Second-half Maxwell strike pegs Irish back

THE REPUBLIC Of Ireland got their defence of the Centenary Shield off to a satisfactory start when they drew with Wales in the first International game to be played at the excellently prepared Killarney Celtic Grounds last evening.

It was an exciting contest with both sides having plenty chances, with Wales having a goal disallowed in the opening half for offside while Ireland’s Garbhan Coughlan was denied a hat-trick when his effort was ruled offside in the 75th minute.

Ireland finished the stronger, forcing a series of late corners but the closest they came to scoring was a Ryan McLoughlin header.