“Being so young, maybe you take it in a different way compared to now, but those experiences were very important to me. It’s interesting to think about everything that has happened since.”
Mario Götze, scorer of the winning goal for Germany in the World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro last summer, has provided a blueprint for all aspiring young players to follow.
He was referencing how his career had progressed since being named player of the tournament as part of the Germany side that won the UEFA Under-17 Championship in 2009. Six years on he was a champion at the highest level.
The year most of manager Tom Mohan’s Republic of Ireland under-17 squad at the 2015 finals were born, 1998, Ireland won the then UEFA Under-16 title in Scotland.
Andy Reid, Liam Miller and, especially, John O’Shea were the standout players that went on to make very good careers for themselves as top professionals in the game.
More recently from the 2008 squad, the previous Ireland one to qualify at this level, Robbie Brady emerged to become a regular senior international.
Don't dream. Go and achieve.
That was the parting wish Mohan articulated to his young players at the end of a disappointing UEFA Championship campaign in Bulgaria.
Ireland finished bottom of Group D, following up a resiliently earned point from a 0-0 draw with Holland with 2-0 and 1-0 defeats to Italy and England respectively. The latter two nations qualified through to the quarter-finals.
Mohan's charges were always up against it in arguably the finals' proverbial group of death.
Having two of their games in the central Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora, some 200km from the tournament base in Pomorie on the Black Sea, did not help logistics.
And while one point was a disappointing return from the three games, not scoring a goal for a team that hit 14 in their six qualifying matches was the most deflating aspect.
They created clear-cut chances - hitting the woodwork twice against the Dutch, for example - over the three games, but were undone by an inability to finish them.
At a team meeting just hours after their elimination, and before departing for home, Mohan assured his players that these championships, in which they faced off against some of the best players in Europe, will stand to them for the rest of their careers.
That was the very point Götze emphasised in a tournament preview.
Telling them they were a brilliant group to have worked with, Mohan added that they had proved that there are footballers in Ireland. The country’s schoolboy network is producing good players.
"It was a privilege to have competed at Ireland's first finals at this age level in seven years," continued Mohan. "I'm delighted to have managed you," he concluded to a squad most of whom he may not work with again.
Despite their elimination there were signs of some promise from the 18-man squad.
Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher travelled to Bulgaria invigorated at having secured a four-year contract to go to Liverpool at the end of the summer.
In making several terrific saves in the games with Holland and England, you could clearly see the potential that the Liverpool academy has invested in.
The defence in front of Kelleher, for the most part, stood strong, save for negligent moments which cost them dear against Italy.
Captain Conor Masterson, also with Liverpool, enhanced his prospects here, displaying a calm composure on the ball, coupled with good distribution.
Well impressed with the Irish U17's playing some great football. Finally the penny may have dropped 👍
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) May 10, 2015Alongside him at centre-back was Darragh Leahy, arguably Ireland’s best defender in Bulgaria. The Coventry City-based prospect put his body on the line in making countless interceptions and brave blocks.
Elsewhere, there were other cameos of expectation.
Connor Ronan, quick and inventive, showed his ability and promise in the number 10 role.
Likewise, out wide left Trevor Clarke tirelessly attacked his marker to deliver ball into the centre. A foot injury against Italy in the second game robbed him of a run against England. He’ll not be at St. Kevin’s Boys too much longer.
Up top, the endeavour and hard running of Reading’s Josh Barrett never went unnoticed.
Tears were the unwanted souvenirs at the final whistle against England as the end of this young Ireland team’s journey at these championships arrived.
“Of course they are disappointed, but they did fantastically well to be here,” said Mohan.
“Our boys gave everything they had and you couldn’t ask anything more from them. We’ve been competitive in every game and we played some brilliant football along the way. I’m proud of them, each and every one of them.”
Having bowed out earlier than they would have wished, Ireland can take solace in their approach, passing the ball well as they always tried to be creative.
“There are positives, without a doubt,” said Mohan.
“The important thing is that we’ve encouraged the boys to go and play, to express themselves.
“A lot of player have shown that they can play at this level. That’s important as they get confidence from that. They get belief.
“Obviously you want results, you want to win.
“It’s been a great experience for them. You learn from your opponents. Clever-thinking. Intelligent players who are technically very good.”
