Northern Ireland Regions Cup manager Harry McConkey has stated his pride in his side’s performances at the recent UEFA Regions Cup finals in Dublin.

McConkey’s side rounded off their group campaign on a winning note as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Poland’s Dolnoslaski Region. Dolnoslaski had taken the lead after only five minutes through Damian Niedojad but McConkey’s Eastern Region side hit back with a superb second half double from Colm O’Riordan to secure the victory.

The result meant that Eastern Region finished with a win, a draw and a loss to their name. The draw came in the opening game against German outfit Wurrtemburg before they lost their second game to eventual finalists Zagreb Region. Indeed, McConkey’s charges only missed out on the bronze medal by a single goal.

“Yet again, I can only be proud of the performances from my Northern Ireland squad in the UEFA Regions Cup Finals,” said McConkey. “We had prepared thoroughly and gave everything but after all the analysis and hard luck stories are over, the facts are we ultimately fell short of a bronze medal by one goal, which was also the case in the last finals in Venice in 2013.” “For a small nation like ours to defeat a team like Poland, finish joint runners up on points with pre tournament favourites,Germany and lose only to a technically gifted Croatia side, it’s still not a bad week’s work in Europe. However, I would love my players to have had a tangible reward for their tremendous efforts.” McConkey stayed on to enjoy the final of the competition as the Republic of Ireland defeated Zagreb Region to lift the trophy and he was delighted for his Republic of Ireland counterpart Gerry Smith.

“I was invited to stay over for the final on Saturday by the IFA and I was delighted to see Gerry Smith’s Republic of Ireland side claim their first ever Regions Cup triumph. Over the last 10 years Gerry and I have helped each other in friendlies while preparing for Europe. We have shared DVDs and notes on opponents and I sincerely feel it is fantastic that the cup now resides, for the first time, here in Ireland. Watching the celebrations at Tallaght Park has only whetted my appetite to build on my tournament experiences and continue to squeeze everything I can from my Northern Ireland squads in the future,” he said.