Eastern Region (IRL) 1-0 Zagreb (CRO)

IRELAND’S AMATEUR REPRESENTATIVE team have claimed victory in the the Uefa Regions Cup for the first time in their history.

The European tournament, which has been running since 1999, saw 38 sides whittled down to eight for the final two-group competition — which was held in Dublin over the past week.

Managed by Gerry Smith and under the name ‘Eastern Region IRL’, Ireland topped their group with three wins from three and met Zagreb, who also claimed maximum points, at Tallaght Stadium today.

And a goal in the tenth minute was enough to decide the final, which watched by 1,172 fans. Crumlin United’s James Lee delivered a pin-point cross from the right for Killester United man David Lacey to score with a superb diving header.

Eastern Region (IRL): Brendan O’Connell, Noel Murray, Rilwan Agi Sule (James Carr 68 ), Greg Moorhouse (Jonathan Rock 86), Kevin Lynch, Paul Breen, Ken Hoey, Darren Dunne, David Lacey (Thomas Dunne 60), Laurence Dunne, James Lee.

Zagreb Region (CRO): Stipe Nevistic, Robert Janjis, Arjan Rexhepi (Mario Cibaric 82), Matej Vrbat, Filip Rihtar, Matej Ivkovcic, Filip Peric (Josip Mohac 49), Dorian Puretic (Bozidar Karamatic 57), Nikica Brujic, Zeljko Stulec, Mislav Cuncic.

Here’s captain Ken Hoey lifting the trophy:
https://vine.co/v/e12OQzhnaaX

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