Mayo coach names Ireland squad for Bob Docherty Cup
Ireland head coach Richard Berkeley.
Ireland head coach Richard Berkeley has named a squad for the Bob Docherty Cup which will be held as a double header against Northern Ireland over the next fortnight.
Saoirse Reynolds, of Sacred Heart School, Westport, is the sole Mayo representative of the 18 named, while Emmet Peyton, of St Muredach's College, Ballina, is the goalkeeping coach.
Unfortunately, the withdrawal of Scotland and England this season has left a reduced number of competitive outings for the two Nations remaining.
Northern Ireland will host the first leg in Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast next Sunday, March 22 (kick-off 1pm) while the Republic of Ireland will play host a week later, on Sunday, March 29 at Home Farm FC, Whitehall at 2pm.
Berkeley, a former teacher at Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, said: ‘I think we're all really looking forward to the games. While it's disappointing that there is no tournament this year, these two games against Northern Ireland will provide a great challenge for us. The recent matches have been very close so we're expecting the same again. After a long assessment process, with some difficult decisions, we have finalised our squad and hopefully we have a squad that can represent our schools International team with pride, determination, and quality."
The Republic of Ireland have a fantastic record in this competition. Over the past 24 years, the trophy has been played for 22 times. The Republic of Ireland have won 9, while Scotland have won on 7, England three, Northern Ireland two and Wales one.
The 18 players selected will be representing 17 different schools from Dublin (7), Wexford (3), Galway (2), Tipperary (2), Donegal, Mayo, Kildare, and Louth.
Ireland: Megan McGinley (Loreto Community School, Milford), Caoimhe Keating (Presentation Secondary School, Wexford), Rosaleen O’Leary (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh), Maisy Healy, Fiadh Woods (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Maia Stokes (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Ava Gallagher (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Pixie Keddy (Rosemount Secondary School, Sandyford), Norah Pustay (Dominican College, Griffith Avenue), Emma Fitzpatrick (Creagh College, Gorey), Saoirse Reynolds (Sacred Heart School, Westport), Daisy Fleming (Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge), Aoibhe Galvin (Kylemore College, Ballyfermot) Faith Dawson (Drogheda Grammar School), Maireád Mullins (St. Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney), Mia Whelan (Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy), Hattie Farrell (Mount Anville Secondary School, Goatstown), Alannah Mooney (New Cross College, Finglas)
