Irish U17s looking to take a shot at history

Embracing history but charting a new path is the message for Ireland’s U17s hopefuls from their manager Colin O’Brien as they begin their Euro finals odyssey against Serbia in Croatia today.

It is approaching the 20th anniversary of Brian Kerr first catching the imagination of the Irish public for spearheading a surge to the semi-finals of the U20 World Cup in Malaysia. The following year he surpassed that feat by delivering double gold at the U16 and U18 Euros.

O’Brien worked with Kerr during his time with the FAI and is eager to ensure his charges appreciates the historical connections of Ireland with underage tournaments. Obsessing about it in the lead-up to this crucial opener was not on the agenda, however, and he believes the present crew have enough about them to write their own chapter.