The Republic of Ireland Schools will face one of their toughest tests yet as they line out against England in their penultimate fixture of the 2022 inspiresport Centenary Shield tonight in Eastleigh FC.
John McShane’s side remain unbeaten in the competition with a 2-1 victory over Scotland on St. Patrick’s Day followed up with a hard fought 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland last week in Maginn Park. Leon AYINDE getting the 94th minute goal to draw his side level and grab a valuable point.
There are two changes to last week’s panel with the reintroduction of goalkeeper Jack ROSS (Presentation College, Bray) having missed out due to illness last week. Making his debut is Aaron HEANEY who replaces school-mate Darragh REILLY of St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar. Reilly will sit his oral examination on Saturday and couldn’t commit to the away trip.
The experienced Lennon GILL (St. Benildus College, Stillorgan) and Michael RAGGETT (St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny) supplied the goals against the Scots while a Michael McCULLAGH penalty and a tap in from Leon AYINDE were enough to see the Irish side pick up four of a possible six points on offer with their two home ties. A robust defensive line and more fire power upfront will be required if the Irish are to defeat England on home soil tonight.
The Republic of Ireland will wrap up their season with a trip to Caernarfon FC when they entertain Wales on April 21.
England were deducted points having fielded an overage player in the tournament. So the league table makes for some interesting reading.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Eanna CLANCY (St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton), Steven HEALY (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), John O’DONOVAN (Clonakilty Community College), Leon AYINDE (Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Cork), Alex HEALY BYRNE (Glanmire Community College), Charlie O’BRIEN (Pobalscoil na Trionóide, Youghal), Zach DUNNE (Presentation Brothers College, Cork), Oisín COLEMAN (St. Mary’s College, Dundalk), Michael RAGGETT (St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny), Michael KEYES (Malahide Community School), Tadhg WALSH (St. Joseph’s CBS, Fairview), Michael McCULLAGH and David TARMEY (both Coláiste Bhaile Chláir), Kieran CRUISE and Lennon GILL (both St. Benildus College, Stillorgan), Aaron HEANEY (St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar), Reece BYRNE (Oatlands College), Jack ROSS (Presentation College, Bray)
MANAGEMENT | John McSHANE, Head Coach (Dublin International School), 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)
2022 inspiresport Centenary Shield
Results
Thursday, March 3 Scotland 3-2 Northern Ireland Renfrew FC
Thursday, March 10 Northern Ireland 3-0 Wales H&W Welders FC
Thursday, March 17 Republic of Ireland 2-1 Scotland Home Farm FC, Whitehall
Friday, March 25 Northern Ireland 1-2 England H&W Welders FC
Thursday, March 31 Republic of Ireland 2-2 Northern Ireland Maginn Park, Buncrana
Friday, April 1 England 4-0 Scotland Spennymoor Town FC
Thursday, April 7 Scotland 0-2 Wales Annan Athletic FC
Fixtures
Friday, April 8 England vs Republic of Ireland Eastleigh FC
Thursday, April 14 Wales vs England Llansawel FC
Thursday, April 21 Wales vs Republic of Ireland Caernarfon FC
All fixtures kick-off at 7pm
2022 inspiresport Centenary Shield Table
| POSITION | PLD | W | D | L | GF | GA | DIFF | PTS |
| Northern Ireland | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 4 |
| Republic of Ireland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| Scotland | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 3 |
| Wales | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| England | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 0 |
Table as of April 7, 2022
