4 Irish-based players who made the move to Britain in 2016:
Daryl Horgan (Dundalk to Preston)
The 24-year-old winger’s performances for Dundalk in 2016, particularly in the Europa League, meant he was linked with a number of British clubs. The Galway native ultimately chose Preston, and he will be available for Simon Grayson’s side from January onwards.
Andy Boyle (Dundalk to Preston)
Like Dundalk teammate Horgan, 25-year-old Boyle recently made the move to Championship side Preston after a series of commanding displays at the heart of the Lilywhites’ defence, receiving an Ireland call-up recently to boot.
Dylan Watts (UCD to Leicester City)
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Premier League champions last September after impressing with UCD. The Blackrock native had made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Students before signing a two-year deal with the Foxes.
Lee O’Connor (Villa Football Club to Man United)
Man United snapped up O’Connor back in April. The attacking full-back joined from Villa Football Club in Waterford, with the starlet previously named the FAI U15 Player of the Year.
4 Irish-based players who could follow them in 2017
Sean Maguire (Cork)
There were doubts surrounding Sean Maguire’s future after he bagged an impressive 18 goals for Cork in the 2016 League of Ireland season. Ultimately, the former West Ham youth-team player chose to commit to John Caulfield’s side for 2017 despite rumoured interest from English clubs, though a similar campaign next season could make the prolific striker impossible for the Rebels to hold onto.
Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
The 25-year-old full-back was heavily linked with Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich before eventually committing to Dundalk for another season, though a couple of English clubs will likely continue to monitor the talented Dubliner closely.
Kevin O’Connor (Cork)
The technically accomplished defender made 28 appearances in all competitions for Cork last season. One of the League of Ireland’s most impressive performers in 2016, at 21, he still has plenty of time to earn a big move abroad.
Aaron McEneff (Derry)
Aaron McEneff was among Derry’s standout players in 2016, having left Tottenham following an injury-ridden stint the summer before last. Yet on the evidence of recent displays, the 21-year-old midfielder — who is rumoured to be switching international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic — certainly has the ability to make an impact across the water.
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Fine margins. If the ref had not allowed an extra play, Cork would have been All-Ireland champs in 2013. The 2013 CLare vintage, re-discovered their pulse against KIlkenny last Sunday. Yet Tipperary probobly should have beaten them in Ennis. For the want of a solitary point, many a team perishes. For all the tactics and amazing players, luck plays a huge part also.
Very true Eddie, particularly for knock out cup competitions such as the all ireland, which suggests the league is prob a better gauge of strength in depth of a team over time
Awh ye, blame the poor auld ref lol.. match is never over till the whistle is blown eddie. Anyway we proved who were the real masters in da replay
I’d love a sitcom based on the Cork county board. Frank as a Basil Fawlty type figure
Unfair on poor Basil !
Cork could have been competitive for a few more years instead fading quickly after 06
If my auntie had liathroidi she’d be my uncle
Donal Og will get his day in the spotlight this summer. All the shitalk he has been spooning the Cork public and the country in general will be back to haunt him when Clare’s tactics get exposed under pressure.
A bullshit artist of the highest calibre
Jeez the begrudgery is strong in this one, the man was a very good communicator and analyst on tv, and he now seems to have contributed positively to a previously poisonous team, deal with it
Rebels? The only rebel they ever had they shot him!
Looks like your a bit of a historian there Vinny and i suppose you know who shot him too?? you little bolox!!!