Ireland Through To The Semi-Finals Of The CopaNYC

The Irish CopaNYC team is on the march and is just one step away from the final of what is called the Mayor's Cup.

The competition was held in Flushing Meadows and Ireland had three very impressive victories to book themselves a spot against Cypress this Saturday night (an 8pm kick off) in The Metropolitan Oval in Queens.

NYC Ireland got off to a flyer with three quick goals against Columbia. They had to muster a lot of strength as the South Americans came thundering back to within a goal. In the end cooler heads prevailed though and NYC Ireland got their much-deserved victory.

Up next was France and after a valiant fight the boys in green went down by 3-2. Ireland did not have any time to regroup as Trinidad and Tobago were waiting to have a go at the Irish.

Paul Doherty and Willie Dempsey did a great job of sorting out the lineups.

As can be imagined in 80 degrees heat the Irish lads were feeling the effects.

Fresh legs and plenty of refreshments from Pat Diamond though, saw Ireland ready to battle for their lives in this inaugural year of this great competition.

Nothing short of a victory would ensure a spot in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Ireland fought long and hard and in the end three goals were enough to see them live to fight another day.

Ireland would be first up on Sunday against a very talented Jamaica side. However, the Reggae Boys were no match for the lads in green.

Ireland slotted home five goals and only gave up two giving them a historic victory. Paul Doherty's men were enchanting, scoring 13 goals in 4 games.

Most of the scoring fell to Smith, Hunter, Miller, O'Hara, Tierney, with Reilly also on target

Now it's on to the semi-final where they will be facing Cypress, the team who knocked out England from the competition.

The first semi-final will see Argentina against Albania for the right to meet the winner of the Ireland game.

The final is set for Sunday night, also at the famed Oval.

Ireland could really put down a marker by winning the first CopaNYC. It would be a fitting end to a great team performance.