Hughes and Storan feature on Irish U18s

LIMERICK FC’S Jason Hughes and Ian Storan have both been selected on the Republic of Ireland under-18 squad which travels for two friendlies against Cyprus in Larnaca next week - manager Sean McCaffrey was so impressed by Hughes and Storan’s performances for the Irish schoolboys in the Carnegie Shield that he has drafted both into his international squad.
The matches will take place on Tuesday and Thursday of next week in Cyprus and with the qualifiers for the under-19 European Championship qualifers less than six months away Sean McCaffrey will use this trip to assess potential candidates for that campaign.
McCaffrey has always insisted that he is open to including Republic of Ireland-based players in his plans for competitive campaigns and with this brace of friendlies he is presenting those players with an opportunity to force their way into the 2009-10 under-19 squad.
Jason Hughes (Limerick CBS) and Ian Storan (Crescent College) have every chance of making a breakthrough at the grade.

Republic of Ireland Under-18 Squad: Ciaran Gallagher (Finn Harps), Ronan Forde (Salthill Devon), Jason Dwane (Home Farm), Andrew Boyle (UCD), Kalen Spillane (Carrigaline United), Paul Scally (Mervue United), Derek Kavanagh (Crumlin United), Ciaran Coll (Finn Harps), Ian Storan (Limerick FC), Simon Holland (Carrigaline United), Carl McPherson (Carrigaline United), Jimmy Keohane (Wexford Youths), Paul Corry (Belvedere), Chris Kerr (Drogheda United), Jason Hughes (Limerick FC), Lee Dixon (Bohemians), Zac Shanahan (Tramore AFC), Darragh Walshe (FC Carlow), Shane Howard (Belvedere) & William Woods (Drogheda United).

Meanwhile Limerick FC are eagerly building up to their clash with Monaghan United at Jackman Park on Saturday afternoon (5pm).
While the Super Blues lost to Shelbourne on Friday night and have only managed one win against Mervue United thus far Monaghan United’s form is even worse -Monaghan have only managed a single point in their 2009 campaign (a draw with Longford) while they have lost to Mervue United, UCD and Shelbourne - Limerick clashed with Monaghan on four occasions last season winning two, drawing one and also losing one of those encounters.
Following Saturday’s crucial game Limerick FC will host a fund-raising greyhound race night in the Market’s Field. The night will comprise of a 10-race programme with race eight a ‘Buster’ race: the ticket with the correct finishing order in this race will receive a prize of €1,000 plus two tickets to see the Republic of Ireland take on Italy at Croke Park. ‘Buster’ tickets cost €20; admission price is €8. For information contact: 061 324 563.

Brian McDonnell