02/09/2018
UEFA Regions' Cup squad train at the Gold Coast.
Republic of Ireland Amateur manager Gerry Davis and his 18-man squad for this month's UEFA Regions' Cup Qualifying Round, in Romania had their pre competition here with us at the Gold Coast.
Region 2 (Munster/Ulster) will play three games in Group 2, against Buzau (Romania), West Slovakia (Slovakia) and North Riding Football League (England), with the winners qualifying for the Finals in 2019.
Ireland have a brilliant history in the competition, with a Munster/Connacht selection reaching the Final in Turkey in 2017, while the Eastern Region won the competition on home soil two years previously. Ireland have qualified for four of the past five tournaments.
Davis and his squad had a 10am kick off against Waterford United on their way home at the RSC, and he is hopeful the team will impress in Romania.
"It's a really difficult competition. There is rarely anything between the teams. It poses different challenges every time."
16 of the 18-man squad come from Munster, with Donegal's Cockhill Celtic providing two players. Davis said the lure of representing their country has been a massive incentive.
"To represent your country is an honour at any level. These players want to wear the green jersey. We've been delighted with the commitment."
The tournament begins in Buzau on September 16th against the hostsJoe Veale our Sports Training Co Ordinator and all the Gold Coast Sports Training Facility Management wish the team every success..
Republic of Ireland UEFA Regions' Cup Squads
Goalkeepers: Brendan O'Connell (Rockmount FC), Mark Power (Cobh Wanderers)
Defenders: Peter Doherty (Cockhill Celtic), Chris Higgins (St. Michaels), Mark Horgan (Avondale United), Stephen Kelly (Newmarkey Celtic), Danny O'Neill (Janesboro FC),
Midfielders: Tijani Aibor (Midleton), Jimmy Carr (St. Michaels), Hughie O'Donovan (Avondale United), Shane Ryan (St. Michaels), David Stack (Cobh Wanderers), Shane Walsh (Pike Rovers)
Forwards: Jimmy Bradley (Cockhill Celtic). Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Simon Falvey (UCC), Kevin O'Connell (Rockmount), Cian O'Connor (Cobh Wanderer