Meath players out and about on the international front

Young Meath footballers looking to make their own mark in the game were involved with Republic of Ireland teams over the weekend.

Sam Curtis from Navan lined out for the Republic of Ireland u-21s as they defeated Iceland 2-1 in a game that formed part of their preparations for the Euro 2025 qualifiers.

Goalkeepers Jimmy Corcoran and Josh Keeley were both part of the Irish u-21 squad for the friendly against Iceland at a well attended game in Turner's Cross.

Goals in each half from Tom Cannon and Johnny Kenny gave Jim Crawford's side the victory. This was despite the dismissal of Festy Ebosele in the first half.

An early goal threatened to spoil the occasion, but the underage side showed plenty of pace and graft to overcome their opponents.

Curtis continues to make an impression with Timmy Clancy's St Patrick's Athletic while goalkeeper Corcoran from Drumbaragh has revived his career and is now performing consistency well with Cork City.

Dunboyne's Keeley, also a goalkeeper, was signed by Tottenham Hotspurs last summer, completing the move to the London club from St Patrick's Athletic.

Another Meath player to feature in the green jersey over the weekend was Callum Bonner from St Patrick's CS, Navan. He came on as a substitute after 88 minutes for the national u-19 side who were defeated 1-3 by England in a SAFIB hummel Centenary Shield u-18 Boys’ international at the home of Athlone Town on Friday evening.

The result leaves the Irish with one point from three games. They conclude this season’s Centenary Shield series in Belfast on Thursday evening as Northern Ireland play host.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS - Ryan DELANEY (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Jonathan ADEDEJI (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry), Jesse DEMPSEY (Wexford CBS), Eli ROONEY (Summerhill College, Sligo), Niall HOLAHAN (Carrick on Shannon Community School), Arran HEALY (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Peter GROGAN © (St. Mary’s CBS, Carlow), Aidan RUSSELL VARGAS (Lusk Community College), Brian CUNNINGHAM (Presentation College, Headford), Stephen MOHAN (Clonkeen College, Blackrock), Adam O’HALLARON (Clarin College, Athenry). Subs - Rhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven) for Russell Vargas (HT), James LUKAU (Merlin College, Galway) for Mohan (64), Callum BONNER (St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan) for A O’Halloran (88), Mark O’HALLARON (Clarin College, Athenry) for Adedeji (88), Daithí FOLAN (Belvedere College, Dublin)