Local players to the fore in Republic of Ireland U17 tournament success

Coláiste Chairáin student Sophie Byrne played a pivotal role as the Republic of Ireland women's U17 team defeated the host nation 1-0 to win an international tournament in North East Italy on Sunday.

Byrne was one of three players from the Midlands on international duty at the prestigious tournament.

Joint team captain Emma Mooney and Abbie Duffy, representing Athlone Town, were part of the squad which defeated Slovenia and North Macedonia en route to beating Italy and claiming the silverware.

Tullamore college student Emma Mooney played in her customary midfield berth, returning to the starting team following the comprehensive 6-0 defeat of North Macedonia in which forward Duffy scored.

With UEFA U17 European Championship qualifying games to come next month against Belgium, France and Germany, the team will go into the competition brimming with confidence having scored 11 and conceding no goals in the quadrangular tournament.