Limerick trio feature in schoolboy international

WHILE Limerick FC swept to an impressive four-one win over Mervue United at Jackman Park on Friday night one of the club’s rising stars, Jason Hughes, captained the Republic of Ireland schoolboys (under-18) to a one-all draw against Scotland in the Carnegie Centenary Shield.
Hughes (Limerick CBS) was joined in the Irish side by Ian Storan (Crescent College) while Limerick CBS’ Eoin Hanrahan also played his part as a second half substitute at Tynecastle.
Jason Hughes survived a late fitness test to take his place at the centre of midfield for the Republic, but the Irish schoolboys were disappointed not to come away with all three points against the Scots.
The Republic of Ireland spurned several scoring chances and failed to add to the 3-1 victory they registered over Wales.
Ireland took the lead after 35 minutes when Carl Forsyth coolly slotted home the opening goal, but Scotland equalized through Jamie Burstow two minutes later.
Jason Hughes almost reclaimed the lead for the Republic of Ireland in the 43rd minute, but he was denied by a superb save.
Eoin Hanrahan also came close to grabbing all three points for the Republic in the 81st minute, but his shot flew narrowly wide of a post.
The point leaves the Republic of Ireland level with Scotland on four points with two games played.
Northern Ireland and England are tied on three points apiece, but both enjoy a game in hand on their rivals.
The Republic now face Northern Ireland away next Friday (March 20) in the Riada Stadium, Ballymoney in what is now a must-win game (kick-off 7pm) since England are now best-placed to wrestle the Carnegie Centenary Shield away from Ireland, the defending champions.
England face Northern Ireland on March 27 and Scotland on April 17.
The final game of the campaign sees the Republic of Ireland host England in the RSC (Waterford) on April 14 - that game will be televised live on Sky Sports (7.35pm).

Republic of Ireland: Aaron McCarey (St. Macartan’s College), Garvan Broughall (Athlone Community College), Tomas Boyle (Salesian College), Ian Storan (Crescent College Comprehensive), Neil Harney (St. Aloysius College), Jason Hughes (Limerick CBS), Paul Corry (Belvedere College), James Keohane (Kilkenny CBS), Gary Burke (Larkin Community College), Carl Forsyth (Cabinteely Community School), Shane Howard (Colaiste Eoin, Carlow). Subs: Eoghan Osborne (Colaiste Ris, Dundalk) for Ian Storan, Jason Dwane (St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne) for Neil Harney, Eoin Hanrahan (Limerick CBS) for James Keohane, Robert Benson (Marist College, Athlone) for Carl Forsyth.

Brian McDonnell