Six squads from the Emerald
isle will start their European adventure come June 19, as the UEFA Europa
League will start its first stage with 100 squads, as both Republic of Ireland
and North Ireland being present.
Representing the Republic
of Ireland will be the Shamrock Rovers, Cork City and Derry City, and for the
North will be Coleraine, Ballymena and Crusaders FC.
With each one already
having a foe to tango with, the Shamrock Rovers will visit Iceland and face off
against Starjan, Cork City playing away at Estonia with Levadia Tallin and
Derry City versus Denmark Midtjylland.
The first test for
the Boys from the Republic of Ireland, in their first leg playing as visitors
will be a good tune up in their quest of advancing to this tournament finals
and reaching the coveted stage group of 32.
Something seen as a
tough endeavor but not difficult as they recalled last edition of the Europa League
successful presentation by the league champions Dundalk FC, seen as an
inspiration by this edition Irish participants.
In the case of League
leader, Cork City so far undefeated in their association play, for their Boss
John Caulfield will be another one of a kind challenge and despite looking very
campeoinisimo in the SSE.
If they play like the
way they are doing it in their championship, another nice run in Europa will
take them to the promise land and be the second squad from the SSE to make it
into the stage group.
Still the road to the
grand ball will be paved with all sorts of obstacles and for the Rebel Army
will be a test like no other; especially in the next stages, they will not be
having in their lineup the likes of Sean Maguire and Ryan Delaney.
This for sure will be
an all-around challenge for John Caulfield and his Leesiders to juggle both domestic
and Europa leagues adding to their woes, internal cup competitions.
Very well, for the Shamrock Rovers and Derry
City facing off unknown foes, the odds will be against them but with a little luck
these shall overcome and advancing into the second round where not so walk in
the park foes await the winners.
For the Northern
Ireland squads two of them will be playing as visitors in the likes of Ballymena
versus Norwegian side Odd and Coleraine playing in Norway against Haugesund, as
Crusaders will face off at home Latvian side AFC Liepaja .
As Coleraine FC after
fourteen years of absence on international competition, the Bannsiders tough
test, their return of UEFA competition to the Showgrounds will be a plus for
Oran Kearney and his bunch.
Another competitor from
the North will be Ballymena United and the Sky Blues manager David Jeffrey will
be an amazing adventure seen as a first as records of this club do not show
previous international play.
A nice run by the
Ballymena Boys will be an historical one but facing a resilient and tough Odd
BK will be another hurdle to tackle but the Sky Blues can prevail and advance into
the next rounds.
The feat performed by
Dundalk in last edition of the Champions League, being left in the edge by
Legia Warzaw that eliminated the Lilywhites for the last spot in this event.
However, in Europa League
the Lilywhites did a good job despite their elimination in the first rounds,
still their performance and presentation in this competition, elevated the name
of Ireland football in the world.
Who will it be the
next to represent the Emerald Isle will a squad from the North or the Republic
of Ireland be its representative, my overall favorite, Cork City of course,
best of luck to all of these six squads.
Let the adventure begin
for the Boys from the Federation Association of Ireland or North Ireland Football
League.
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Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © W
Cherry, L Doherty, S Hamilton and C Hamilton Press Eye 2017
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Football Association of Ireland © 2001 - 2017. All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © 2017
North Ireland Football League
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