Whelan the hero as Clonmel youngsters advance to last 16

IRELAND’S Clonmel Town are through to the last 16 of the Danone Nations Cup World Finals in Lyon, courtesy of a dramatic 1-0 win over Canada in their final group game.

The U12’s from Tipp, who are representing Ireland, got their tournament off to a great start yesterday, holding group favourites Holland to a scoreless draw, and winning the penalty shoot-out 7-6.

Ireland only had two real chances, both falling to captain Aidan McGrath, while at the other end Harry Murphy in particular worked tirelessly to shut out every Dutch attack.