Round up - May 2016

Friday, 27th May 2016
International Friendly
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Netherlands
After missing the friendlies in March, Jonathan Walters returned to the Ireland starting XI for the first time since the second leg of the play off against Bosnia in November, the same game where Jeff Hendrick made his last appearance before making his 20th appearance for Ireland against the Dutch today.
Darren Randolph made his fifth start for Ireland
David McGoldrick's start was the striker's first appearance for Ireland in almost a year, having not played for the Boys in Green since 7th June 2015
Harry Arter's second cap for Ireland, almost a year after his first, was the Bournemouth midfielder's first start for Ireland, and unfortunately marked it with his first yellow card
Darron Gibson came off the bench to make his first appearance for Ireland since Nov 2014
Wes Hoolahan made his twentieth home appearance for Ireland
Shane Long scored his sixteenth goal for Ireland

Sunday, 29th May 2016
League 1 Play Off Final
Barnsley 3-1 Millwall
Conor Hourihane made his fiftieth start of the season in the play off final and the Barnsley captain led by example, assisting two of the Tykes' goals in their win.

Monday, 30th May 2016
International Friendly
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Belarus
Shay Given returned to the starting XI for Ireland for the first time since the home qualifier against Germany in October 2015
Darron Gibson made his first start since November 2014
Ciaran Clark made his tenth home start for Ireland
Jeff Hendrick and Richard Keogh both returned to the Irish starting XI for the first game since the second leg of the play off against Bosnia in November
Cyrus Christie made his fifth appearance for Ireland, all of which have seen the Derby defender named in the starting XI
Wes Hoolahan made his thirtieth appearance for Ireland
David Forde came off the bench to make his first appearance since November 2014
Congratulations to Callum O'Dowda on making his senior international debut for Ireland! The Oxford United midfielder is the first player born after USA '94 to play senior international football for the Republic
Stephen Ward scored his third goal for Ireland, more than four years after his last international goal in November 2011