The Ireland Men’s Under-16s suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cymru in the first of two International Friendlies at Ruthin Town.

The opening fixture of the double-header saw Keith O’Halloran’s side trail 1-0 at the interval. Despite a competitive display, Ireland conceded twice more in the second half as the hosts pulled away to secure the victory.

Captained by Ben Lyne, the young Boys in Green will look to bounce back and level the series when the two sides meet again at the same location on Thursday, August 20th.

Ireland: Jake Morgan (GK), Tom Casey (Sean Kelly 65), Jack Barden (Robert Morgan 53), Jaidee Foley, Ben Lyne (C), Gearoid Moran, Fionnan O'Snodaigh, Cole Curtis (Destiny Okharedia 53), Ronan Keating, Jack Magill (Fionn McCormack Crowe 79), Roman Gallagher.

Subs not used: Darragh Nolan, Charlie Cummins, Conor Hudson, Ronan Sullivan (GK), Fionn Kennedy, Destiny Okharedia.

Ireland Lead Coach: Keith O'Halloran

Referee: John Andrew Jones