Dundalk FC midfielder Fionn McNamara started as the Republic of Ireland Schools Under-18 Boys beat Australia 3-1 at Home Farm FC in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
McNamara, who has been at Oriel Park since Under-13 level having joined from Cavan Shamrocks, is part of the Lilywhites’ Under-20 squad this season.
Last month, the Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan student played for the Ulster Schools Under-18 team in the Interprovincial Tournament.
18 January 2025; Fionn McNamara in action during the Under-18 Boys’ International Friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Australia at Home Farm FC, Whitehall, Co Dublin. Photo Credit: FAI Schools.
In Saturday’s game in Whitehall, Australia’s Hamza Bangash saw his 40th-minute penalty saved by home ‘keeper Kyle Gabbidon. However, early in the second half, the visitors did take the lead through Harrison Farrow.
Ireland quickly responded, though, through Summerhill College student Callum Lynch’s 55th-minute free-kick and he then put his side ahead midway through the second half.
Merlin College student Jack Sweeney grabbed a third 13 minutes from time to seal a 3-1 win for Derek O’Brien’s side.
Dundalk’s first-team midfielder Luke Mulligan, of Ballybay Community College, had been named in the extended panel.
