Ireland team to train in Tipperary

The Republic of Ireland soccer team will train in Co. Tipperary prior to this summer’s international friendly games in Thomond Park, it was announced today.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side will face Australia on August 12 and South Africa on September 8. The

games will be the first Irish based senior internationals to be played outside Dublin since 1985 and the first ever in the Mid-West.

The team, including local player Shane Long, will stay at Ballykisteen Hotel and will use the training facilities at St Michael’s Tipperary in preparation for both games.

“Our August and September friendlies will bring the excitement of senior international football to Munster," FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said today.

"We are committed to growing our game outside its traditional heartlands and having the senior international team in Limerick and Tipperary will help us achieve that objective.

"I have no doubt that the arrival of Giovanni Trapattoni and his top players will generate a lot of interest.”