Northern Ireland’s junior international manager notched up a remarkable milestone today.
Harry McConkey took charge of Northern Ireland for the 50th time in the UEFA Regions’ Cup competition.
After defeating Western Region in a play-off back in March, Eastern Region have been representing Northern Ireland in a Regions’ Cup intermediate round mini tournament in Albania over the past week.
Following a defeat to Piemonte Valle d'Aosta Regional FA (representing Italy) and a draw with West Slovakia (Slovakia), McConkey’s team signed off from the mini tournament in style with a fitting 5-0 victory against Albania.
In October 2024 McConkey, who has managed Northern Ireland’s junior international side (featuring junior and intermediate level players) for 21 years, became the most experienced manager in the history of the UEFA Regions' Cup tournament, having overseen 47 matches at the helm of Northern Ireland.
And today’s game against the Albanians marked his 50th match in charge of his country in the Regions’ Cup.
He was presented with a special shirt by players and backroom staff to mark the occasion.
“I have been truly honoured to have served my country for so many years,” he said.
McConkey was appointed as junior international manager in January 2005 and had his first Regions’ Cup campaign in 2006.
A former Ballinamallard United and Dergview boss, the man whose roots are in the village of Magheraveely in Co Fermanagh was also previously an interim player-manager with Larne and an assistant coach at Dungannon Swifts.
Under his watch Northern Ireland have consistently managed to punch above their weight in the competition for intermediate and junior level players.
In 2007 in Bulgaria, 2013 in Italy and 2015 in Dublin the team successfully navigated the qualifiers and made the finals where eight teams play in two groups of four and the group winners contest the final. They have also come close to reaching the final tournament on other occasions.
Unfortunately Eastern Region were unable to make the finals this time around.
