Rooted in Heritage. Growing Our Future.
The second weekend of Fás Éireann continued to deliver exactly what the programme was designed for, meaningful competition, measured growth, and valuable learning moments for Ireland’s youth national squads. As the teams settle into the rhythm of National League play, the progress from week one to week two was clear across all groups.
U18 Girls
A historic moment for the programme – the U18 Girls became the first Fás Éireann squad to record a victory, winning a thrilling five-set battle against the experienced Balbriggan Flames.
The team fought for every point and demonstrated growing maturity under pressure, managing momentum shifts and closing out a tight final set. Special recognition goes to captain Martyna Horba and setter Milica Dimitrijevic, who played the entire match and led the team throughout.
Game four saw the squad face Tallaght Rockets, who proved too consistent and left no points behind. While the challenge was significant, the experience remains invaluable. The team is already looking ahead to their next squad weekend and their upcoming match against Impact Macroom on January 4th.
U20 Girls
The U20 Women’s National Team completed an exceptionally productive training weekend, combining structured practice sessions with two Premier League matches against Gardians and Trinity College Dublin.
The weekend opened with a Friday training block that included strength and conditioning led by Coach Maja Ban, followed by two full days of technical and tactical work. Across all sessions, the coaching team emphasised defensive systems, serve-receive organisation, and developing consistent on-court communication – all essential areas for a newly formed squad.
Beyond technical execution, a major focus of the weekend was building trust, cohesion, and communication within the team. The athletes made clear, measurable progress in applying match objectives during the Premier League fixtures, laying a strong foundation for the months ahead.
U18 Boys
Another exciting step forward for the U18 Men, who continue to edge closer to their first Fás Éireann victory.
Saturday’s match against DVC Abu showcased their resilience and competitive growth. After dropping the first two sets, the team composed themselves and mounted an impressive fightback, winning sets three and four to force a deciding fifth set. The reverse sweep narrowly slipped away, with DVC taking the final set 16-14.
Final Score – U18 Ireland 2-3 DVC Abu
(20-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 14-16)
On Sunday, the squad faced Aer Lingus Harriers. Ireland took the opening set 26-24 and looked poised to build on Saturday’s performance, but Aer Lingus responded strongly. A tight third set (26-28) proved pivotal before the Harriers closed out the match in four.
Final Score – U18 Ireland 1-3 Aer Lingus Harriers
(26-24, 16-25, 26-28, 16-25)
Despite the results, the weekend offered invaluable preparation ahead of the SCA Tournament, where the team will compete on home soil at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena from January 12-14. The group is progressing well and earning every step of their development.
U20 Boys
The U20 Men continued to show determination and the ability to pressure some of the top senior teams in the country. While they may not be taking as many sets as the U18 squad, their performances against experienced, physically mature Premier League teams have been impressive and, at times, surprising the opposition.
Their first match of the weekend demonstrated this competitive potential, taking a set off DVC Bravo and pushing the league contenders throughout the match.
Final Score – U20 Ireland 1-3 DVC Bravo
(18-25, 21-25, 25-23, 21-25)
On Sunday, the U20s once again showed resilience, taking a set from Aer Lingus and extending rallies with improving consistency and defensive structure.
Final Score – U20 Ireland 1-3 Aer Lingus
(16-25, 20-25, 27-25, 15-25)
This group continues to exceed early expectations, displaying the grit and competitive fire needed at this level. With experience, the consistency required to close out tight sets will follow.
A Weekend of Progress
Across all squads, the second Fás Éireann weekend highlighted growth in performance, confidence, and cohesion. The athletes are adapting to senior-level competition, learning from each match, and strengthening the foundations needed for long-term national development.
As the programme continues, each weekend brings new lessons, and with them, a clearer glimpse of the future of Irish volleyball.
Fás Éireann – Rooted in Heritage. Growing Our Future.
