Longford star nets three goals at first ever FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan
Big homecoming in Drumlish, County Longford for Fionn McCormack Crowe who played with Republic of Ireland U15 soccer team that finished 21st at the first ever FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan
There was a fine crowd in Drumlish, County Longford on Saturday, October 31, for the homecoming of Fionn McCormack Crowe following his fantastic displays with the Republic of Ireland U15 soccer team at the first ever FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.
Fionn, who now plays his club football with Shamrock Rovers, helped Ireland finish 21st out of 189 countries. Last Friday, October 30, the Irish team, coached by Graham Gartland, secured their 21st place finish after beating Wales 3-2.
The community of Drumlish and Ballinamuck, along with representatives from Gaels United where Fionn began his soccer career, were out in force to welcome their local hero home. He also previously played with Melview FC and Athlone Town.
Ireland commenced the tournament with victories over Montenegro (4-0) and Zimbabwe (5-3), before they drew 3-3 with Nicaragua in round three. Ireland concluded with their Group C campaign with a pair of 4-1 one victories over England and Cambodia.
Having topped Group C, Ireland went on to compete in Tier A of the Tournament Stage (Round of 32), where they were defeated 7-2 by one of the World Cup favourites Brazil.
They then faced a mouth watering tie against Northern Ireland. The Boys in Green were two goals down at halftime, but they turned it around dramatically in the second half thanks to two goals from Fionn and one by Tom Casey.
Ireland went down to Peru (3-1) in their quarter-final match in Baku. They bounced back and drew 4-4 with Cameroon, with Fionn McCormack Crowe among the goalscorers once again and they won the subsequent penalty shootout 6-5.
In their tenth and final game, Ireland overcame Wales. It was Ireland's seventh win of the tournament, where they scored 29 goals in total, and finished 21st overall in Tier A.
Coach Graham Gartland commented, “This experience will stand to each of the players and give them something to build on as they continue along the player pathway. The future is certainly bright for this group of players, but also for Irish football.”