) and Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College), who have both featured for the Republic of Ireland Under-16s.

Meanwhile, sisters of former international stars are continuing a family tradition, with Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School) and Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf) following in the footsteps of their siblings, Ella and Hannah, who represented Ireland in recent years.

The Republic of Ireland Schools team has a strong record in these friendly encounters, winning five of the eight previous meetings with Northern Ireland, drawing twice, and losing just once. When the sides met last year, the Republic secured a 3-1 victory in Belfast, with captain Madison McGuane (Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally) scoring twice.

Berkeley’s squad will be looking to maintain that positive record as they finalise preparations for next month’s international tournament. With a number of players still hoping to cement their place in the final selection, competition for spots is expected to be fierce.

Republic of Ireland Schools Squad

Players: Ruby Boland (Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara), Laila Hurley (St MacDara’s Community College, Templeogue), Matylda Stelmaszek (St Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh), Halle Harcourt (Larkin Community College), Kyra Gavigan (St Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Leah O’Leary Callender (Ashtown School, Cork), Leah Hannon, Ellen Goggin (both Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick), Abbie Duffy (Presentation College, Athenry), Lucy Doyle Farrington (St Mary’s College, Arklow), Ava Hallinan (Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone), Lara Dallaghan (Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey), Ruby Norris, Sarah Doyle (both Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick-on-Suir), Ava Kelly (Tallaght Community School), Ciara Milton (St Leo’s College, Carlow), Skye Barrett (Maynooth Post Primary School), Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells).

Management Staff: Head coach Richard Berkeley (Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh), coach Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), coach Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar), coach Mia O’Connell (SETU Carlow), goalkeeping coach Emmet Peyton (St Muredach’s College, Ballina), physio Cianna Hickey, equipment manager Joan Croke.

Northern Ireland Squad

Players: Anna Roberts (Blessed Trinity College, Belfast), Saskia McLaughlin (Glengormley Integrated College), Sasha Cowan (Sale Grammar, England), Grace Steele (Magherafelt High School), Sara Devany (Regent House, Newtownards), Ellie-Mae Turner (City of Armagh High School), Anayah Lee (Thornhill College, Derry-Londonderry), Caitlin Shields (Grosvenor Grammar, Belfast), Anna Smyth (Dalriada Grammar, Ballymoney), Grace Murray (Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim), Grace Guest (Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock, Belfast), Charley McMullan (Belfast Model School for Girls), Abigail Curley (Blessed Trinity College), Ella Wasson (Lisneal College, Derry-Londonderry), Annarose Robinson (St Catherine’s College, Armagh), Ellie Tohill (Grosvenor Grammar), Niamh McDaid (Thornhill College), Alexandra McKinnon (Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn).

Management Staff: Head coach Stephen Graham, assistant coaches Heather Mearns and Jack Little, goalkeeping coach Stuart Irvine, physio Eoin Mahon, analyst Anna Mae Samuel.