Soccer

Fota Island chosen as Ireland training base before Euro 2016

Martin O’Neill’s side will spend five days at Cork resort in build-up to Championships

Mikko Ilonen plays a shot at Fota Island during the 2014 Irish Open. The resort will host the Ireland team ahead of Euro 2016. Photograph: Getty
Mikko Ilonen plays a shot at Fota Island during the 2014 Irish Open. The resort will host the Ireland team ahead of Euro 2016. Photograph: Getty
Fri Feb 05 2016 - 11:50

Martin O’Neill has selected Fota Island as the venue for Ireland’s training camp prior to this summer’s European Championships.

The resort, based in County Cork, will host the Ireland team for five days from Monday May 30th to Friday June 3rd as they prepare for Euro 2016.

O’Neill’s side will head to Fota Island days after their final fixture before the tournament against Holland at the Aviva Stadium on Friday May 27th.

The Ireland boss said: “I’ve been to a number of potential sites in Ireland and overseas, and we’ve decided on Fota Island Resort because it offers everything we need right here on our doorstep.

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"I visited Fota Island Resort recently, with Roy Keane, and I know that it has a good pedigree as a base for sporting teams and, in particular, football squads.

“The players will be in France for what will be a long enough period, so it’s good to keep them closer to home for the build-up to such a huge competition, and in a familiar environment.

Fota Island Resort has played host to a number of leading professional football clubs in the past, including senior and academy sides from Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham United, as well as some of Ireland’s underage international squads, and FAI Coach Education courses have also been held there.

Ireland’s France 2016 campaign starts against Sweden on June 13th, before fixtures against Belgium on June 18th and Italy on June 22nd.