Volleyball truly never sleeps in Ireland.
Straight off the back of a hugely successful U18 SCA Championship, our National Teams were back in action for Week 3 of the Fás Éireann programme, taking on Games 5 and 6 in what proved to be one of the most challenging weekends logistically to date.
With players split across the country, some retained for club duties under Fás Éireann guidelines and others competing at the Volleyball Ireland Youth Championships at the National Indoor Arena, squads were stretched, reshuffled, and tested.
But if anything, it was a reminder of how much the game is growing. More players competing. More opportunities. More exposure at every level.
And that is exactly what Fás Éireann was built for.
U18 Men – Grit on the Road and at Home
Fresh off their silver-medal performance at the U18 SCA, the U18 Men travelled to Cork for their first away league fixture against Netforce D1.
While the result ended 3-0, the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. Once again, this group showed the grit that has become a trademark of their identity, refusing to fold when behind and continuing to compete point for point.
Final Result:
Ireland U18 (0) – Netforce D1 (3)
(11-25 / 25-27 / 27-29)
Sunday saw them return to their home base at TUD Tallaght to face Carrick Crows, a team known for their high-energy, vocal style of play.
The match presented a completely different challenge. Despite tight score lines, discipline proved decisive. The boys created opportunities to take sets but were occasionally drawn into the tempo of the opposition.
Final Result:
Ireland U18 (0) – Carrick Crows (3)
(28-30 / 26-28 / 20-25)
Another valuable learning experience – not just technically, but mentally.
U20 Men – Taking the Fight to the Champions
The U20 Men were determined not to let the U18s take all the spotlight, and what better test than facing league leaders and reigning champions Dalkey Devils.
Dalkey brought their usual consistency and quality, but the U20s produced sustained pressure through serve and attack that unsettled their opponents. The block and defensive organisation were arguably the strongest we’ve seen from this group so far.
While the margin for error against top Premier opposition is razor-thin, the performance earned respect, with Dalkey players acknowledging how competitive the match had been.
Final Result:
Ireland U20 (0) – Dalkey Devils (3)
(21-25 / 16-25 / 17-25)
Sunday’s clash against Trinity College Dublin saw an even fiercer U20 performance. The squad went toe-to-toe with their Premier opponents, showing belief and confidence in key moments.
Multiple players stepped forward as point scorers, a promising sign. When that level of leadership becomes collective, the transition from “sets won” to “matches won” won’t be far behind.
Final Result:
Ireland U20 (2) – Trinity College Dublin (3)
(23-25 / 25-21 / 25-22 / 14-25 / 11-15)
A narrow five-set defeat – but another step forward.
U18 Women – Depth, Opportunity, and Leadership
The U18 Women opened the weekend against a determined Impact Macroom side during the first freezing weekend of January.
After a narrow 27-25 first-set loss, the squad used the match as an opportunity to experiment with line-ups ahead of SCA preparations.
Final Result:
Ireland U18 (0) – Impact Macroom (3)
Game 6 saw the girls face Ballymun Patriots, with Youth Championships pulling many players away. This presented an opportunity to trial a refreshed roster, including four players making their first Fás Éireann appearances.
Despite the 3-0 defeat, there were plenty of positives:
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Setter Ivona Paunocic, part of the development squad, meeting her team just 15 minutes before first serve
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Rosalia Jacob stepping up as captain as Martyna Horba and Nicole Buljovcic moved to the U20 Squad
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Anastazja Zadorozna earning selection following strong RDC performances at the Xmas Tournament
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Lena Kesik stepping in to support the squad between Youth Championship matches
Even in defeat, the development value was clear.
U20 Women – Gaining Experience at Premier Level
The U20 Women faced two strong Premier-level challenges across the weekend.
First up was UCD Premier Women, where consistent serving pressure and disciplined systems tested the squad throughout. While the result was 3–0, the match provided valuable exposure to the standards required at the top domestic level.
Final Result:
Ireland U20 (0) – UCD (3)
(17-25 / 14-25 / 15-25)
Next, the squad travelled to Cork to face Netforce. Across the three sets, the team showed gradual improvement, particularly in sustaining rallies and staying competitive for longer stretches.
Final Result:
Ireland U20 (0) – Netforce (3)
(14-25 / 19-25 / 20-25)
Though the results didn’t fall in Ireland’s favour, the learning curve continues upward. Exposure to Premier intensity is accelerating development and sharpening competitive habits.
A Programme Built on Exposure
Week 3 reinforced exactly why Fás Éireann exists.
The results may not yet reflect the trajectory but the growth is undeniable.
As volleyball continues to expand across Ireland, so too does the depth of opportunity for our National Team athletes.
Éire Abú!
