McKeever and Rowan secure a bronze finish

The Irish under-18 team took bronze at the European Youth Trophy in Cardiff yesterday, guaranteeing a third-place finish, behind Germany and Holland, by beating Wales 2-0 in their final match.

First-half goals from Caoilfhoinn Rowan and Bridget McKeever capped a dominant display by the Irish and concluded a highly successful month for the squad following their joint-first placing at the Home Countries tournament in Milton Keynes, England.

Coach Erika Henry paid tribute to her players, 13 of whom were competing at under-18 level for the last time, giving special mention to Eimear Cregan (Laurel Hill), Catherine Murray and Linda O'Neill (both Loreto Bray), all of whom she said were "quite brilliant" throughout the five matches.

"They all deserve tremendous credit, they were the fittest team in the tournament and were a pleasure to work with. I have no doubt that a few of them will go all the way and represent Ireland at senior level," said Henry.

The under-16s missed out on bronze after drawing 0-0 with Wales, who took third on goal difference. While goals proved hard to come by for the team, they had one of the best defensive records in the tournament, keeping three clean sheets in five games, thanks largely to the form of goalkeeper Leanne Forsyth (Kilkeel High School), centre back Kirsty McCollum (Royal School Armagh) and left-back Carol McGowan (Mount Anville).