Republic of Ireland 2 Romania 2

Both Josh O’Hanlon and Alex O’Hanlon (no relation) again featured for the Irish under 19 International side in their second game of the week against Romania last night in Blarney. This was another very exciting game with the Irish Captain Sam Byrne scoring twice as Ireland initially took the lead and then had to come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw.

Republic of Ireland 1 Romania 2

Ex St Kevin’s Boys players Sean Heaney, Dylan Kavanagh, Alex O’Hanlon and Josh O’Hanlon made their debuts for the Ireland under 19 squad who were defeated 2-1 by Romania in a friendly international at Turner’s Cross yesterday evening with Cork City’s Darren Murphy getting a late goal for the home side.

Murphy was sprung from the bench with just ten minutes remaining but made the most of his opportunity to head home a late corner kick and give Paul Doolin’s side something tangible to take from the game.

When Murphy struck Ireland were already two goals behind after Romania substitute George Puscas struck twice early in the second half to take control of the game.

Puscas’ first came just seven minutes after his half-time introduction when he pounced to slot the ball home after Ireland goalkeeper Eric Grimes parried Dorin Rotariu’s initial shot.

The goal was tough justice on Doolin’s side who had been well in the game until the half-time break and had played some excellent football.

They were unlucky not to open the scoring in the first half when first Shamrock Rovers’ Sean Heaney went close with a headed attempt before Liam Kelly forced a good save from the Romanian goalkeeper Razvan Patrariu inside the opening 20 minutes.

Ireland also had claims for a penalty in the first half when Josh O’Hanlon was upended by centre-half Cristian Bocsan but referee Graham Kelly dismissed the appeals.

Worse was to follow just eight minutes later when Puscas was again on hand to steer the ball home after Cristian Bocsan effort was again parried into his path.

To their credit Ireland continued to test the Romanian defence and got their reward when Murphy found the target in the 91st minute.

The two sides meet again in Blarney on Thursday afternoon.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: E Grimes, N Baba, B Moseley, K McFadden (C), S Heaney, A Browne, C Dimaio, D Kavanagh, J O’Hanlon, L Kelly, A Wixted. Subs: D Cleary for McFadden (half-time), A O’Sullivan for Kelly (60mins), A O’Hanlon for A Wixted (60 mins), T Mulrooney for A Browne (80 mins), D Murphy for Dimaio (80 mins), B McLaughlin for O’Hanlon (80 mins) .

ROMANIA: R Patrariu, R Bajan, N Vasile, C Bocsan, B Vasile, C Achim, A Paun, I Serban, C Barbut, I Vina, A Tarnovan. Subs: D Rotariu for C Barbut, G Puscas for A Tarnovan (both half-time), D Popadiuc, R Boboc for Serban (both 62), A Cerlinca & D Dumitrascu for Vina & B Vasile (76 mins), V Mutiu for Patrariu (83 mins).

Referee: G Kelly