Grier helps Ireland to UEFA tournament victory

Meath teenager Lauryn Grier featured for the Republic of Ireland Women’s u-16 side yesterday as they completed a hat-trick of victories in the UEFA WU16 Development Tournament in Buk with a 3-1 victory over the host nation Hungary in a competitive clash to win the tournament.

Sharon Boyle’s side ran out 3-1 winners, and won the tournament, despite losing influential defender Tiegan Ruddy to a red card two minutes before half-time.

Ruddy had headed the Irish in front after seven minutes when she connected with a Lauryn Grier corner.

Unfortunately Ruddy’s afternoon came to an early finish as she was dismissed for a foul which resulted in a home penalty that was duly converted by Antonia Andre to level matters just before the break.

Boyle’s charges regrouped at half-time and showed great resolve to hold the Hungarians at bay and then scored twice midway through the second-half to seal the victory and complete a clean sweep of wins this week.

Carla McManus put Ireland 2-1 up and Amy Boyle-Carr made it 3-1 with nine minutes remaining.

Boyle was naturally very pleased with the work put in by her players and staff this week and believes many of the players have shown that they can be assets to WU17 Head Coach Dave Bell in next season’s UEFA Championships Qualifying campaign.

“We played very well again. We made three more changes so the girls who hadn’t started before today got a start and had that experience of walking out for national anthem and going through that process,” said Boyle.

“We regrouped at half-time and it was noticeable that the players were all very down at the break but we told the girls that they need to learn that no matter what’s going on out there on the pitch you have to pick yourself up and do your job.

“Both of our goals in the second half showed Individual quality from Carla McManus and Amy Boyle Carr. Players like those girls, Tyler Toland, Lauryn Grier and others were very good this week and I believe many of this squad can go into the trials with Dave Bell’s U17s full of confidence,' she added.

 

RESULTS

Sunday - Republic of Ireland 2, Slovakia 0.

Tuesday - Bosnia & Herzegovina 0, Republic of Ireland 3.

Thursday - Republic of Ireland 3, Hungary 1.