The Ireland Girls' Under-16s got their 2025-26 season underway with an International Friendly in Prague which they lost 3-2 to Czechia.

Second-half goals from Maisy Healy and Mia Whelan got the Girls in Green back level after conceding twice but a late goal swung it for the hosts.

This was the first outing for a new group of players and there were plenty of positives for Head Coach Tom Elmes and his support staff to take from the performance.

Typical of Ireland teams set up under Elmes, the players brought an energetic approach that saw them use the ball well, push forward through transitions and compete in each individual challenge.

Czechia took the lead after four minutes and added to that before the half hour mark, but it did not knock Ireland off their stride and they deservedly fought their way back into the game.

On 54 minutes, they got the goal that their good play merited when Bohemians midfielder Healy fired in. And they followed that up with a second goal just two minutes later when Wexford forward Whelan found the back of the net.

The home team got their third goal on 86 minutes but it did not mask over how impressive the Ireland players were on what was their international debut at this age level.

The sides meet again on Friday and that provides another opportunity to test themselves against a strong opponent as they look to create their own bond as the newest group of GU16 players.

Ireland: Leah Kitteringham; Ailbhe White, Regan Alford (Ava Kelly 46), Ruby Boland (Leah O'Leary Callendar 46), Emily Staunton; Maisy Healy (Faith Dawson 63), Fiadh Woods (Leah Hannon 63); Ruby Norris (Lucy McIntyre 63), Alannah Bowes (Laila Hurley 46), Leah Stack (Mia Whelan 46); Jane Smyth (Matylda Stelmaszek 74).