Ireland drawn in tough group for Regions' Cup defence

Reigning champions Ireland have been drawn alongside Russia, Czech Republic and former winner Castillo y León in Group B of the 2017 UEFA Regions' Cup due to take place in Turkey in July.

 

Ireland will be represented by Region 2, specifically Connacht and Munster, in the 2017 edition, having won Europe's premier amateur tournament with an Eastern Region selection in Dublin two years ago.

 

And they will have to contend with 2009 champions Castilla y León – a region just north-west of Madrid – as well as Czech representatives Olomouc and Russia's South Region.

 

In Group A, hosts Istanbul were paired with Zagreb, whom Ireland beat in the final in Tallaght Stadium in 2015 thanks to a header from David Lacey, then of Killester United and now of St Mochta's.

 

Completed Goup A are Ukrainian side Ingulets and Portuguese outfit Lisboa, neither of whom conceded a goal in qualifying for the tournament.

 



The competition will take place between July 1st and 9th with the venues still to be confirmed.

 

2017 Regions' Cup Draw:

 

Group A
Istanbul (TUR)
Ingulec (UKR)
Zagreb (CRO)
Lisboa (POR)

 



Group B
Castilla y León (ESP)
Olomouc (CZE)
Region 2 (IRL)
South Region (RUS)