Mayo duo picked for Connacht squad ahead of Interprovincials tournament
The 2026 FAI Schools Under 15 Girls’ Interprovincial series kicks off in Athlone Town AFC during the Mid Term Break next week, from Bank Holiday Monday, October 26 to Wednesday, October 28.
Among the Connacht squad is Lexi Murphy (Balla Secondary School) and Mia Killeen (Ballinrobe Community School). The management team also has a strong Mayo influence, with Stephen Lacken (St. Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross) and Seamus MacEachmharcaigh (Sacred Heart School, Westport) a part of Dom Coll's backroom setup.
The three-day tournament will see sixty-eight of the top players in Irish Schools line out from all corners of the Country as they compete for their Province and possibly make the cut for international assessment next month.
This tournament will be the first step in the process of selecting the FAI Schools International Development squad of 18 players who will compete in the Bob Docherty Cup. Since the inception of the international programme in 2002, the Republic of Ireland scholars have won the title ten times (2026, 2025, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, and 2002). A success rate of 43% over 23 years of competition.
Paddy McDaid of Finn Valley College, Stranorlar will take over the helm as Head Coach of the International squad from Richard Berkeley (retired, Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh). Richie spent 12 years with the international management set up during his tenure.
Paddy is an experienced Coach who has spent several years coaching many schools’ sides, as well as the Ulster girls while progressing into the international staff two seasons ago.
All eyes will be on the Interprovincial series to scout for the best talent on display within our network of post-primary schools. The event will see six matches played with Provinces awarded two points for a win and one point for a draw. The format leaves for an exciting finale on the Wednesday morning outings.
