Strong Mayo connection to Ireland’s historic Under-21 Euro play-off squad

THREE players with close links to Mayo are in the Republic of Ireland squad for this evening's Under-21 European Championship play-off clash against Finland.

The winner of the tie will reach next summer’s finals in Albania and Serbia, no Irish side has ever qualified for the competition.

Westport goalkeeper Conor Walsh (21) is one of three keepers named. He came through the ranks at Westport United before moving to Sligo Rovers and joined Shelbourne in January.

Hibernian striker Owen Elding (20) is in an Ireland Under-21 squad for the first time. He played with Manulla FC at underage level and was called up to the Mayo League representative side during his time playing in the Mayo football league.

He later moved to Sligo Rovers and joined Hibernian in January.

Elding’s Irish passport took longer than expected to come through but the talented young striker finally made his senior debut in a 1-0 Nations League defeat away to Kosovo on September 24.

His Hibernian teammate, Jacob Devaney (19), is on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The midfielder’s paternal grandfather came from Ballina.

Finland will be tough opposition. They beat Spain 2-1 in their qualifying group in September and finished second behind the Spaniards. The Finns also made it to the 2025 finals in Slovakia.

The second leg is slated for Turner’s Cross, Cork, on Tuesday, November 17.

Ireland earned the play-off by beating holders England 3-1 at the same venue in October.