Cork's Fota Island named as venue for Ireland's pre-Euro training camp

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced today that the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team will set up a pre-EURO 2016 training camp at the Fota Island Resort.

The Cork facility will be the location for Martin O’Neill and his squad to prepare for the European Championships in France this summer.

Management, playing squad and backroom staff will be based at Fota for a five-day build up to UEFA Euro 2016, from Monday, May 30 and running through to Friday, June 3.

Announcing the news today, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill said that he had visited Fota Island Resort with assistant manager Roy Keane last year, and had been impressed with the sporting facilities on site.

“I’ve been to a number of potential sites in Ireland and overseas, and we’ve decided on Fota Island Resort because it offers everything we need right here on our doorstep,” said O’Neill.

“I visited Fota Island Resort recently, with Roy Keane, and I know that it has a good pedigree as a base for sporting teams and, in particular, football squads.

"The players will be in France for what will be a long enough period, so it’s good to keep them closer to home for the build-up to such a huge competition, and in a familiar environment.”

Fota Island Resort to host pre-#EURO2016 training camp - https://t.co/9Oc8qlYrM7 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/yAWjWWANXe

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) February 5, 2016

Fota Island Resort has played host to a number of leading professional football clubs in the past, including senior and academy sides from Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham United, as well as some of Ireland's underage international squads, and FAI Coach Education courses have also been held there.