McCrory will play his part in U19 elite qualifiers

CROOM’S Damian McCrory, who is currently plying his trade with Plymouth Argyle, has been included in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for the up-coming UEFA Championship Elite qualifiers in Belgium - the European Championship finals will be hosted by Belarus in July while the elite qualifiers take place from June 5 to June 10.
This Wednesday, June 3, the Irish squad travel to their Belgian training camp before beginning their qualification campaign on Friday against Belgium at the Complex Op de Keiberg in Tongeren. The Republic will face Switzerland at the same venue two days later and then wrap up the series against Sweden on Wednesday, June 10 at the Sport Centrum in Tessenderio.
The Republic of Ireland advanced through the first phase qualifiers in Malta last November when they clinched one of top two positions in the four-nation group to confirm their place in the elite phase - the Republic must finish top of their group if they hope to qualify for the finals.
After a disappointing defeat against Mervue United on Saturday night Limerick FC will be hoping for better luck when the Super Blues face Athlone Town in Lissywoollen on Saturday night next (kick-off 8pm).
The last time the Super Blues encountered Athlone the game finished nil-all at Jackman Park even though Athlone had been reduced to ten men early in the second half after ‘keeper John McGuinness hauled down Limerick’s John Tierney.
Four days after that disappointing result Pat Scully was appointed manager of Limerick FC with the former Shamrock Rovers boss guiding the Super Blues through ten league encounters since then - Scully’s league record now stands at three wins, four draws and three defeats.
Scully won’t be happy with such a mixed record and will be determined that his side can get something out of next Saturday night’s trip to Athlone.
Indeed, Limerick need an encouraging results before Shelbourne visit Jackman Park on Friday week with the Super Blues hosting St. Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI Ford Cup third round a week later.
The 12 National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools taking place in Limerick this summer are filling up at record speed. Running nationally during July and August, the week-long camps (Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 3.00pm) are open to boys and girls aged between seven and 15, and will take place in over 290 locations nationwide. Parents are advised to book their children’s place(s) now to avoid disappointment.
For further details of the dates and venues for the 2009 National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools, log onto www.fai.ie, www.summersoccerschools.ie or call 1890 653-653.
Limerick FC fans have also been given an opportunity to take the stress out of getting to Jackman Park for the upcoming FAI Ford Cup game, with thanks to Ford, proud sponsors of the FAI Cup. For every FAI Cup round this year, Ford will come to the rescue of fans around the country, eager to get along to support their club, and will transport them there in style.
Ford will look after the transport to and from the game by supplying a Ford vehicle and chauffeur, and make sure every fan is fed and watered with a pre match meal. There will be goody bags for every child and one child on the trip will have the unique opportunity to deliver the match ball onto the pitch before kick-off.
All fans have to do is email their name and address to fordfootball@WHPR.ie with the selected FAI Ford Cup fixture they wish to attend, whether they want to travel with their family to a home game or group of friends to an away game, and a reason why they should be brought to the game by Ford. At least two winners will be selected for every round in this year’s FAI Ford Cup.


Brian McDonnell