Mayo native in line for Ireland soccer debut
Aaron Heaney of St. Gerald's College, Castlebar, is posed to make his Ireland Under 18 debut this evening against England, coming in place for another Castlebar man Darragh Reilly.
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 Heaney who replaces school-mate Reilly, who will sit his oral examination on Saturday and cannot 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).