| The upward climb of Ireland's womens' teams is a reward and a challenge |
| January 8th, 2009 |
 Ireland’s women’s senior international team is ranked 27th in the World and 17th in Europe. Manager Noel King suggests that ambitions of advancing still further must be tempered by the realisation that Ireland’s squad consists of amateur and part-time professional players while the top teams are fully-professional. |
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| Statement on behalf of the Republic of Ireland management team |
| In response to requests from a number of journalists, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has today (Wednesday) said, “We haven’t heard from Stephen Ireland but if he does want to declare himself available for his country all he has to do is let us know himself through channels he is aware of.” |
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| Gibson off the mark for Manchester United |
 Republic of Ireland International midfielder Darron Gibson scored his first senior goal for Manchester United in their FA Cup third round victory over Southampton on Sunday. The Derry native came on as a second half substitute and netted United’s last goal of a 3-0 win. |
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| FAI Umbro Junior Challenge Cup 6th Round Draw |
The 6th round draw for the FAI Umbro Junior Challenge Cup took place this morning (Sunday) on Robbie Irwin’s Sportsbag on RTÉ 2FM. The defending champions, Carrick United were given an intriguing home tie against 2006 finalists, Athenry from Galway. |
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| Italian FA Confirms Bari |
The Italian FA (FIGC) has given formal confirmation that the San Nicola stadium in Bari will host the forthcoming World Cup qualifier, Italy v Ireland on April 1, 2009. Further details on kick off time and tickets have not been made available by the Italian FA but are expected in the coming weeks. The FAI will keep Irish fans updated on www.fai.ie. |
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| Derry City strengthen their squad by signing Liam Kearney from Cork City |
 Derry City today announced the signing of midfielder/winger Liam Kearney from Cork City. Kearney, a regular international player for Ireland at under-age level, has signed a two year contract. A versatile attacking player, he has played in central midfield, on either wing and at centre-forward for Cork. Kearney is pictured here (on left) in action for Cork against Bohemians. |
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| Irish Women up to 27th in FIFA Rankings |
| Noel King’s Republic of Ireland senior women’s side have jumped one place over Argentina into 27th in the FIFA World Rankings from a total of 116 teams. The latest rankings also increase the Irish standing in UEFA as they climb up to 17th spot after a highly successful EURO 2009 qualifying campaign. |
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| Ireland's under-age international hopefuls enjoy a busy holiday season |
| The FAI team of coaches swing into a period of high activity with Ireland’s under-age international squads while they are on holiday from school. Players are introduced to international competition at U15 level and those born in 1993 are busily preparing for the Midlands Tournament in February when matches will be played in Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone |
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| Graham Gartland joins St. Johnstone |
 Former Drogheda United defender Graham Gartland has agreed to sign for Scottish First Division club St. Johnstone until the end of the season. The 25-year old Republic of Ireland B International will be available to line out for his new club from January 1st. |
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| Alan Gough appointed new Longford Town manager |
 FAI League of Ireland club Longford Town announced on Monday that Alan Gough has taken over the manager’s role for the 2009 season. The 36-year old takes up his first managerial position after winning the player of the year award at Bray Wanderers last season. |
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| Ireland Futsal team defeated by strong Libya side |
| Having gotten off to a fantastic start with a 3-3 draw against England yesterday (Friday), the Republic of Ireland Futsal side were outplayed by a strong Libya outfit by four goals to nil earlier today. |
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