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Athlone Players Welcomed Home After Euro WU19 Qualification

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The Republic of Ireland squad were welcomed home at Dublin Airport last night after qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championships!

Athlone Town players Katie Keane, Hazel Donegan, Aoife Murphy-O’Connor and Mary Philips all featured over the Girls in Green three game campaign.

Dave Connell’s side started their UEFA European Championship qualifying group with a 4-1 victory over Iceland last Thursday. They followed that up with 1-0 win over Austria on Saturday. Those victories secured qualification for the finals in Lithuania.

All four girls have already lined out for Ciaran Kilduff’s senior women’s side so far this season and it was great to see them all get capped for their country.

Katie Keane started the first two games, and got herself a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Austria.

Katie Keane pictured in team photo before Ireland’s 4-1 win over Iceland.

In the third and final qualifying game, Athlone native Hazel Donegan got her first cap at under-19 level against Croatia. It was fantastic to see her grab a goal and an assist on her debut. Aoife Murphy O’Connor and Mary Philips also started in the 3-0 win.

Aoife Murphy-O’Connor (back left), Mary Philips and Hazel Donegan (both back row second and third from right)

The future is bright for this talented group of players. Katie, Aoife, Mary, Hazel and the rest of the Ireland squad now have a EUROs in Lithuania to look forward to this summer!