Ireland u15s find one too good - May 02, 2000

Ireland u15 2 Israel u15 3

The Republic of Ireland u15 team continued the Irish underage odyssey in Northern Ireland last week. Vinnie Butler's squad showed that the development of Irish football is still going strong with a second place finish in the Ballymena International Tournament.

Ten teams took part in the week-long festival of football. Ireland began with a penalty win against Wales on Monday after the teams drew 2-2 during the game. They followed that up with an impressive 2-1 win against Scotland and then beat Belgium 3-0 to reach the semi-final.

Switzerland had no answer to the Irish in the semi-final and Butler's youngsters got a deserved 2-0 win to set up a final showdown against Israel.

Ireland's fifth game in six days took a toll on them in the final.
Israel, inspired by former Liverpool player Avi Cohen's son, Tamor, never trailed in the game. Mor Avihanan opened the scoring for Israel in the 10th minute but it was cancelled out by Robbie Shields.

Cohen came into his own in the second period and two quick-fire goals gave Israel a tidy 3-1 lead. Ireland did hit back through Stephen Elliott late on but they could not find the equaliser and Israel deservedly took the title.