Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that the first-team squad will spend a week training at the Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare prior to their opening pre-season friendly at Shelbourne on Saturday 9th July at Tolka Park (KO 3pm).

The players are due back at Playford Road on June 27th before making what’s become an annual trip to Carton House - where the Northern Ireland squad are currently preparing for the Euros - since manager Mick McCarthy took over as boss.

“We used to go to Carton House when I was at Wolves,” McCarthy told the club site.

“You always get a warm welcome there and the facilities are excellent. It’s a great set-up and ideal for pre-season.

“We have been there each year I have been manager here and the players have always enjoyed it.”

You can find a list of the pre-season fixtures which have been announced so far here, which will be updated as more games are added.

Photo: Action Images

blueherts added 15:16 - May 24 He is , as they say 'a creature of habit' I think we know that much by now !
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blueboy1981 added 17:51 - May 24 This man will never change - as boring as his Football, and a boil on the rear end. The spin will continue to roll - but nothing will change.
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Seasider added 17:59 - May 24 Predictable! Expect the players would be just as happy in Spain or anywhere else on the continent I am sure;but Mick likes to return to the land of his ancestors,and why not.Wonder if he goes to the same place every year for his holidays as well. Sure he would jump at the chance of managing the republic again if Martin O'neil moved into club management again.
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HarryS_H added 20:10 - May 24 I don't understand the negative sarcastic comments... if the facilities are good and the squad prepares well there whyou wouldn't you go back?!?! Better than going to a place that you have no idea is going to be what you want. And then you get a good standard of team for the first match of preseason. In my opinion sounds like good preparation...
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Lathers added 20:31 - May 24 A beautiful part of the world and probably just a coincidence that the only football pitch there has a huge ravine between both penalty areas.
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blueboy1981 added 22:03 - May 24 Same old minus markers - nothing changes there either. Must be related to McCarthy somewhere along the line.
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MrDiddle added 22:06 - May 24 Some predictable comments on here. Any excuse to moan about Mick eh chaps.
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warkthelint added 00:01 - May 25 Surely you don't need a training camp to learn how to hoof the ball ? A week to kick the ball up in the air aimlessly or what?
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blueherts added 08:53 - May 25 If I was at a club for afew years it may be nice to mix it up a bit - CHANGE can be good - and it is not as if Carton House has some 'lucky omens' for him ! I think a change may have been good for them But then I am sure Carton House is the only place with good facilities !? Nice part of the world , I agree , but every year !!!?
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Eireannach_gorm added 12:24 - May 25 Bizarre negative comments. Carton House is a fabulous facility and the Management know what they are getting. The Northern Ireland team have just been and the Republic of Ireland are currently there in preparation for the Euro's.
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blueherts added 14:36 - May 25 No one doubts that Carton House is a wonderful place with great facilities - just that may be good to CHANGE occasionally
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