RISING STAR
Pierce up for major FAI award
2012 MAY have been a life-changing year in the life of Pierce Sweeney but 2013 hasn't started too badly for the defender either writes Daniel Gorman.
This week the 18 year old celebrated being nominated for the FAI School's International Player of the Year and also received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland U-19 squad for their double-header against the Czech Republic.
Reading youngster Sweeney was announced as one of three players in the mix to win the schools player of the year trophy. The former Colaiste Raithin student is up against recent West Ham United signing Seani Maguire and Brian Lenihan at the awards ceremony, which will be held at RTE studios on Sunday, February 3, at 8pm. It will be broadcast live on RTE Two.
This particular award is no stranger to the Garden County though. A few seasons ago, Sweeney's former Bray Wanderers team-mate John Mulroy claimed the prize for the Carlisle Grounds club and just last year, Sweeney's cousin; Hughie Douglas of UCD, was handed the trophy.
And to top off a brilliant few days for the stylish centre half, he was then included in Paul Doolin's 20-man Republic of Ireland U-19 squad for the forthcoming friendlies against the Czech Republic. On Tuesday, February 5, the young Boys in Green will lock horns with the Czechs at Longford Town's Flancare Park and then on Thursday, February 7, the sides will do battle in Athlone.