Athlone Town duo play for Ireland in U-19 qualifier

Two Athlone Town players were on the Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19 women's team which drew 1-1 draw with Poland yesterday (Tuesday).

Athlone Town duo Melissa O'Kane and Scarlett Herron both started as Jessie Stapleton scored Ireland's goal from a penalty in their UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championship qualifier at the Plewiska Stadium.

Shelbourne defender Stapleton gave Ireland the lead from the penalty spot on 57 minutes, before Magdalena Sobal equalised for Poland some five minutes later.

O'Kane and Herron are part of an Athlone squad which has been showing impressive form of late, having recently booked their place in the FAI Women's Cup final. In addition, Athlone have recorded wins over Shelbourne and Wexford Youths in the Women's National League, and they are now just three points behind league leaders Wexford.

Meanwhile, Athlone Town's Millie Daly was among the goalscorers for the Ireland U-17 team which played out a 3-3 draw with Portugal in Estádio Nacional do Jamor last week.

Portugal went ahead with two early goals but Daly, who always posed a threat on the left flank, struck on 36 minutes to give Ireland hope. Daly peeled off her marker to control a chipped pass from Ellen Dolan, before beating goalkeeper Adelaide Paredes with a lobbed effort that hit the inside of the far post before crossing the line.

Portugal scored again to go 3-1 up but two late goals from Heidi Mackin saw James Scott's team claim a draw.

Daly also started the second friendly against Portugal in Cidade do Futebol on Sunday, with the Portuguese winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Erica Cancelinha, as Ireland continue their preparations for their upcoming UEFA WU17 European Championship qualifiers.