Republic of Ireland finished in sixth place in the inaugural UEFA UNITY EURO Cup which was in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to promote refugee inclusion.

The tournament saw eight teams made up of refugee and local players compete at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The collaboration between the Football Association of Ireland and Tusla particularly in the Ringsend area of Dublin was a major factor in Ireland’s selection as one of the competing nations.

Ireland were drawn in Group A and kicked off with a 5-0 victory over Austria. A narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Switzerland was followed by a 2-0 loss to France. The final match saw Ireland finish sixth with a defeat to Malta.

Ireland Men's National Team Manager Stephen Kenny was an ambassador for the event and praised the experience for all involved.

Speaking after the event, Kenny said: “I was delighted to attend the UNITY EURO Cup with the Irish team. It’s been a great experience for the players, many of whom have incredible personal stories.

“There is a real opportunity for the competition to grow and become a bigger event. Football can play a really crucial role around inclusion, and it’s so important that events and programmes that support participation in football of both men and women with a refugee background, such as this, are available to continue this important work.”

Football Association of Ireland Intercultural Programme National Coordinator, Des Tomlinson works with Football Development Officers, local councils, and agencies nationwide to help promote inclusive football was thankful to UEFA and the UNHCR for putting on such a fantastic event.

“As a powerful social inclusion tool, football working alongside other stakeholders can do many impactful things. The Unity Cup brings to life in a real and practical way the power of the game to enrich lives, communities, and societies, and at the Unity Cup this week we saw this in action.

"Thanks go to UEFA, the UNHCR, and the many players, coaches and staff involved," Tomlinson said.

For more information, visit: https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/