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John Fallon: The grim reality of the lack of Irish underage games on home soil

Irish culture is conditioned to supporting our own, but be that family or friends, it entails jumping aboard a plane.

Michael Noonan of the Republic of Ireland reacts to a missed chance during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026 - 03:43

John Fallon is a soccer correspondent with a long track record of covering all levels of the men’s and women’s game in Ireland.

If there really is a pipeline of emerging footballing talent in Ireland, expect to observe the revolution via YouTube.

FAI director of football John Martin’s revelation that all but two of 75 underage internationals in 2026 being played outside of Ireland confirms a statistic reflecting experience.

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<p>Harry O'Connor of Home Farm DCU and Adam Rogers of Bonagee United during the FAI National League Group 1 match. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile</p>

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John Fallon: The grim reality of the lack of Irish underage games on home soil

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