TRALEE is set for an economic and sporting boost this winter when the 2018 Victory Shield will be held in the town.

The tournament was officially launched at The Rose Hotel on Thursday afternoon with games played at three venues between November 12-16.

Republic of Ireland Under-16 Head Coach Paul Osam was joined at the event by Mayor of Tralee Graham Spring and SAFIB Executive Nixon Morton.

Mayor Spring is looking forward to the event and believes it is a massive coup for the town to host this international tournament.

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“The town has a great sporting tradition. It’s fantastic for Tralee to host an international tournament of this calibre. Hopefully its acts as an inspiration for young players in the region.”

The Under-16 international tournament, features the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and will be held at Mounthawk Park, Tralee Dynamos and St. Brendan’s Park in Tralee from November 12-16.

Speaking at the event, Ireland Head Coach Paul Osam said he hopes that his side can win the tournament for the third year in a row after previous successes in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

“It would be lovely to win for the third time in a row. This tournament is a great addition to the calendar for the Under-16 group. We’re really looking forward to it.”

2018 Victory Shield Fixtures

12/11/2018: Scotland v Wales, St. Brendan’s Park, KO 1pm
12/11/2018: Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Mounthawk Park, KO 6pm

14/11/2018: Republic of Ireland v Wales, Mounthawk Park, KO 1pm
14/11/2018: Northern Ireland v Scotland, Mounthawk Park, KO 6pm

16/11/2018: Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Tralee Dynamos, KO 1pm
16/11/2018: Wales v Northern Ireland, Mounthawk Park, KO 1pm