HEAD COACH RICHARD 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. 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, next Sunday, March 22 (KO 1 pm), while the Republic of Ireland will play host a week later, on Sunday, March 29th at Home Farm FC, Whitehall (2 pm). There are two Galway girls selected in the Irish squad, AVA GALLAGHER from Calasanctius College, Oranmore and MAIREAD MULLINS from St Cuam's College, Castleblakeney.
Head Coach Berkeley says, "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 school's 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 9, while Scotland have won 7, 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). As well as more established Internationals such as 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’s sister, Lauryn, also lined out for the Schools’ select representing Tallaght Community School in 2022.
The sole survivor from last season is youngster Maisy HEALY (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 will be representing 17 different schools from Dublin (7), Wexford (3), Galway (2), Tipperary (2), Donegal, Mayo, Kildare, and Louth.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS | Megan McGinley (Loreto Community School, Milford), Caoimhe Keating (Presentation Secondary School, Wexford), Rosaleen O’Leary (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh), Maisy Healy, Fiadh Woods (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Maia Stokes (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Ava Gallagher (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Pixie Keddy (Rosemount Secondary School, Sandyford), Norah Pustay (Dominican College, Griffith Avenue), Emma Fitzpatrick (Creagh College, Gorey), Saoirse Reynolds (Sacred Heart School, Westport), Daisy Fleming (Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge), Aoibhe Galvin (Kylemore College, Ballyfermot) Faith Dawson (Drogheda Grammar School), Maireád Mullins (St. Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney), Mia Whelan (Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy), Hattie Farrell (Mount Anville Secondary School, Goatstown), Alannah Mooney (New Cross College, Finglas)
MANAGEMENT STAFF | Head Coach Richard Berkeley (formerly of Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh), Coach Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana), Coach Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar), Coach Mia O’Connell (SETU Carlow), GK Coach Emmet Peyton (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina), Physio Cianna Hickey, Equipment Manager Joan Croke
FIXTURES
Sunday, March 22 | Match Day 1
Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland, KO 1 pm, Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast
Sunday, March 29 | Match Day 2
Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland, KO 2 pm, Home Farm FC, Whitehall (Grass)
