Limerick player featured in Republic of Ireland U18 boy's squad in opening game

TREATY United and Republic of Ireland soccer player Robbie Lynch starred in the Irish U18 boy's side who narrowly lost out to Northern Ireland in the second of their SAFIB Centenary Shield outings in Athlone Town AFC last Thursday night, March 7.

Presentation College, Headford star Brian Cunningham forced Ryan Kerr into an excellent save with a quarter of an hour played.

Three minutes later, Hazelwood College pupil Robbie Lynch smashed his header off the crossbar following a Daire Patton (Summerhill College, Sligo) free kick.

O’Brien’s side were dealt a body blow ten minutes from the break as talisman’s Brian Cunningham limped off with a hamstring injury as Rhys Kelly Noonan was introduced. 

The Republic of Ireland were outdone by a set piece for the opening goal at the stroke of half-time. Very similar to the Scottish encounter as they conceded at a vital time in the game.

Michael Harkin rose highest in the box from a corner to head past Jakas with two minutes of added time on the clock in the first half. The visitors took the slight advantage into the interval.

Derek O’Brien’s charges equalised through Hugh PARKER on 72 minutes as Rhys Kelly Noonan’s initial shot was palmed away by Kerr for the Temple Carrig School scholar to tap in from close range. It was a well worked manoeuvre which saw great work from Evan Lynch in the buildup. 

However, the Republic were to concede again five minutes from time with a free kick doing the damage. Jude Johnston hit the post from his attempt and the round fell nicely to Karter BOND who struck the decisive winner to snatch a late victory over their hosts.

The Republic of Ireland defeat follows a one all draw at home to Scotland a week previous.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SELECT | Edvinas Jakas (Lucan Community College), Seán Mackey (Coláiste Chiarain, Leixlip), Kyle McDonagh(St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry), Callum  Honohan (Edmund Rice College, Carrigaline), Robbie Lynch (Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher), Evan  Lynch (Christian Brothers College, Cork), Calum Costello (Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir), Daire Patton(Summerhill College, Sligo), Hugh Parker (Temple Carrig School, Greystones), Brian Cunningham (Presentation College, Headford), Kyle Donoghue (Kildare Town Community School).