Ireland U-21s to play opening two home Euro qualifiers in Dublin and Cork
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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘Football Families' review: Country's rising stars find out the beautiful game can also be a brutal game
Namely, that among young men and boys, association football – or soccer, if you prefer, since either term will do – is by a considerable margin the most-played team sport at all levels in Ireland. There's definitely a really good documentary waiting to be made about how the historic force-feeding of Gaelic games in rural schools, fuelled by a hatred of 'the foreign game', stunted the development of football in this country, siphoning off countless talented young footballers who might have gone on to great professional careers. The FAI's legendary inadequacy hasn't helped. We're likely to be waiting some time for that documentary to materialise. In the meantime, we have the immensely watchable Football Families (RTÉ One, Thursday, July 31), which, rather than looking back at what might have been, offers a glimpse of the future. The one thing going against him is size – he's a small lad, dwarfed by bigger, physically stronger players The three-part series, filmed during Shelbourne's successful 2024 season under manager Damien Duff, which saw them win their first League of Ireland title since 2006, looks at some of the teenagers, girls (next week) as well as boys, hoping to make the grade as professionals at the club and the support they receive from their families. The dream, says Duff, whose shock decision to leave was then far in the distance, was to have five or six kids from Shelbourne's academy as first-team regulars. But the beautiful game can also be a brutal game. Only a handful of them will make the cut. One of several boys in the running is 15-year-old Cillian O'Sullivan. The manager was impressed when he noticed Cillian putting in extra training alone, honing his skills. The kid eats, sleeps, drinks and breathes football. He takes a football everywhere with him, says his mother, even to the cinema. Cillian has plenty of technical ability – including a great first touch – and agility, and was a standout player for Shels' Under-15 side. The one thing going against him is size – he's a small lad, dwarfed by bigger, physically stronger players. Then again, many great footballers have been short in stature, including a certain John Giles. The next challenge for Cillian is to make the cut for the Under-17s. If he doesn't, he'll be dropped, which would be a blow. For some youngsters, this can be the point at which their career dreams are in danger of dissolving. ADVERTISEMENT Tallaght lad Jayden Marshall, who plays centre-back for Shels' Under-15s, is a natural who ticks all the boxes. He's been through a lot, says his dad Richie, who got him into football to keep him off the streets in an area woefully lacking in resources for young people. The family home burned down and all Jayden's medals and trophies were badly damaged. His dad is ecstatic when Jayden is selected for the Ireland Under-15 side. Five young Shels players, including Jayden's best friend Max, had international trials, but he was the only one to make the cut. The reality is that only three to six per cent will win an Under-15 cap The reality is that only three to six per cent will win an Under-15 cap. But as Shelbourne Academy director Colm Barron points out, Under-15 is not the be all and end all of everything. There are more opportunities at Under-19 and Under-21 level. Someone who already seems well on his way is Shels' Under-17 keeper Ali Topcu, who Duff made the reserve team's keeper. He's already on the radar of some English clubs. The same goes for 17-year-old striker Dan Ring, who the manager picked as a first-team substitute for a game against St Patrick's Athletic. Making it as a footballer is tough, but it's made tougher, says Barron, by the fact that the academy system in Ireland lags way behind the rest of Europe. Some things never seem to change. Rating: Three stars
RTÉ News
16 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne appointed Lewes FC manager
Republic of Ireland women's senior assistant coach and former goalkeeper Emma Byrne has been appointed as manager of English third tier side Lewes FC. The 46-year-old Kildare native - the most capped Irish women's international of all time - will however retain her position within Carla Ward's Girls in Green set-up, where she serves as goalkeeping coach. Lewes play in the FA Women's National League South, which is directly below Women's Super League 2, and the club from East Sussex said they intend to support Byrne in combining her new role with her FAI commitments. "Emma will continue her role with the FAI and the Ireland women's national team, and we are proud to support her in balancing her dual responsibilities. Her presence at Lewes reflects the club's ambition to connect domestic development with the international game," Lewes said. The former Arsenal goalkeeper, who won the Women's Champions League with the Gunners in 2007 as well as multiple domestic trophies during her illustrious career, said she was excited to succeed Nat Lawrence as Lewes boss. "I am delighted to join Lewes FC – a special club that is ambitious and relentless in raising standards at the club and for women's football everywhere, with an amazing community spirit," she said. "I am looking forward to working with a talented group of players and staff, and want to thank Nat for all her hard work last season to build the foundation for us to continue to grow from." The appointment means Byrne will also work again with Lewes' sports science lead Ivi Casgrande, who was Ireland's performance coach until March when she resigned from the role.
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Former Republic of Ireland head coach's future with FAI finally set to be clarified with new job title
A FORMER Ireland women's team boss is set to be announced in a new role in the Football Association of Ireland. Per 3 FAI chief executive officer David Courell sidestepped questions regarding Gleeson in recent media interviews 3 Gleeson served as Ireland head coach for 16 months having started as an interim boss 3 The 53-year-old attended Athlone Town's Champions League clash last night It is believed she will not take up her previous role of FAI head of women and girls' football which is currently vacant. It was announced that Hannah Dingley departed the position in May as she took up the job of Girls' Head of Academy with Manchester City. Gleeson is believed to have had a clause implemented into her head coach contract that she is entitled to return to the FAI in a staff position after the completion of her tenure. It is understood the Dublin native has remained an employee of the Association following the end of her contract. Read more on Irish football Sources have indicated she has been a more visible presence at Abbotstown headquarters in recent days. Gleeson took up the role of FAI head of women and girls' football in January 2023 having previously served as Gleeson left her position when she was appointed interim manager of the Ireland women's team following A successful Nations League campaign meant she was kept on in the managerial role for the European qualifiers. Most read in Football The former Glasgow City manager and her assistant Colin Healy were not offered new contracts after Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2025. Healy Amorim refuses to guarantee Hojlund Man Utd future amid Sesko transfer push The Canham has since The Ireland women's team had Captain Katie McCabe had showed her gratitude for the Ireland boss by saying: "Thank you so much for everything Eileen. "You have given us so many special memories and brought me personally so much happiness again playing for Ireland. I want to wish you the best for whatever comes next for you."
