IRELAND’S U19 SIDE booked their place in the last four of the European Championships tonight.

Paul Doolin’s side frustrated the hosts Romania in Berceni.

The point was enough to claim the runners-up spot in Group A as the Czech Republic beat Greece 1-0 to top the pool. The Irish will now face Spain in the semi-finals.

FAI chief executive John Delaney spoke of his delight at the full time whistle.

“Having watched the game, the players showed real commitment in very difficult humid conditions to get a result. Despite being only his first year in charge, Paul Doolin has done incredibly well to get to this stage of the competition. We are very proud of the players and the management team for their their achievement in reaching the semi-finals,” he said.

Ireland: Aaron McCarey, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Anthony O’Connor, Jeff Hendrick, Samir Carruthers, John O’Sullivan, Conor Murphy, Anthony Forde, Sean Murray, Joe Shaughnessy
Substitutes: Sean McDermott, Derrick Williams, Kevin Knight (on for Sean Murray, 56 mins), Kane Ferdinand, Eoin Wearen (on for Samir Carruthers, 74 mins), Declan Walker, Connor Smith (on for Conor Murphy, 64 mins).