International soccer to be staged in Athlone

Kevin O'Neill

Underage international soccer arrives in Athlone over the coming days with two U18 Centenary Shield schools matches taking place at Lissywollen.

The local area could also be represented on the pitch for these matches with Marist College student Daniel Costello, a former St Joseph's player now with St Patrick's Athletic, chosen in Alan Murphy's squad. Daniel is a son of Suzanne and John Costello.

Tomorrow (Thursday, March 26) sees the Republic of Ireland take on Northern Ireland at Athlone Town Stadium with a 1pm kick-off.

Then next Tuesday (April 2) the Irish side face current holders Scotland at the same venue (kick-off: 1pm). Ireland's opening game of the campaign was scheduled to take place earlier this month against Wales but windy conditions in Llandudno, Wales put paid to the fixture.

Ireland finished third in the competition last year behind winners Scotland and Northern Ireland. The English FA have withdrawn from the competition for at least this year, leaving the Centenary Shield to be contested by the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.