For the first time in nearly 30 years a Galway soccer player looks set to gain an international cap for Ireland.
Nineteen-years-old Greg Cunningham, currently with Manchester City, has been catapulted into the limelight following Giovanni Trapattoni’s decision to include him in his 23 man squad for the upcoming Brazil friendly.
The former Mervue and Galway United left-back only made his first-team debut for Manchester City as a 46th minute substitute in a 4–2 victory over Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup last month, but his performance was sufficient to catch the eye of the watching Irish management team. Now he is set to travel to London this weekend for his first training session with the squad.
The last Irish player to represent his country was Eamonn “Chick” Deacy, and the former Galway United and AstonVilla star was among the first to congratulate Cunningham after making his debut for the premiership side.
Deacy says Cunningham’s selection is a boost for Galway and Connacht.
"It's a great achievement for Greg Cunningham to be named in the 23 man squad for the Republic of Ireland's friendly match against Brazil.
"He is making tremendous strides for a lad so young, having already made his debut for Manchester City, a club where there is millions of euros worth of talent. To be training and playing with these lads he must be of a very high standard and his call-up to the Irish team has proved that. His selection is a great boost to Galway and Connacht and proves what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
“Every footballer in the world wants to play against Brazil because they are the best, so the whole world will be watching Greg line out for his country. It will give people in the west an added interest now watching Ireland play. ”
Deacy says he was not surprised that Cunningham has made such progress, coming from a “good family line”, and that his family must take the credit.
"His late grandfather, Matt Lee, played in the Scottish League and all his uncles, if given the chance, would have made it in the professional league as well. His cousin, Alan Lee, is a top jockey in England. So, the pedigree is there.
"I know he has got a lot of help in the past from numerous coaches and managers. However, I feel his mum, dad and brothers have been his real driving force. That is the reason why he has settled in so well - though I know they would be the last people to claim any credit for his success.”
"All the Match of the Day followers will now be watching with interest when Manchester City are playing and hoping Greg will be lining out. His rise to fame will be great encouragement for young lads locally.
“Isn't it great that the name of a young lad from Galway is on everyone's lips now?"
