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01 Apr 2026
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01 Apr 2026
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Josh Cullen in action against Cobh Ramblers and, inset, Gavin McAteer coming back from Ireland duty after qualifying for the World Cup
Gavin McAteer and Josh Cullen both started for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s in their 2027 European Under-19 Championships qualification defeat to Italy.
The Finn Harps duo played the full 90 minutes in Scotland as Ireland lost 2-1 in Round 1 of qualification for the Championships, but still qualified for the next stage.
They got off to a disappointing start as Antonio Arena put the Italians ahead inside three minutes.
READ NEXT: Barrett, Toland and Patten named in Ireland squad for World Cup qualifiers
Arena doubled the scoring straight away in the second half, and while Kian McMahon-Brown got one back for former Finn Harps man Tom Mohan’s side.
It was a first start for the Under-19s for Milford man McAteer, who came on as a late substitute in their 1-1 draw with Poland, last Wednesday, while Donegal Town native Cullen, who just turned 18 on Monday, also started in the same game.
The defeat means that Ireland finishes third in the group, ahead of Poland on goal difference, and will advance to Round 2 of qualification, which will be played in the autumn of 2026 as they bid to book a place in the finals, which will be held in Czechia.
Fellow Harps man and Ballyshannon native Corey Sheridan was due to be named in the squad, but he suffered an injury before the beginning of the three games.
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