Amateur International/Bosnia Herzegovina 2 Republic of Ireland 2: The Republic of Ireland's Amateur International team, under Gerry Smith, qualified for the finals of the Regions Cup when they drew with hosts Bosnia Herzegovina in the final game of their group yesterday.
Smith's men only got to grips with the game in the second quarter as centre forward, John O'Neill, fired them ahead in the 45th minute.
The Irish dominated the second half but couldn't add to their tally. Then 15 minutes from time poor defending saw them concede the penalty which allowed Bosnia draw level and three minutes from time Bosnia scored what seemed the winner.
All was not lost however and with the three minutes of added time almost up substitute Anthony Doyle was brought down in the penalty area and Keith Bruen fired home the spot-kick which earned Ireland a place in the finals which are expected to be in Germany next summer,
In the other game in the group England defeated San Marino 1-0.
IRELAND: Philip Casey (CYM); Stephen Barry (Cherry Orchard FC); Keith Bruen (Ballymun Utd); James Walsh (St Michael's FC); Ian Cherry (Belgrove FC); Paul Kane (Ballymun Utd); Ray Whelehan (Tolka Rovers); Barry Flynn (Portmarnock FC); Sean O'Connor (Crumlin Utd); Ian Callaghan (Wayside Celtic); John O'Neill (Wayside Celtic). Subs: Anthony Doyle for Kane (half-time); Wayne Callaghan (Wayside Celtic) for O'Neill (75 mins).
