The Ireland Schools Girls' Under-15s will travel to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland in the first leg of their 2026 Bob Docherty Cup clash.

Head Coach Richard Berkeley has confirmed a squad of 18 players for the tournament that will not feature England and Scotland this year.

Northern Ireland will host the first leg in Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast on Sunday, March 22nd (KO 13:00) while the Republic of Ireland will play host a week later, on Sunday, March 29th at Home Farm FC, Whitehall (JO 14:00).

Berkeley said: ‘I think we're all really looking forward to the games. While it's disappointing that there is no tournament this year, these two games against Northern Ireland will provide a great challenge for us. The recent matches have been very close so we're expecting the same again. After a long assessment process, with some difficult decisions, we have finalised our squad and hopefully we have a squad that can represent our schools International team with pride, determination, and quality’. 

The Republic of Ireland have a fantastic record in this competition. Over the past 24 years, the trophy has been played for 22 times. The Republic of Ireland have won 9, while Scotland have won on 7, England three, Northern Ireland two and Wales one.

It’s the first taste of International football for most of these players and you’ll see plenty of senior International stars progress in future years. 

Previous players in this tournament include Julie-Ann Russell (Salerno SS, Salthill), Karen Duggan (Scoil Mhuire, Carrick on Suir), Leanne Kiernan (Bailieborough CS), Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown CS), and Abbie Larkin (Ringsend College). 

As well as more established Internationals such as Denise O’Sullivan (Terence McSweeney SS, Cork), Katie McCabe (St. Paul’s SS, Greenhills), Heather Payne (Coláiste Mhuire, Ballinasloe), Amber Barrett (Loreto CS, Milford), and Schools Captain in 2010 Chloe Mustaki (St. Kilian’s DSD, Clonskeagh).

The sole survivor from last season is youngster Maisy Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf). Her side captured the Bob Docherty Cup last year as they defeated Scotland, England and hosts Northern Ireland to lift the prestigious trophy. Maisy’s sister Hannah lined out for the Republic of Ireland Schools in 2022 when they previously won the title in Newcastle University. She also went on to be named FAI Schools International Player of the Year for her courageous endeavours in the green jersey. 

The 18 players selected will be representing 17 different schools from Dublin (7), Wexford (3), Galway (2), Tipperary (2), Donegal, Mayo, Kildare, and Louth.

Ireland Schools Girls' Under-15s Squad
Goalkeepers: (Loreto Community School, Milford), Caoimhe Keating (Presentation Secondary School, Wexford)
Defenders: Hattie Farrell (Mount Anville Secondary School, Goatstown), Pixie Keddy (Rosemount Secondary School, Sandyford), Norah Pustay (Dominican College, Griffith Avenue), Emma Fitzpatrick (Creagh College, Gorey), Daisy Fleming (Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge)
Midfielders: Maisy Healy, Fiadh Woods (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Faith Dawson (Drogheda Grammar School), Maireád Mullins (St. Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney), Maia Stokes (Scoil Mhuire Greenhill, Carrick on Suir), Alannah Mooney (New Cross College, Finglas), Rosaleen O’Leary (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh)
Forwards: Ava Gallagher (Calasanctius College, Oranmore), Saoirse Reynolds (Sacred Heart School, Westport), Aoibhe Galvin (Kylemore College, Ballyfermot) Mia Whelan (Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy)

Support Staff
Head Coach: Richard Berkeley (formerly of Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh)
Coach: Kaneshia McKinney (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana)
Coach: Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar)
Coach: Mia O’Connell (SETU Carlow)
Goalkeeping Coach: Emmet Peyton (St. Muredach’s College, Ballina)
Physio: Cianna Hickey
Equipment Manager: Joan Croke

Fixtures
Sunday, March 22nd | Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland, Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast, KO 13:00
Sunday, March 29th |  Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Home Farm FC, Whitehall, KO 14:00