Republic of Ireland capture Centenary Shield title

The Republic of Ireland Schools Under 18 team have defeated Scotland 3-1 at Home Farm, Dublin, to secure the 2018 Centenary Shield title.

The squad featured Luke McNicholas of Balla Secondary School and Sligo Rovers (and formerly Manulla FC), while his club team-mate Liam Kerrigan (St. Attracta's, Tubbercurry) started today's game and scored the second goal either side of an Ali Regbha double.

While McNicholas, a goalkeeper by trade, didn't play today, he started in Ireland's three previous matches, conceding just one goal. That came in the series opener away to Wales, which Ireland won by two goals to one. They followed that up with 0-0 draws against England (away) and Northern Ireland (home).

In today's game, Ireland's 3-0 half-time lead came under threat early in the second period as goalkeeper Daniel Houghton saved a penalty before Nathan Fell gave the Scots some home with a goal just after the hour mark.

However, Ireland held firm to claim victory not just in today's game, but in the series overall. While Scotland have a game to play (against Wales next week), they cannot now better Ireland's record of two wins and two draws.

That final game in the series between Scotland and Wales will be played next Thursday, April 19, at Queen of the South FC.