- HOME
- HISTORY
- LOCATION
- RESULTS
- FIXTURES
- CONTACTS
- CLUB NEWS
- GALLERY
- CLUB SHOP
- CONTACT US
- CELTIC ON YOUTUBE
- LEAGUE TABLE
- LEADING SCORERS
- CLUB CONSTITUTION
- CODE OF CONDUCT
- ALL WEATHER BOOKINGS
- DISCIPLINARY/COMPLAINTS/APPEALS PROCESS
- SELECTED JUNIOR MATCH REPORTS
- SELECTED YOUTH AND SCHOOLBOY REPORTS
- CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
- PUB LEAGUE
It’s been an amazing year for Clonmel Celtic’s David Joyce. From making his international debut with the Republic of Ireland amateurs against Northern Ireland in September 2016 to picking up a silver runners up medal in the UEFA Regions Finals after a 1-0 defeat to Croatia’s Zagreb last Sunday. The whole journey began on 28th May 2016 when Munster/Connaught beat Leinster/Ulster 1-0 in the Regions play off that meant Munster/Connaught would represent Ireland in the UEFA Regions Intermediate Rounds in Italy last September. There were thirty two teams battling it out last September divided into eight groups of four with only the group winners qualifying for the finals. Celtic’s David Joyce featured in all three group games, a 1-0 win against Italy, 2-0 triumph over Macedonia and a scoreless draw against Slovenia that saw Ireland top the group and qualify for the finals without the concession of a goal. Preparations then began in earnest for the finals with Turkey selected as the final venue. Although his season was interrupted by injury David Joyce was named in the final squad of 20 that left for Turkey at the end of June. Eight teams contested the finals in two groups of four with the two group winners progressing to the final. In such a format it was essential that Ireland got off to a good start and they did just that with a 1-0 victory against Russian opposition with Joyce playing the full game. Next up was a potential group decider against Spain. Although the Spanish bossed possession Ireland defended heroically to claim a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately David Joyce had to be replaced after 36 minutes suffering a calf strain. So it all came down to the final group games. The Spanish would have been favourites going into the last round by virtue of their superior goal difference and their odds to win the group would have been slashed dramatically after 40 minutes of both games with the Spanish 2-0 up and Ireland tied 1-1 with the Czechs. However there was a dramatic turnaround in the second half with the Russians storming back to win 3-2 while Ireland scored three times to win 4-1 and claim top place in the group. Although David Joyce had recovered he had to settle for a place on the bench in the final against Zagreb of Croatia. In very difficult conditions Ireland fell behind after 26 minutes and although they finished strongly Ireland couldn’t force an equaliser and therefore had to settle for runners up spot. It was a tremendous achievement for David Joyce and he can take great pride in the fact that he has joined a very select group of Irish sports people with a European medal.