DonsstarJohnisa hitonhisvisit‘home’

April 2, 1997

Described as a member of the `Crazy Gang’, soccer star Jon Goodman hit centre stage when he visited his parents’ home in Mayglass last week.

Goodman turned to the international stage for the game against Wales, his Wimbledon exploits having come to the notice of Irish Manager, Mick McCarthy. But Jon was no stranger to McCarthy having played both with and under the Irish manager at Millwall.

Jon proved a real hit during his short South

Wexford stay at the home of his parents, Linda and Peter, in Mayglass, where his 6-yearold brother Benjamin attends the local primary school. Having checked out his Irish roots and having qualified to play for Ireland through his great ancestors on his father’s side, a whole new way of life began for the 25- year-old Dons star.

But there’s no doubt that Jon proved a real hit with the young aspiring footballers of Mayglass who gathered at his parents’ home each day to engage in a kick-about with the Irish international.

Now that he has found his way into the Irish squad, Jon is hoping to become a regular visitor the area. ‘I also visited last September, when the area was a sea of purple and gold. It was a magnificent sight,’ he added.

Jon is now fulfilling the belief placed in him by Mick McCarthy. Although not a Dons regular having come back following a series of niggling injuries, he is hoping to be part of the set-up for the cup semi-final with Chelsea.

He has always had a passion for football as a career. Goodman’s debut in last month’s scoreless draw with Wales opened his eyes to international football. He won’t let international stardom affect him personally, and if anything he will become a better player.

During his brief South Wexford visit, Jon took in some of the local hostelries where he was besieged for autographs. He visited the Bargy Bar in Bridgetown, while also having a lunch visit to the Lobster Pot. He ended his stay by meeting locals in the Coopers Inn on Thursday.