The Republic of Ireland Women’s Under-19s finished up a three-game stretch of qualifying games in Poland on Monday with a 1-0 loss to France.
The Sligo Rovers duo of Emma Doherty and Pixie (Kerri) O’Hara both started the match.
Dave Connell’s team had done enough in their previous games – a draw with Poland and a win over Northern Ireland – to secure passage through to Phase 2 of qualifying in the UEFA European WU19 Championships.
The French goal came from a penalty on 42 minutes, converted by Oceane Hurtre.
Attempts on goal were registered by Ireland in the second half through Doherty, Jessie Stapleton, Tara O’Hanlon and substitute Eva Mangan but none managed to really trouble their opponents.
France showed their quality in this game, as they did in their previous wins in the Group, but Ireland will take a lot from this as they prepare for the next round of qualifying in 2023.
Republic of Ireland team
Summer Lawless, Meabh Russell (Melissa O’Kane 74), Kate Thompson, Abi Tuthill (Michaela Lawrence 86), Tara O’Hanlon; Kerri O’Hara (Lia O’Leary 46), Sophie Morrin (Eva Mangan 46), Jessie Stapleton, Scarlett Herron; Emma Doherty, Laura Shine (Rola Olusola 74).
