Cork City's Cillian Murphy nets hat-trick as Ireland seal spot at U17 World Cup

Unfortunately, Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Poland ended the young Boys in Green’s chance of reaching the 2026 Euros in Estonia though.

BACK-TO-BACK: The Republic of Ireland have qualified for the Under-17 World Cup. Pic: FAI.

Ireland 7 Slovakia 0

The Republic of Ireland have qualified for the Under-17 World Cup after a first-half hat-trick from Cork City’s Cillian Murphy inspired them to the huge victory over Slovakia they needed.

Unfortunately, Croatia’s 1-1 draw with Poland ended the young Boys in Green’s chance of reaching the 2026 Euros in Estonia, with only the group winners progressing.

But having finished second in League A Group 7 on six points with a +8 goal difference, Ireland claim one of the four best runners up, therefore earning their place at the World Cup in November in Qatar.

Managed by Mark Connors, who took over from Colin O’Brien following their World Cup campaign in Doha last year, Ireland knew that they needed a significant victory and a result elsewhere to book their place at both upcoming finals.

In the end their defeat to the Croatians proved costly as they came from behind in their own clash with Poland to secure top spot.

But Ireland, to their credit, did their job impressively as goals from Ryan Sheridan, in amongst a treble of excellent finishes from Murphy inside 40 minutes, all but sealed the victory they needed by half-time.

Not taking anything for granted though, Ireland added further goals in the second period through Josh Harpur, a Joey Wuna penalty and Desmond Armstrong to secure an impressive win that sealed their return to the World Cup.