Ireland's amateur squad will begin their UEFA Regions' Cup campaign this weekend with a group match against Belarus in Cork. The Munster representative side will play all three of their Group 8 fixtures at Turner's Cross, with further games against Malta and Croatia to follow.
The tournament kicks off for Ireland on Sunday, 1 November, with a 19:30 kick-off against Belarus. They will then face Malta on Wednesday, 4 November, before concluding the group stage against Croatia on Saturday, 7 November, with a 15:00 start. Tickets for the matches are priced at €10 for adults, €5 for Under-16s and OAPs, and are free for children under 12.
Squad composition and local support
The squad, which qualified by winning the FAI Amateur Inter-Provincial Tournament in March, features a strong local contingent. Midfielder Luke Casey, a Cork native who recently lifted the FAI Junior Cup, highlighted the significant local backing for amateur football. He pointed to attendances of 3,500 for the FAI Intermediate Cup Final and 2,500 for the Junior Cup Final as evidence of the support base. Casey also noted that close to half of this season's squad have experience playing in the League of Ireland.
The team is coached by Jason Purcell, with Stewart Fitzgerald as his assistant. The squad includes goalkeepers Craig Dunphy and Shane Hallahan. The defensive unit features Jake Dillon, Jason Cross, Sean Guerins, John Tamen, Cian Murphy, and Christopher McCarthy. Midfield options include Adam Conway, Matt Keane, Conor Kilgannon, Conor Coughlan, Jamie O’Sullivan, and Keelan Crowley. The forward line is led by Eoin Hayes, Jack Cairns, Luke Casey, and Eoin Murphy.
Four players from Waterford champions Villa FC have been selected for the national amateur side. The tournament represents the pinnacle of amateur football in Europe, with the group winners advancing to the next stage of the competition. For many players, it is a unique opportunity to represent their country at an international level while maintaining their amateur status.
Manager Jason Purcell emphasized the quality of the squad, stating they have been preparing for this moment for a long time. He described the UEFA Regions' Cup as a fantastic tournament and a great opportunity for the players. Purcell confirmed that the team is fully fit and ready for the challenge ahead, with the aim of progressing from the group.
Luke Casey added that playing at Turner's Cross, the home of Cork City, is a massive incentive for the players and expressed hope for a large home crowd to support them. He stressed the importance of starting the tournament well against Belarus to set a positive tone for the week.
The matches provide a focal point for the local football community in Munster, with Turner's Cross offering a familiar and respected venue. The tournament begins in Cork on Sunday with Ireland's opening fixture against Belarus.
Read the full report at Football Association of Ireland
