Football For All U 18 schools to defend Championship title
The Boys in Green will take on England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Championship title and going on last year's form, all teams will be tough opposition.
The squad travelled to their base, the La Mon House hotel, in Belfast on Sunday April 4 and will play their three matches on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
As Ireland are the present holders of LD Home Nations Championship title, they go into the tournament as slight favourites but with England returning to the championship for the first time in 3 years, retaining the title will be a tough task for the Irish team.
Manager, Oisin Jordan said, "The lads have had 2 very good training days in March and an extremely beneficial training camp held in AUL over this weekend. The squad has gelled well over the short period of time together."
Coach, Dave Bell said, "The players have trained hard in preparation for this tournament with the defence in particular working well together. With captain, Alan Lawrence, in blistering form we are confident going into the tournament. Our two friendly matches were very beneficial as the players would not have played competitively together this year."
Dave Bell adds, "If you look at the results in previous years, I think the tournament will be decided in the first game between the Republic of Ireland and England so the team needs to come out with a winning mentality today.
LD Home Nations U 19 Championships - Republic of Ireland Fixtures
Rep. Of Ireland V England (Monday 5th April, 2pm)
Northern Ireland V Rep. Of Ireland (Tuesday 6th April, 2pm)
Rep of Ireland V Scotland (Thursday 8th April, 10am)