Shay caps a great week with visit
HAVING had the honour of representing his country on the international stage Shay O’Leary, a young goalkeeper from Mannix Place, was awarded something which he’ll treasure for the rest of his days.
Following two games for Ireland’s Under-15s last month, both of which they won, the young goalkeeper was presented with his first international cap, a landmark occasion in his promising career. And when his aunt suggested Shay bring the cap to her workplace, St Brigid’s Day Care Centre, he was only too happy to oblige.
Mairéad O’Sullivan is a nurse at the Centre and she said the visit of the 14-year-old CBS student was a lovely surprise for the residents.
‘He took time off school to come and visit us,’ Mairéad said. ‘They were really delighted to see him, none of them had ever seen an international cap before. He’s a lovely, friendly lad, he spent time with everyone and explained how he won the cap.’
And when it came to offering tips for his career moving forward the residents suggested Shay stay exactly as he is.
‘They didn’t really have any advice for him, they just said to him not to change his lovely personality, his disposition, and to remain the jovial lad he is,’ Mairéad said.
Shay’s career began at North End before he moved on to Wexford Albion. However, at the end of the summer he received an offer to join Ireland’s most illustrious club, Shamrock Rovers. ‘He goes up and down to Dublin twice a week and at the weekends,’ said Shay’s mam Denise. ‘We drive him up and down, it’s a massive commitment but it’s an opportunity for him
‘He’s always played in goal, he just loves it, he’s a bit crazy. He used to play football and hurling too but he gave them up to focus on the soccer.’
That focus saw the teenager play his third game for his country against England last Friday in St George’s Park National Football Centre.
Saying she and the rest of the family are ‘incredibly proud’ of him, Denise said Shay undergoes something of a transformation as soon as he steps over the while line. ‘He’s quite quiet in himself at home, but once he goes out on the pitch he changes, transforms. He doesn’t let anything get to him, he takes it all in his stride.’
Shay’s cap is now with grandparents Noel and Bernadette, recognition of the support they have provided throughout his career.