Doolin delight as U19’s through to Euro finals

IRELAND U19 manager Paul Doolin lauded his squad last night after they beat Italy to reach the European Championship finals in July.

Knowing that only victory against the group leaders would suffice to qualify for the Romania-hosted finals, the Irish sped into a first-half lead through Conor Murphy, which was added to by goals from substitute Sean Murray and Joe Shaughnessy

The shock result was too much for favourites Italy to take as Inter Milan defender Cristiano Biraghi’s last minute dismissal was followed by another red card for Mario Sampirisi in stoppage-time.