FAI release Italian tickets

The Football Association of Ireland has announced that it will pre-release a limited number of seats for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Italy at tonight’s international friendly against South Africa in Thomond Park (kick-off 7.30pm) - the tickets will be available for one night only for supporters at Thomond Park before going on general sale from mid-September.


Meanwhile tickets are still available for tonight’s game against South Africa from Gleeson Sports Scene (Mahon House, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick) and the Thomond Park ticket office. Tickets are priced - schoolboy €7, North and South Terrace €20, East and West Terrace €30, East and West Stand €40, Child Stand ticket €20.
Slightly more than 19,400 soccer fans turned up to see the Republic of Ireland lose three-nil to Australia mere weeks ago at Thomond Park.
After goals from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle in Nicosia on Saturday propelled Ireland to a priceless three points in their 2-1 win over Cyprus Giovanni Trapattoni allowed Irish stars Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Kevin Kilbane to return to their clubs.
In addition Stephen Hunt has returned home for personal reasons, Glasgow Celtic’s Darren O’Dea has joined the squad while Aiden McGeady and John O’Shea also departed the squad last evening.
Wolves’ striker Kevin Doyle will captain the side tonight which features eight changes from the team which started against Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday in the crucial World Cup qualifier.
The Ireland starting team to face South Africa is: Keiren Westwood (Coventry City); Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Sean St. Ledger (Preston North End), Paul McShane (Hull City), Eddie Nolan (Preston North End); Liam Lawrence (Stoke City), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Keith Andrews (Blackburn Rovers), Andy Keogh (Wolves); Kevin Doyle (Wolves - captain), Caleb Folan (Hull City).

Brian McDonnell

FAI hope Cyprus win will boost attendance

THE FAI will be hoping that the feel-good factor associated with the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over Cyprus will help to boost the attendance at tomorrow night’s international friendly against South Africa at Thomond Park ( 7.30pm).


Goals from Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle in Nicosia on Saturday propelled Ireland to a priceless three points and although Italy beat Georgia 2-0 Giovanni Trapattoni’s men now find themselves facing a huge game against the Italians in Croke Park on October 10.
The Republic of Ireland take their first step toward that game against Italy next month on Tuesday night when Giovanni Trapattoni’s improving side host next summer’s World Cup hosts at Thomond Park - South Africa played Germany in an international friendly on Saturday and lost 2-0.
The Irish manager has long stated that the friendly against South Africa will be used to give some fringe members of his squad game time at Thomond Park - in keeping with that suggestion Trapattoni has allowed Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Kevin Kilbane to return to their clubs. In addition Stephen Hunt has returned home for personal reasons while Celtic’s Darren O’Dea has joined the squad.
The Republic of Ireland will train at Cooke Park (St. Michael’s FC, Tipperary) today while the South African players will become acquainted with Thomond park this afternoon.
Tickets are still available for the attractive encounter from fai.ie, Gleeson Sports Scene (Mahon House, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick) and the Thomond Park ticket office. Tickets are priced - schoolboy €7, North and South Terrace €20, East and West Terrace €30, East and West Stand €40, Child Stand ticket €20.
Slightly more than 19,400 soccer fans turned up to see the Republic of Ireland lose three-nil to Australia mere weeks ago at Thomond Park.

Republic of Ireland squad: Kieren Westwood, Joe Murphy, John O’Shea, Stephen Kelly, Eddie Nolan, Sean St. Ledger, Paul McShane, Darren O’Dea, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence, Kevin Doyle, Caleb Folan, Shane Long & Leon Best.

BRIAN MCDONNELL

Ireland return to Thomond Park next Tuesday

GIOVANNI’S Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland return to Thomond Park on Tuesday, September 8 next when they face South Africa at the Limerick venue (kick-off 7.30pm).
Despite suffering a heavy three-nil defeat at the hands of Australia Giovanni Trapattoni has named an identical squad ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Cyprus - the 24-man squad will also stand for the national side’s friendly against South Africa at Thomond Park next Tuesday.


The Republic of Ireland face Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday, September 5 knowing a positive result would edge them closer to qualification - the Republic of Ireland currently lie second in group eight and remain unbeaten during their campaign.
A win in Nicosia would see the Irish end the Cypriots’ hopes of reaching the play-offs - the hosts are currently eight points behind Ireland, but with a game in hand.
The Republic of Ireland won the reverse fixture at Croke Park in October when Robbie Keane’s goal in the fifth minute proved the difference between the sides.
The friendly against South Africa will pit Giovanni Trapattoni’s men against the hosts of next summer’s tournament with the Irish manager keen to give some fringe members of his squad game time at Thomond Park.
As expected the Football Association of Ireland have revised their ticket-pricing structure for the up-coming international friendly at Thomond Park.
For the game against South Africa tickets, including a family-friendly children’s ticket, went on sale on August 24 - tickets will are available from the following outlets: www.fai.ie, Gleeson Sports Scene, Mahon House, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick and the Thomond Park ticket office. Tickets will be priced - schoolboy €7, North and South Terrace €20, East and West Terrace €30, East and West Stand €40, Child Stand ticket (under-16) €20. South Africa will include a number of well-known players in their squad, such as Benni McCarthy of Blackburn, Steven Pienaar of Everton and Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth.
The Bafana Bafana will play Ireland three days after taking on Germany in Munich on September 5, the same day as Ireland’s World Cup qualifier in Cyprus.
Slightly more than 19,400 soccer fans turned up to see the Republic of Ireland lose three-nil to Australia mere weeks ago at Thomond Park.
Ireland were completely out-classed on the night when Pim Verbeek’s side stroked the ball effortlessly across a pristine Thomond Park and threatened Shay Given’s goal at will - two first half strikes from Tim Cahill and a late David Carney effort from 30 yards gave Australia their deserved win.

Squad: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, Joe Murphy, John O’Shea, Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Eddie Nolan, Sean St Ledger, Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Liam Lawrence, Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long & Leon Best.

Brian McDonnell

FAI revise ticket prices for friendly with South Africa

AS expected the Football Association of Ireland have revised their ticket pricing structure for the up-coming international friendly at Thomond Park.
Last week FAI CEO John Delaney admitted that ticket prices for the Republic of Ireland’s clash with Australia at Thomond Park were too high while he also indicated that the pricing structure would be revised for the friendly against South Africa on Tuesday, September 8.


“Well, we got 19,400 in and I know when Ireland played a rugby game there against Canada they got 19,000 in,” John Delaney said.
“But I think we have to be more flexible on the pricing for the South Africa game.
“I think we have to look at a more family-orientated price as well. I think we probably got a little learning off that, to be honest. But still, 19,400 was a good turnout and, in terms of the overall running of the organisation, the difference between playing at home and playing an away friendly, along with the TV monies we get from Sky, it’s a significant profit for the organisation.
“In the wider context of the week, too, about 7,000 people saw the training in St Michael’s and, with all the openings that we did, there is a long-term legacy out of what we have done down here this week.”
Of the official 19,428 attendance on Wednesday, August 12 2,000 complimentary tickets were circulated while another 2,000 were sold to schoolboys priced at just €7. The terrace tickets, priced at €25 and €35, sold out, leaving at least 6,000 of the €55 stand tickets unsold.
For the same against South Africa tickets, including a family friendly children’s ticket, will go on sale from next Monday, August 24 - tickets will be made available from the following outlets: www.fai.ie, Gleeson Sports Scene, Mahon House, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick and the Thomond Park ticket office. Tickets will be priced - schoolboy €7, North and South Terrace €20, East and West Terrace €30, East and West Stand €40, Child Stand ticket (under-16) €20.
South Africa will host next summer’s World Cup and will include a number of well-known players in their squad, such as Benni McCarthy of Blackburn, Steven Pienaar of Everton and Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth.
The Bafana Bafana will play Ireland three days after taking on Germany in Munich on September 5, the same day as Ireland’s World Cup qualifier in Cyprus. The friendly against South Africa will provide a good opportunity for Giovanni Trapattoni’s players to get another game under their belts in preparation for the decisive Group 8 clash with current world champions Italy, in Croke Park.
Giovanni Trapattoni will name his squad to play Cyprus and South Africa this Friday, August 21.
Meanwhile the Limerick District League returns to action this evening.
Pike Rovers, who have won the Premier League title for the past two years, take on Kilmallock at the Pike Club - kick-off is 6.30pm. While that is the only District League fixture taking place today several games are down for decision tomorrow night while a full programme of action is scheduled for this weekend.
Sean Hehir Bookmakers have installed Pike Rovers as hot favourites to win their third consecutive league title.
The Hoops, who saw off the challenge of second-placed Fairview Rangers with five points to spare last season, are priced at 3/1 while their nearest rivals, Fairview Rangers, are 9/2.
The next likely league contenders Janesboro (7/1) and Regional United (9/1) do look strong this season, but many expect the battle between Pike Rovers and Fairview Rangers to reach epic proportions.
The first really big game of the season takes place this Sunday when Fairview Rangers host Regional United at the Fairgreen (10.30am).
Although Regional United finished fourth last season they have made some significant signings and could yet exact a big influence on the final destination of the 2009-10 Kilmurry Lodge Premier League title.

BRIAN MCDONNELL

Irish squad prepare for tantalising Thomond clash

IRISH soccer manager Giovanni Trapattoni put his players through their paces at St. Michael’s FC in Tipperary Town this morning as the countdown to Wednesday’s friendly against Australia at Thomond Park begins in earnest.
Trapattoni had just 14 players at his disposal for yesterday’s first squad session which was watched by 1,500 enthusiastic fans, but the size of the squad was bolstered by the overnight arrival of several players who had been in club action cross-channel.
Among those who were set to join up with the squad for today’s training session at Cooke Park were Manchester United star John O’Shea, the Manchester City duo of Shay Given and Richard Dunne as well as Glasgow Celtic’s Aiden McGeady and Spurs striker Robbie Keane.
Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt were among some of the bigger names who trained with an unusually lean Irish squad in Tipperary Town yesterday. Doyle, who was introduced as a substitute, but missed a penalty for Wolves in a friendly against Real Valladolid on Saturday, has only recently recovered from a hernia operation.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has said that he hopes the striker gets 45 minutes for Ireland on Wednesday and Irish boss Trapattoni is set to start Doyle in attack.
The friendly clash with Australia has a 7.30pm kick-off time and will be televised live on Sky Sports.
An attendance of 20,000 is expected for the fixture.
Tickets are still available for the friendly from Gleeson Sport Scene, Upper William Street in Limerick city, from Thomond Park and from Ticketmaster.
Wednesday night’s game in Limerick is the first time the Republic of Ireland have played a full international outside of Dublin since 1985.
A number of special events have been organized locally to co-incide with the big game.
Geraldines AFC will celebrate the opening of their new dressing room facilities tomorrow at 4pm.
On Wednesday an FAI Football Fun for All Day will be hosted at Shelbourne Park between 4pm and 7pm.
The fact that the Irish squad is based in Tipperary this week, and playing a game at nearby Thomond Park, makes it a very special occasion for squad member Shane Long.
Tipperary man Long admits he would love to become a regular starter in Trappatoni’s Irish side.
“The match against Australia is still an opportunity to make an impact, a chance for the so-called substitute players to shine,’’ Shane Long said.
“And with the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup finals there, every player in the squad wants to take that chance.”
The Irish squad will complete their preparations for the clash with the Socceroos by having a light work-out at Thomond Park at tea-time tomorrow.
The Republic of Ireland’s opponents Australia held a squad session in Gannon Park, Malahide today. They will get their chance to have a run out at Thomond Park tomorrow afternoon.
Meanwhile the FAI is to hold a workshop in Limerick on Wednesday entitled ‘Developing Football Developing Communities’. The FAI is using the senior international friendly against Australia to hold the event in the Kilmurry Lodge, Limerick.
The half-day national workshop will bring together county and city councils, RAPID area representatives, Local Sports Partnerships and Garda community liaison representatives to discuss the many community based social programmes being implemented in partnership with the FAI.

COLM KINSELLA

Limerick’s feast of football

THE Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Australia on Wednesday forms the centrepiece of four days of soccer activity in Limerick next week.
The Republic of Ireland play their first full international outside of Dublin since 1985 when Giovanni Trapattoni’s team face the Socceroos at Thomond Park on August 12 (kick-off is at 7.30pm).


A feast of football is planned for Limerick beginning on Sunday next when the FAI Under-12 Inter-League Futsal Tournament will be staged at the University of Limerick, beginning at 3pm.
On Monday evening, at the Irish squad’s team base in Tipperary Town, a civic reception will be held to honour Irish manager, Giovanni Trapattoni. On Tuesday, the focus switches back to Limerick when Geraldines AFC will celebrate the opening of their new dressing room facilities at 4pm.
On big-match day, Wednesday, August 12, an FAI Football Fun for All Day will be hosted at Shelbourne Park between 4pm and 7pm. This event will include face painting, soccer skills, crossbar challenge, obstacle course, penalty shootout target and the speed gun challenge.
The Republic of Ireland team will train at St. Michael’s FC’s Cooke Park, Tipperary Town on both Sunday and Monday. Tickets to the training session have already been distributed to members of the public. Meanwhile Irish team manager, Trapattoni has urged his team to produce a performance befitting the fabulous Thomond Park arena.
Not since 1985 when Flower Lodge in Cork hosted the friendly against Spain has a home International being staged outside of Dublin. Trapattoni said: “It will be important to win and produce a great performance in this famous stadium. Hopefully, the stadium will be full of fans.
“This will not be an easy game against Australia, but I am confident. It is important that can get the players together so we see their condition ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus game in September.
“I hope we can get a good result. It helps for the future and it helps the players believe that qualification for the World Cup is possible.”
The Irish squad will have a run-out at Thomond Park at teatime on Tuesday evening next.
Australia head coach, Pim Verbeek has selected a 22-player squad for the upcoming international, including several players who will be well known to fans of the Premier League - Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Everton playmaker Tim Cahill make the squad along with Lucas Neill, Harry Kewell and Scott McDonald.

Australia: Mark Schwarzer, Ante Covic; Patrick Kisnorbo, Lucas Neill, Rhys Williams, Jade North, Matthew Spiranovic, Adrian Madaschi, Luke Wilkshire; Mark Bresciano, James Holland, Dario Vidosic, Tim Cahill, Nick Carle, Aaron Mooy, Harry Kewell, Oliver Bozanic, David Carney, Mile Jedinak; Scott McDonald, Brett Holman, Nikita Rukavytsya.

Colm Kinsella

Trapattoni relishes Limerick visit

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is eagerly-looking forward to his side’s clash with Australia in Thomond Park.
On Sunday afternoon Giovanni Trapattoni, along with FAI CEO John Delaney, visited Gleeson Sports Scene in Limerick city to launch 1,000 pre-release tickets for the match against the Socceroos on Wednesday, August 12 (kick-off 7.30pm).
“I am looking forward to returning to Limerick in August to play Australia,” Giovanni Trapattoni told Leader Sport.
“The game will be a good opportunity to prepare for the important World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on September 5.
“I hope it will give everyone in the mid-west an opportunity to get behind the team against a highly-rated Australian side. Limerick is a very nice place. It’s important to us to play well, to show people what our football is about and to get more kids in the region playing football.
“We believe that the facilities are there, the stadium is really good and we believe that the fans will come to the stadium for this occasion.
“This will give the fans an opportunity to watch us. Until now they have only been able to see us on television and we wanted to change that.
“We hope people will come and join us in Thomond Park.”
Trapattoni made an appearance in Limerick following the Republic of Ireland’s one-all draw in Sofia on Saturday night - a result which should at the very least secure a World Cup play-off spot for Ireland while it also ended Bulgaria’s qualification hopes.
The Republic now trail group leaders Italy by a point while the Italians hold a game in hand over Ireland.
Ireland’s next competitive fixture is against away to Cyprus on Sept. 5 and Giovanni Trapattoni will use the game against Australia at Thomond Park as a warm-up for that critical encounter. The Republic will play a second international friendly against South Africa on Tuesday, September 8 in Thomond Park before they complete their qualifying campaign against Italy and Montenegro.
Pim Verbeek’s Australian side became the second team, mere hours after Japan, to qualify for the World Cup on Saturday following their nil-all draw away to Qatar - the Australians remain unbeaten in their 2010 campaign and should feature players like Scott McDonald (Celtic), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) and Tim Cahill (Everton) for their visit to Limerick. The game against Australia respresents the first time the Irish senior team has ever played in Limerick and will be the first meeting of the sides since 2003 when the Irish beat the Socceroos 2-1 at Lansdowne Road.
The Republic of Ireland have clashed with South Africa on one previous occasion - nine years ago (2000) Ireland beat the Bafana Bafana in New Jersey. South Africa are coached by Brazil’s Joel Santana, will feature players like Blackburn’s Benni McCarthy and as hosts of the 2010 World Cup will become the African nation to host the World Cup.
FAI CEO John Delaney is confident that the national association can sell out both games at Thomond Park: “The idea of coming down here is to promote the games in the mid-west. We’ve had a huge reaction to them. The reaction to the games has been very, very strong. I think we’ll have a full house for both games.
“On the back of the result against Bulgaria there is momentum there. You can feel it everywhere you go. There’s a positive vibe there now.


“The game against South Africa in September will be more difficult to sell. Everyone will want to be at the first game against Australia.
“But I think, if Giovanni introduces new players to the team for the game against South Africa, people will be interested in seeing those new players play. The squad is evolving and after a competitive game against Cyprus Giovanni will be trying out players against South Africa, but I still expect that to be an exciting game. This is a great opportunity for the fans to see international football in Limerick and it should be a great occasion.”
To mark Giovanni Trapattoni’s visit to Limerick the FAI have launched 1,000 €25 pre-release tickets which will be available exclusively from Gleeson Sports Scene (25 upper William Street, Limerick) from Monday, June 8 - these pre-release tickets are limited and are expected to sell quickly.
Tickets will go on public sale at the end of June through ticketmaster.ie, through Gleeson Sports Scene in Limerick city and through a selection of ticketmaster outlets in the Munster region.
Details of these outlets will be published shortly on fai.ie. Tickets will be made available at €25 (North and South terrace), €35 (East and West terrace) and €55 (East and West stands) while 2,000 €7 tickets will be made available for schoolboy and schoolgirl clubs throughout the country.

Brian McDonnell

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

'It’s a real honour for us to play an international match in what is now a fabulous stadium'

THE visit of Australia to Thomond Park on August 12 next could be the first of three soccer internationals to be staged in Limerick inside the next 12 months.
Speaking in the home of Munster rugby yesterday, where he confirmed this summer’s international soccer friendly, John Delaney, Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Ireland, said that further dates were available for soccer internationals in Limerick.
“It’s one of a couple of internationals that we would like to play over a course of time,” Delaney told Leader Sport when announcing the visit of the Socceroos.
“There are some dates that we can look at and with dates available we will now look for opposition.
“We will look at other dates - there could be one in September and one in the New Year,” said the FAI’s CEO.
September 9 is a possible date for the second of three possible matches.


“We are away to Cyprus (September 5) and then there is a Wednesday that is free to us - we will talk to other opposition and Giovanni (Trapattoni),” explained Delaney.
“We had opportunities to play friendlies away in August, but when the possibility of playing in Thomond Park became available - the idea of coming here was something that you couldn’d but do,” explained Delaney.
“I am very happy to have reached this agreement with Thomond Park Stadium. I thank the stadium’s management and board for their foresight in opening up Thomond Park to other sports which will enable us to bring senior international football to Limerick for the first time. Thomond Park is a great sporting venue and we look forward to an exciting game against Australia in August.”
Delaney said that he expects a capacity crowd of 26,000.
“When you have football stars like Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne, Shay Given and Giovanni Trapattoni coming down as manager with Tardelli and Liam Brady, it’s a huge attraction. When it was first mooted about a month ago that there was the possibility of a game being played here, the reaction was huge - we were rang every day to know when it was on and who we were playing,” outlined Delaney.
Pim Verbeek’s Australian side is currently ranked 27th in the FIFA world rankings, two places above the Republic of Ireland.
The Socceroos are likely to include the likes of Scott McDonald (Celtic), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) and Tim Cahill (Everton).
“This completes the hat-trick - Australia have played here in rugby, they are coming for the International Rules in October and now the soccer,” said Delaney, who was visiting Thomond Park for the first time since its re-development.
“It’s a real honour for us to play an international match in what is now a fabulous stadium,” he said.
The FAI are set to meet with the University of Limerick regarding the possibility of using the university facilities for training purposes.
“I met Dave Mahedy at the rugby match on Saturday and I am sure that he would love us to be out there - we play our Kennedy Cup out there every year. It would be the ideal venue for the players to train.
“We haven’t spoken to any hotels yet, but with the Castletroy Park now open, something like that would work very well,” said the CEO.
John Delaney also confirmed that Thomond Park could be used if the FAI and the IFA proceed with proposals to co-host the 2013 European under-21 championships.
“We have spoken to the IFA on a number of occasions and spoke with them yesterday (Sunday) about co-hosting a European under-21 tournament together. That has become a big tournament and it is something that we had agreed to co-bid before with the IFA, but they couldn’t meet stadium criteria,” explained Delaney.
“It is now a possibility with Thomond, the Aviva Stadium and Tallaght, which will have 6,200 seats by June,” he outlined.
The IFA would offer Windsor Park or a re-developed Brandywell.

Jerome O'Connell

Republic of Ireland set to face Australia's Socceroos at Thomond Park

THOMOND Park have confirmed this morning that the Republic of Ireland will face Australia at the Limerick venue on August 12.
The FAI and Thomond Park Stadium today announced that they have reached an agreement to hold a soccer game for the first time in the re-developed Limerick stadium.
The game will be the first ever senior international fixture to be played by the Boys in Green in Limerick and will give the large number of football fans in the region a rare opportunity to see a senior international match in the mid-west.
Pim Verbeek’s Australian side is currently ranked 27th in the FIFA world rankings, two places above Ireland and includes many players well known to Irish football fans including Scott McDonald (Celtic), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) and Tim Cahill (Everton).

The friendly will provide Ireland with an opportunity to prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on September 5.
Ticket and event information will be made available closer to the match date on both www.fai.ie and www.thomondpark.ie

Brian McDonnell