Playing in a World Cup is a dream for many – and this young Wexford man is about to realise that dream…
A young Wexford man will be going to the World Cup. He was part of the Republic of Ireland u-17 squad which recently qualified for the World Cup.
Oisin McDonagh from the Glynn Barntown area, was on the successful Republic of Ireland team which missed out on qualification for the Euros, but have qualified for the World Cup.
McDonagh secured a transfer to Italian Serie A side Venezia FC from Wexford FC.
The tall defender will now be looking forward to a trip in November, a dream come through with a trip to Qatar to play in the World Cup on the horizon. McDonagh’s name will also go down in Irish football history as it’s the first time that an Ireland U-17 team has qualified for the World Cup.
“This is a great news story for Irish football and it’s a great day for every person involved with the players’ development and they should take pride they helped them reach a World Cup. No matter the age group the World Cup is a huge event that captures the imagination and attention of the public,” manager Colin O’Brien told RTE.
Ireland Men’s Under-17 Squad
Goalkeepers: George Moloney (Southampton), Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers).
Defenders: Billy Canny (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Vincent Leonard (Dundalk), Oisin McDonagh (Venezia), Finn Sherlock (Hoffenheim), Ade Solanke (FC Lorient).
Midfielders: Rory Finneran (Newcastle United), Billy Hayes (St Patrick’s Athletic), Ramon Martos (UD Almeria), Gavin McAteer (Finn Harps), Kian McMahon Brown (Burnley), Grady McDonnell (Club Brugge), Oskar Skoubo Keely (Bohemians).
Forwards: Charles Akinrintayo (Shamrock Rovers), Brody Lee (Shamrock Rovers), Billy O’Neill (Bray Wanderers), Victor Ozhianvuna (Shamrock Rovers), Cillian Tollett (Galway United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica).
Featured Image: Gerry Scully / Oisin McDonagh (Instagram)
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
