Nevin netted the only goal of the game in the 76th minute as Paul Osam’s side began the tournament in the perfect fashion.

Newly-promoted Sheffield United are closing on a €6.6m move for Ireland international striker Callum Robinson.

Jack Grealish and Declan Rice would still be playing for the Republic of Ireland but for weak relationships between former manager Martin O'Neill and underage coaches, according to Stephen Kenny.

He reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from PSG.

The Republic of Ireland managers have reached out to Tega Agberhiere.

At a time when the FAI is in the dock, former Cork City player Derek Coughlan argues that the important work which has been done to develop our young football talent deserves to be acknowledged

League of Ireland legend and Irish U16 coach Paul Osam talks candidly about the heart attack which almost killed him five years ago this month, the vital lessons to be learned from his experience, and the psychological barriers he had to overcome to resume a normal life

When I met Paul Osam recently, there was no shortage of subjects to discuss with the man who, as a player, made an indelible mark on the League of Ireland, mainly with St Patrick’s Athletic, and who now, as Ireland U16 manager, has a crucial role to play in dispensing his football knowledge and in developing new talent.

A good portion of the Cork City squad which will arrive at the Aviva tomorrow for the FAI Cup final will have finished in the runner-up position in the league for the third year in a row.

The Football Association of Ireland have enlisted five former Republic of Ireland players in their international coaching set-up.

Former St Patrick’s Athletic star Paul Osam has been confirmed as the new Republic of Ireland U16 head coach and will take charge of the side for the forthcoming Victory Shield competition taking place in Wales next month.

As a new season kicks off, Liam Mackey takes a deep breath, dons a suit of armour and selects his top 25 League of Ireland players of all time. Be sure to let us know who you think the best player is.

AS THE familiar figure took his place at the top table behind the microphones, it was almost like deja vu - except of course that, in reality, everything had changed utterly.

St Patrick’s Athletic will say a fond farewell to not one but two Inchicore legends tonight in a special match at Richmond Park (7.30pm).

Shelbourne will be hoping another miraculous comeback is not necessary to secure the points against St Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park tonight (7.45pm).

DESPITE a glut of injuries and suspensions, Waterford manager Alan Reynolds is hopeful of progress in the derby game against Kilkenny City tonight in the FAI Carlsberg Cup third round clash at the RSC (KO 7.30).

Bottom club Dublin City could well be the biggest losers when relegation rivals Longford Town and St Patrick’s Athletic meet at Flancare Park tonight (7.30pm).

Tony Bird’s expected return to St Patrick's Athletic colours tonight at Drogheda United could be postponed.

BY 10pm tonight, they might be joint top with Shelbourne, but Waterford United manager Alan Reynolds is ensuring nobody gets carried away before clash with the champions at the RSC.

THE opening performances of Shelbourne in defence of their Eircom League championship title have broadcast an unmistakable message that all challengers will do well to heed.

Drogheda United 2 St Patrick's Athletic 2

LONGFORD TOWN as the new FAI Carlsberg Cup holders will hope to put on a performance to match the party mood when they take on Premier Division leaders Shelbourne tomorrow (Kick off 7.30pm) in their first appearance at Flancare Park since that historic 2-0 Cup final victory over St Patrick’s Athletic at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

LONGFORD TOWN are on a mission — to prove that provincial clubs do not have to be overshadowed by the traditional giants of the game in Dublin.

Goals from Tony Bird and Keith Dunne ensured the form book wasn't upset as St Pat's booked their semi-final place in the FAI Carlsberg Cup.

CORK CITY will have to plan without the influential George O’Callaghan when they play St Patrick’s Athletic in the eircom League at Turner’s Cross tonight (7.45).

St. Patrick's Athletic 1 Longford Town 0

St Patrick's Athletic 3 Dublin City 0

St. Patrick's Athletic 2 UCD 0

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC hope to welcome back influential midfielder Paul Osam for their crunch FAI Carlsberg Cup tie against Shamrock Rovers at Richmond Park (7.45pm).

SECOND-PLACED Cork City travel to Waterford United tonight (7.30) to give the RSC its first taste of top-flight Munster derby action in years.

WATERFORD UNITED will introduce new signing Paul Rudden in central midfield for their game against Bohemians tonight in the Eircom National League at Dalymount Park (7.45pm).

Shamrock Rovers 1 St. Patrick's Athletic 0

CORK CITY manager Pat Dolan has rounded on Eircom League and FAI officials over their treatment of the club and leading scorer John O’Flynn.

WATERFORD UNITED manager, Jimmy McGeough, had no hesitation in admitting that his enthusiastic young squad of players had surprised him by the manner in which they had so quickly settled into the challenge of Premier Division football.

Shelbourne 2 St Patrick's Athletic 2

St. Patrick's Athletic 4 Derry City 1

ST PAT’S manager Eamonn Collins is anxiously awaiting a fitness report on midfielder Davy Byrne before attempting to plot the downfall of Shamrock Rovers in the first big derby game of the eircom League season at Richmond Park tonight (7.45).

Cork City 0

PAT DOLAN will today issue a challenge to the Cork City players who last season finished fourth in the eircom League — “Show me you can do better.”

St. Patrick's Athletic 2 Bohemians 0

St. Patick's Athletic 1 Bray Wanderers 4