Finn Harps’ Michael Gallagher came on as a second-half substitute as the Republic of Ireland U19s lost out 1-0 to Wales in Longford today.
Gallagher came on in the 72nd minute for Glen McAuley at the City Calling Stadium.
Gallagher became the latest Harps youngster to be capped by Ireland.Â
The U19s are managed by Harps legend Tom Mohan.
The home side began much the stronger with a free-kick from Troy Parrott rattling the crossbar in the opening ten minutes.
Wales took the lead against the run of play in the 18th-minute. A quick counter-attack saw Spence played in behind the Irish defence and he calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper Brian Maher.
Despite conceding, Ireland continued to dominate possession, with a Nathan Collins header hitting the crossbar in the latter stages of the first-half.
Ireland started the second-half very much like the first pilling pressure on the Welsh back line. Shots from Adam Idah and McAuley tested the Welsh defence, but were unable to score the decisive equaliser.
Ireland play Wales once more on Tuesday afternoon at 12pm in Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway.