Win over Switzerland earns bronze for youths

THE Irish Youth squad recorded a 4-2 victory over Switzerland to win bronze at the European Olympics in Italy yesterday.

A brace from Adam Rooney and further strikes from James O’Sullivan and Aidan Downes ensured the boys in green finished in a podium position in Lignano.

Irish boss Noel O’Reilly, who was coach to the 2001 European Olympic gold medal-winning squad managed by Brian Kerr, managed squad, said they were thrilled.

“It was a magnificent performance for the entire squad out here this week and I can’t praise these lads highly enough,” he said.

Meanwhile Vinny Butler’s Irish U15 development squad bowed out of the Foyle Cup at the semi-final stage after going down 1-0 to hosts Derry District League yesterday.

Butler’s side created the lion’s share of chances in an entertaining last-four decider but just couldn’t cancel out a 10th-minute opener from the home side.

Irish European Olympic Squad: Ferry (Derry), Judge (St Joseph’s), O’Shea (Tramore), Power (Crumlin), O’Connor (Lakewood), O’Sullivan (Belvedere), Rooney (Crumlin), Bonner (Keadue), Daly (College Cors), Dennehy (Kerry Sch), Downes (Tolka Rvs), Byrne (Crumlin), McArdle (Shelbourne), Connellan (Belvedere), Doyle (Crumlin), Douglas (St Joseph’s).