THERE were no Donegal players in the Republic of Ireland line-up for last night’s friendly against New Zealand – but one Donegal schoolboy was front and centre to celebrate one of the goals.
Ireland came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 at the Aviva Stadium. Derrick Williams, Sean Maguire and Callum Robinson netted as a second-string Ireland took the win.
Maguire bagged the second goal on 51 minutes as he curled a delicious shot into the net from just outside the box.
Fahan schoolboy Shaunie Bradley was seated just behind the goal where Maguire struck gold. Sensing his chance, Shaunie cleared the perimeter and made a dart for the huddle of Ireland players congratulating Maguire.
Ireland captain for the night Robbie Brady even embraced the Donegal teenager before he quickly scarpered back to his seat in the North Stand.
Shaunie is no mean footballer himself and plays for the Finn Harps Under-13s, who recently won the Airtricity Under-13 League Shield.
His father, Shane, is a former Finn Harps player.
Ireland defender Ciaran Clark, who qualifies through his Donegal-born grandmother, was the closest person to a Donegal native on the pitch – until Shaunie made his entrance.
While last night’s game won’t go down in memory as a classic, it will be remembered forever in one Donegal house!
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