Apr 10  David gets nod to don the Green while Shane enjoys a bit of Blarney
Further good news with the announcement that Irish U18 manager has called up Arklow Town's promising David "Don" O'Neill into the national squad for the forthcoming U18 international fixtures against Malta, both games being played in Cork.  Seventeen year old "Don" cut short a holiday out in Spain recently to grab a chance to show the Irish management his undoubted talent when shining in a trial match featuring a provisional squad of players.  His cause was aided when scoring a cracking winning goal on the night and all at Arklow Town wish him the very best and hope he does well.  Meanwhile, down in Cork, the Irish U16 squad faced a very strong and athletic German side in the first of two international fixtures this week, losing to a single strike.  Arklow's Shane Murray, earning his eleventh international cap and now becoming a regular at this level, played for an hour and acquitted himself ably.  Manager Vincent Butler, in bringing his U16 squad to the Blarney venue, was quick to recognise the emerging talent outside of Dublin now being rightly afforded a chance to prosper on the international stage, saying, "In this squad we have players from Donegal, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Tipperary, Cork and Mayo. Football is growing in popularity in all areas and there are coaching structures, coaching schemes and academies that are bearing fruit now in the numbers coming through. We’ve got very promising players in this squad – the two Cork lads have done well for us at centre-back (John Egan and Anthony O’Connor), in midfield Shane Murray is not a very big lad but he is a very clever player, Ryan Connolly on the left-wing is doing very well and at centre-forward Selcuk Tidim has scored give goals in six starts for us.”   Shane sat out the second meeting between Ireland and Germany, at Listowel, an unused substitute as the sides ended level, 1-1 the final scoreline.

Mar 20  Turks outclass Irish in Malta tournament decider
The Republic of Ireland's winning streak in the Malta International Tournament came firmly to a halt earlier today as a classy Turkish U16 side eased past the Irish side, winning 3-0.  Manager Vincent Butler knew today's task would be a tough ask, acknowleding that Turkey "will be difficult; they have already beaten us twice on their home pitch earlier in the season and have a lot of quality in their side.”   Shane Murray started oncemore, hoping to add to his goal from the last game against Malta, and can be satisfied with his own performance in what was a tough day for the Irish lads.  No shame in losing to their Turkish counterparts, a recognised very good side who have defeated the Irish U16s three times now in recent meetings.

Shane's goal from the spot was his third for his country having previously scored against Wales and ironicially his next opponents, Turkey, who Ireland face on Thursday afternoon in a game that will decide who wins the Malta International Tournament as both sides have won their two games to date.  Shane was included in the Irish side who last faced the Turks in Izmir, with the temperature in excess of 35 degrees celcius.  Thursday's opponents will know all about Murray's ability after he let fly from over thirty yards out, scoring an absolute cracker of a goal as the home side that day prevailed 5-2 thanks to a late flurry of goals as the Irish side visibly wilted in the Izmir heat.  Match report from FA website here.

Mar 16  Murray shines as Irish defeat Italians
Arklow Town's Shane Murray more than played his part as Vincent Butler's Irish U16 side defeated their Italian counterparts in the opening fixture of the Malta International Tournament earlier this evening.  Murray had an outstanding game and played the entire match, as the Irish thwarted their much vaunted opponents with a solitary goal from German based striker Selcuk Tidim enough on the day to win the game.  With confidence sky high they now face their hosts Malta in their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, at the National Stadium Training Grounds.  Match report from the FAI website here.

Mar 11  Trio earn national selection calls
Shane Murray has been included in the Republic of Ireland U16 squad to travel to Malta this weekend, to participate in the Malta International tournament.  They will come up against Italy this Sunday, March 16 before facing host nation Malta at the National Stadium Training Grounds in Valetta on Tuesday.  Their last game is against Turkey, to be played on Thursday, March 21.  Elsewhere, good news for both Danny Ledwith and James Scallan, who have been invited to attend the FAI's Emerging Talent training day, in Dublin, on March 20th.  Good luck to all.

Mar 5  Honours even for the second time
Little to separate the Republic of Ireland U15 Development squad and Arklow Town earlier tonight at Bridgewater Centre Park, as both sides once again finished level, 1-1 the final scoreline.  Town opened the scoring in the second half, a wonderful move up the right flank ending with James Graham getting on the end of an excellent cross from Aaron Barry to finish with aplomb.  The Republic side levelled matters later in the second half after a defensive lapse from a set piece in the home rearguard allowed the visitors an opportunity they were always unlikely to spurn.  In the end, a good workout for both teams and a good turnout to watch what was an entertaining match.