Doolin Appointed Under 18′s and 19′s Manager

Sportspeak has learned that former Cork City and Drogheda United manager Paul Dolin has been appointed as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Under-18 and Under-19 teams. Doolin brings a wealth of experience to the role and takes up the position with immediate effect.

Having won every domestic honour during his playing career, Doolin subsequently moved into management with UCD, Drogheda United and Cork City, claiming league, Setanta Sports Cup and FAI Cup honours. In March of this year Doolin was appointed Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Under-23s. He will remain in charge of the Under-23 team for next week’s visit to Estonia for the final group match of the International Challenge Trophy campaign.

Doolin holds a UEFA Pro Licence, UEFA’s highest coaching qualification, having worked his way up the FAI’s coaching ladder.

Doolin will take charge of the Republic of Ireland Under-19s for their European Championship qualifying matches in Bulgaria next month. The Under-19s will face Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Serbia for a place in the elite qualifying phase.

The Republic of Ireland Under-18s next scheduled fixture is in May when they take part in the Slovakia Cup friendly tournament.

Paul Doolin said: “It’s an honour for me to be appointed as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Under-18 and Under-19 squads. The chance to work with the best young players in the country is a fantastic opportunity and it is one that I am very much looking forward to. I would like to thank the FAI for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to getting down to work straight away.”

Wim Koevermans, FAI International High Performance Director said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul on board as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Under-18 and Under-19 squads. This is a very important position within Irish football as it involves working with players at a crucial stage in their careers. Paul is extremely knowledgeable about the game and his experience in football will be a tremendous asset to the young players he will be working with. I am looking forward to working closely with Paul in his new role.”

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.