Squad for Bob Docherty Cup features Mayo schoolgirl

Head coach Richie Berkeley has named a squad of 18 players for the Bob Docherty Cup, which will be held as a double header against Northern Ireland over the next fortnight.

Included in the squad is Saoirse Reynolds of Sacred Heart School, Westport – a winner in The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sportstars of the Year Awards 2025 on Friday night last.

Berkeley himself if a former staff member of Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, while Emmet Peyton of St. Muredach's College, Ballina, is goalkeeping coach on his management team, so there's plenty of Mayo interest in the upcoming fixtures.

Unfortunately, the withdrawal of Scotland and England this season has left a reduced number of competitive outings for the two nations remaining.

Northern Ireland will host the first leg in Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast, at 1 p.m. on Sunday (March 22), while the Republic of Ireland will play host a week later (Sunday, March 29) at Home Farm FC, Whitehall, Dublin, with kick-off at 2 p.m.

Head coach Berkeley said: “I think we're all really looking forward to the games. While it's disappointing that there is no tournament this year, these two games against Northern Ireland will provide a great challenge for us.

“The recent matches have been very close so we're expecting the same again. After a long assessment process, with some difficult decisions, we have finalised our squad and hopefully we have a squad that can represent our schools international team with pride, determination and quality.”

The Republic of Ireland have a fantastic record in this competition. Over the past 24 years, the trophy has been played for 22 times. The Republic of Ireland have won nine, while Scotland have won on seven occasions, England three, Northern Ireland two and Wales one.

It’s the first taste of international football for most of these players and you’ll see plenty of senior international stars progress in future years.

Previous players in this tournament include Julie Ann Russell (Salerno SS, Salthill), Karen Duggan (Scoil Mhuire, Carrick on Suir), Leanne Kiernan (Bailieborough CS), Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown CS), and Abbie Larkin (Ringsend College), Denise O'Sullivan (Terence McSweeney SS, Cork), Katie McCabe (St. Paul’s SS, Greenhills), Heather Payne (Coláiste Mhuire, Ballinasloe), Amber Barrett (Loreto CS, Milford) and schools captain in 2010, Chloe Mustaki (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh). Katie McCabe’s sister Lauryn also lined out for the schools’ select, representing Tallaght Community School in 2022.

The sole survivor from last season's Republic of Ireland squad is Maisy Healy of Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf. Her side captured the Bob Docherty Cup last year as they defeated Scotland, England and hosts Northern Ireland to lift the prestigious trophy.

Maisy’s sister Hannah lined out for the Republic of Ireland Schools in 2022 when they previously won the title in Newcastle University. She also went on to be named FAI Schools International Player of the Year for her courageous endeavours in the green jersey.

The 18 players selected this year represent 17 different schools from Dublin (seven), Wexford (three), Galway (two), Tipperary (two), Donegal, Mayo, Kildare and Louth.