Limerick duo Smith and O’Connor selected on Irish Amateur squad for double header against Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland Amateur International manager Gerry Davis has named an 18-man squad for the pair of clashes over the coming week.

Limerick duo AJ O’Connor and Chris Smith have been named on Gerry Davis’ 18-man Irish Amateur squad for the double header against Northern Ireland.

O’Connor (Fairview Rangers) and Smith (Aisling Annacotty) were both involved in the August internationals against Wales where Ireland picked up a pair of wins. In the opener, they were 2-1 victors at Turners Cross before earning a 2-0 result in Colwyn Bay.

The pair were also chosen on the Irish Regions team for the UEFA Regions qualifier in March.

Interestingly, both have been key fixtures in their local football teams over the years with O’Connor’s native Newcastle West meeting Smith’s Fr Caseys this Sunday in a game that will be streamed live.

They are the only Limerick based players in the Irish squad for the double header with Northern Ireland with the sides meeting tonight in Dungannon at Strangemore Park, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The return fixture is set for Whitehall on Wednesday, September 28, with kick-off at 7.45pm as Ireland aim for two victories.

Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Brendan O’Connell (Rockmount), Gary Cunningham (Westport United)
Defenders: Adam Crowley (Rockmount), Jack McMullen (Home Farm), Chris Smith (Aisling Annacotty), Garbhan Manley (College Corinthians), Aaron Humphries (Kilbarrack United), Lee McColgan (Cockhill Celtic).
Midfielders: Stephen Chambers (Killester Donnycarney), Eoin Murphy (Rockmount), Luke Casey (Rockmount), Nathan Broderick (Rockmount), Mikey Fox (Salthill Devon), AJ O’Connor (Fairview Rangers).
Forwards: Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Jack Kelly (Kilbarrack United), Shane Stritch (Bluebell United), Jimmy McHugh (Oliver Bond Celtic).

Amateur International – Fixtures

21/09 – Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland, Strangemore Park, KO 7.45pm
28/09 – Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Whitehall, KO 7.45pm