Summerhill College student Eli Rooney and Niall Holohan of Carrick-on-Shannon Community School have both been named in the Republic of Ireland schoolboys squad for Thursday's opening game in the Centenary Shield against Scotland.
The duo have formed an impressive central defensive partnership in recent schoolboys matches.
Both players are part of the Sligo Rovers under-19 academy set up.
Rooney has a big week on a number of sporting fronts as he'll be also part of the Summerhill College gaelic football team which takes on St Brendan's College, Killarney, in Saturday's All-Ireland senior colleges 'A' football semi-final in Tuam Stadium (12:30pm).
Saturday's semi-final will be broadcast live on Ocean FM.
Thursday will see the first of a ten match programme in the Centenary Shield kick when Scotland play Ireland
The following Thursday, March 2nd, will see Northern Ireland host the Scots in Belfast.
The Republic of Ireland will take on reigning Champions Wales on Thursday, March 9th, in Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford FC.
In the mix will be the visit of England as Ireland host them on Friday, March 24th, in Athlone Town AFC.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SCHOOLS SQUAD
Ryan DELANEY (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Jonathan ADEDEJI (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry), Jesse DEMPSEY (Wexford CBS), Eli ROONEY (Summerhill College, Sligo), Niall HOLOHAN (Carrick on Shannon Community School), Senan MULLEN (St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill), Callum BONNER (St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan), Arran HEALY (Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig), Peter GROGAN (St. Mary’s CBS, Carlow), Rhys KELLY NOONAN (Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven), Eoin KENNY (St. Mary’s College, Dundalk), Adam O’HALLORAN (Clarin College, Athenry), Ryan McBREARTY (St. Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda), Brian CUNNINGHAM (Presentation College, Headford), Aidan RUSSELL VARGAS (Lusk Community College), Daithí FOLAN (Belvedere College, Dublin) Head coach: John McSHANE, (Loreto Secondary School, Bray),
