PREVIEW | UEFA Regions’ Cup | Ireland v Croatia

Nov 6 2026

Midfielder Matt Keane believes the pride of representing Ireland will fire up the squad as they face Croatia on Saturday, November 7th in their final game in a UEFA Regions’ Cup series in Cork.

After losing to Belarus and then beating Malta 8-0, Jason Purcell’s team have one final Group 8 game in the Munster FA Turner’s Cross Stadium to get through in order to advance to the Finals Tournament.

The Ireland squad is represented by the Munster region – after they won the FAI Amateur Inter-Provincial Tournament in March 2026 – and Killarney Celtic ace Keane insists that motivation is easy to find when pulling on the Irish jersey.

The former Treaty United and Kerry playmaker feels that being amongst the 18 best players in Amateur football to represent Ireland is a privilege and it is one that he is not taking lightly.

“I’ve had a couple of great days in the past but putting on the Irish jersey and the level that it’s at is a dream. And to be able to do it at home in front of friends and family is unbelievable,” said Keane.

“When I was younger, I was involved in a couple of training camps with Ireland underage teams but never got the chance to play in a competitive game. So to have that opportunity now is quite special.

“When I left League of Ireland a couple of years ago I asked myself if I could pull on the Irish jersey and get capped at this level. That is something that has been keeping me going and it was one of the things that keeps you going when you’re training in the freezing cold and the lashing rain.

“I’m a proud Irishman. Even when we played a Friendly game against Northern Ireland it just adds a couple of extra percentage to your performance, makes you stand taller and play better. Now being able to do it in competitive games in unbelievable.”

Tickets for Ireland’s game against Croatia will be available at the stadium, priced at €10 adults, €5 Under-16 / OAP, and Free for Under-12s.

Ireland Regions’ Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Dunphy (Villa), Shane Hallahan (Midleton)

Defenders: Jake Dillon (Fairview Rangers), Jason Cross (Fairview Rangers), Sean Guerins (BT Harps), John Tamen (Villa), Cian Murphy (Rockmount), Christopher McCarthy (Ringmahon Rangers)

Midfielders: Adam Conway (Villa), Matt Keane (Killarney Celtic), Conor Kilgannon (Villa), Conor Coughlan (Aisling Annacotty), Jamie O’Sullivan (Ringmahon Rangers), Keelan Crowley (College Corinthians)

Forwards: Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Jack Cairns (Ringmahon Rangers), Luke Casey (Coachford), Eoin Murphy (Rockmount)

Staff: Jason Purcell (Head Coach), Stewart Fitzgerald (Assistant Head Coach), Greg Foley, Paul Breen (Coaches), Michael Costello (Goalkeeping Coach), Dr. Garret Linehan (Team Doctor), Pearse Foley (Physio), Tadgh O’Neill (Equipment Manager), Barry Cotter (Team Operations Manager)