World University Games: Irish begin quest in South Korea
Both of the Ireland teams go in to action in their opening group games at the World University Games in the city of Gwangju, South Korea tomorrow morning.
The Women's team are first up when they take on Chinese Taipei in the early hours of Thursday morning (3.0 am Irish time) while Uruguay will provide the opposition for the Men at the little later time of 8.30 Irish time.
Men's team manager Danny Crowley who steered Ireland to fifth place, their highest ever finish, at the last Games in Kazan two years ago is confident of having a successful tournament.
"We are faced with a tough programme of games against formidable opposition but I'm confident that the squad can perform well and hopefully better the achievement in Kazan," said Crowley.
Ireland will take on China on Sunday and Russia on Tuesday with the top two sides qualifying for the quarter finals.
Experienced Senior International manager Sue Ronan will take charge of the Women's team for her third successive Games.
After Chinese Taipei, the women's team then face Czech Republic on Saturday and on Monday a big game against the hosts South Korea.
"We finished sixth last time in Kazan and I'd be delighted if we could do as well this time around up," said the Ireland boss.
"Other senior international managers have seen the benefits that participating in the World Students Games can bring and it is interesting that, for the first time, there will be a team from the USA at the tournament.
"That is a positive development and a sign of just how important the World Student Games have become within women's football," added Ronan.