Carlow’s Aoife Kelly has been named on the Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-17s squad for a trip to Portugal for two international friendly games.
The St Patrick’s Carlow midfielder is part of James Scott’s squad who will take on Portugal on Sunday, September 19th before the two teams meet again on Wednesday, September 22nd.
Both games are being played at the Cidade do Futebol (City of Football) complex at the Portuguese FA Headquarters.
With only two games completed as a squad – two friendlies against Northern Ireland in August – these contests will prove pivotal to their preparation for their UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship qualifiers in October.
Ireland will face off against Bulgaria, Hungary, and Norway in a bid to reach the Elite Round, and ultimately the finals tournament. But the focus now is on making the most of the trip to Portugal.
Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-17 Squad
Goalkeepers: Claudia Keenan, Summer Lawless (Peamount United)
Defenders: Aoibhe Fleming (Peamount United), Eve Dossen (Galway WFC), Méabh Russell (Cork City), Kate Thompson (Galway WFC), Liadan Clynch (Shamrock Rovers), Tara O’Hanlon (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Ellie O’Brien (Cork City), Keri Loughrey (Donegal Women’s League), Orlaith O’Mahony (Shamrock Rovers), Leah Riley (Shelbourne), Ellie Long (Sion Swifts), Aoife Kelly (St Patrick’s Carlow), Michaela Lawrence (Treaty United)
Forwards: Joy Ralph (DLR Waves), Lia O’Leary (Shelbourne), Héidí O’Sullivan (Treaty United), Katie Law (Wexford Youths), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne)
International Friendly Games
Sunday, September 19 | Portugal WU17 v Republic of Ireland WU17 | Cidade do Futebol, Lisbon | KO TBC
Wednesday, September 22 | Portugal WU17 v Republic of Ireland WU17 | Cidade do Futebol, Lisbon | KO TBC