Mooney captains Republic of Ireland to U17 tournament success

Tullamore College student Emma Mooney captained the Republic of Ireland women's U17 team to international tournament success in North East Italy on Sunday.

Mooney played in her customary midfield berth as the Republic of Ireland defeated the host nation 1-0 in the final of a tournament which also featured Slovenia and North Macedonia.

Mooney was one of three players from the Midlands on international duty at the prestigious tournament.

Athlone Town team mate Abbie Duffy scored one of the goals in the 6-0 win over North Macedonia, while Athlone student and Shamrock Rovers player Sophie Byrne netted in the opening fixture win over Slovenia.

With UEFA U17 European Championship qualifying games to come next month against Belgium, France and Germany, the team will go into the competition brimming with confidence having scored 11 and conceding no goals in the quadrangular tournament.