Egan slots a brace against Ipswich Town

JOHN Egan (pictured), son of the late legendary Kerry footballer John Egan, scored both goals for English Championship side Brentford on Saturday in their 2-0 win over Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town.

Egan scored his goals in the second half, with the first a great header and the second a left-footed shot from inside the box. The very talented defender was making his home debut with the London club after parting company with Gillingham at the end of last season.

The 24-year old 6’1” defender is also being vetted by the Republic of Ireland management team and could get into the reckoning if he can continue to shine with his new club.

Egan signed a three-year contract with Brentford in July and he is already a big hit with the Bees fans at Griffin Park. I have attended a few games at Griffin Park in West London in recent years and it is a fabulous old stadium where there is always a great atmosphere.

Castleisland’s Shane McLoughlin has been given a squad number with Championship side Ipswich Town, Brendan Maloney continues to make a name for himself with League 2 side Northampton Town. Meanwhile, Gary O’Neill is excelling as captain of UCD and Billy and Darren Dennehy are starring with St Patrick’s Athletic.

Just this week Kerry under-17 striker Dillon Robinson played with the Republic of Ireland under-17 team in Slovenia last week and looks like he was a promising future ahead of him in the game. Former Tralee Dynamos underage player and Camp native Rian O’Sullivan also has a bright future in the game after signing a three-year contract with Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion who are managed by former Republic of Ireland player Chris Hughton.

The highly talented youngster starred with the Kennedy Cup side three years ago and it was here that his prowess was spotted by cross channel scouts. A left sided player, Rian has been capped for Ireland Under 16s and had a few trials with various cross channel clubs, before signing for ‘The Seagulls’.

Everyone involved in the game around the county will be following all these players with great interest for the rest of the season.