Dundalk FC U19 trio Tadhg Walsh, Oisin Coleman and Michael Keyes have been named in the Republic of Ireland U18 squad for the upcoming Centenary Shield match against Scotland.
The three young Lilywhites will be in the squad for the meeting on St Patrick’s Day at the home of Home Farm FC in Dublin.
Walsh, Coleman and Keyes add their name to the growing list of academy players to receive international call-ups in the past couple of years, and U19 head coach Tiarnan Mulvenna spoke of his delight for his players.
“If you make an international squad at any age group, it proves that you are one of the best players in your age group in the country. It’s massive for the three lads to make the squad and get the opportunity to play against the best schoolboy players in the UK. ”
The three players also spoke of their delight at receiving the call-up for the national side, with Tadhg Walsh being the first to go over his thoughts upon hearing the news.
“It’s a great achievement for us all to receive the call for the national team,” said Walsh.
“It’s great to see more players getting call-ups in all the age groups over the past twelve months. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, keep working hard and hopefully, the call-ups keep coming.”
“It’s brilliant to receive the call. I’d actually been waiting to hear because it had been a long time since we’d had the trials,” said Oisin Coleman.
“We have great support from all the coaches here and we’ll be hoping to receive more call-ups in the future.”
Wide man Michael Keyes was also ecstatic to receive his first call-up.
“I was a bit overwhelmed at first, and then once it sunk in I was delighted and I’m very proud to be in the Ireland squad.
“The club and the coaching staff have been great to us, and there’s no doubt in my mind that more players will receive call-ups across the academy as the years go on.”
