Kildare's Ruby Boland stars as Ireland U16s win in Portugal
Impressive display from young Ireland soccer stars
Tom Elms Ireland u16s girls powered their way to victory in Porto on the Portuguese coast, with Lara Dallaghan captaining the team, last week.
In inclement weather more reminiscent of west of Ireland thd Ireland starlets put on a very formidable a resolute defensive performance and hit fast on the counter with clinical precision.
Ireland's defensive strength snuffed out many Portuguese advances and Lucy Doyle between the posts was superb in her keeping duties.
Kildare's Ruby Boland put in stellar performance covering tackles and commanded a composed build-up from the center half line and it wasn't until the second half that Mia Wheelan pressed the forward line and cooly slotted home a blunder in the Portugeuse box.
Tom Elms charges capitalised with Halley Harcourt drove down the wing and through the Portugeuse defence with speed and chipped the keeper with steely confidence and skill as the Girls in Green recorded an impressive 2-0 win.
It was a very robust and confident display by the whole team and all the girls now turn their attentions to their upcoming u17 2026 league of Ireland opening fixtures.