WITH THE UEFA U17 European Championships being hosted by Ireland this year, the tournament’s official mascot was unveiled today. 

And what could be more Irish than a bodhrán…

Barry the Bodhrán with competition winner Clara Hogan from Wexford. Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Holding his tipper and complete with shamrocks on each cheek, Barry was on show at Tallaght Stadium alongside the trophy and Ireland U17 boss Colin O’Brien. 

11-year-old Clara Hogan of Scoil Mhuire, Barntown, County Wexford, whose mascot design won a nationwide competition eligible to fifth and sixth class students, was also present.

Alongside Ireland U17 manager Colin O'Brien and the trophy. Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

The championships are being held in Dublin, Longford and Waterford between 3-19 May.

Having been controversially knocked out by the Netherlands at the quarter-final stage of last year’s competition, the host nation will be aiming to go far this time around. 

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