Republic of Ireland Under-17s have qualified for a second successive World Cup after a 7-0 away win over Slovakia sealed their place in Qatar.
Cork City's Cillian Murphy struck a first half hat-trick as Ireland secured a massive victory to guarantee a place at November's World Cup, however Croatia's 1-1 draw away to Poland meant they secured top spot in the group and a place at this summer's Euros in Estonia.
Coming up against the group's whipping boys, Murphy bagged three goals before the break, with Ryan Sheridan adding another. The rout was completed after the break with Josh Harpur adding a fifth, a Joey Wuna penalty before Desmond Armstrong polished off the victory with a seventh with the clock yet to hit 80 minutes.
The qualification process doubled as a Euro 2026 qualifier, with Ireland still holding a possibility of reaching the Euros ahead of the final round of games.
A 3-0 win over Poland in Wednesday's group opener put Ireland in a strong position, however the Croatians took control of the group with a 2-0 win over Mark Connors' side at the weekend.
A narrow win for Poland, combined with the lop-sided victory over Slovakia, would have put Ireland into top spot on goal difference and earned a place in Estonia.
The Poles led for much of the game against Croatia, however an equaliser from Jakov Dedic, who struck a brace against Ireland on Saturday, saw the Croatians take top spot in the group.
Nonetheless, Ireland comfortably secured World Cup qualification for the second time. Last year, under manager Colin O'Brien, the Irish Under-17s reached the last-16 phase in their inaugural World Cup appearance, ultimately losing to Switzerland.
Slovakia: Klanin, Cingel (Ivan, 46'), Liska, Durko, Zemko (Jan Mirko, 55’), Duraj, Kosco (Ivan, 46’), Hofstader, Charamza (Sevcik, 74’), Prekop, Tomasko (Masarik, 55’).
Ireland: Brunton, Burke, Quigley (Ilguna, 77’), Sheridan, Spaight, McGrath (C), O’Dwyer (Spelman, 59’), Murphy (Afonin, 70’), Ozhianvuna (Dunne, 70’), Wuna, Harpur (Armstrong, 59’).
Referee: Milos Savović (Montenegro)
