Offaly's Ellen helps Ireland overcome Iceland

Offaly’s Ellen Dolan was part of the Republic of Ireland U-19 women’s team which recorded a 4-1 victory over Iceland in their opening UEFA European Championship qualifying group game.

A former Mucklagh FC player, Dolan now plays for SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division champions Peamount United, and she was selected for a Player of the Month award towards the end of last year.

In their game against Iceland today on Wednesday, Ireland fell behind on 36 minutes when Vigdis Kristjansdottir netted, but they drew level courtesy of a 56th-minute own goal from Sigdis Bardardottir.

Goals from Jodie Loughrey, Hannah Healy and Joy Ralph then sealed the victory for Ireland.

Dave Connell’s side will play Austria in their next game on Saturday, April 6 in Sesvete, a district of the Croatian capital Zagreb.

This was also the venue for the game with Iceland and after the clash against Austria, Ireland will play hosts Croatia in Karlovac on Tuesday, April 9. Both upcoming games will kick off at 11.30am.

Austria overcame Croatia 8-1 in the other game played in the group.

Ireland need to top Group A2 in order to qualify for this summer’s finals tournament in Lithuania.

Ireland (vs Iceland): Katie Keane; Meabh Russell, Kate Thompson, Aoife Kelly, Eve Dossen, Jodie Loughrey; Sophie Morrin, Jess Fitzgerald; Ellen Dolan, Joy Ralph, Lia O’Leary.

Subs used: Hannah Healy for Loughrey (64 mins), Freya Healy for Morrin (78), Rola Olusola for Ralph (86).