Drogheda duo answer Ireland call

DROGHEDA Water Polo’s youth policy will reap rewards this weekend at the EU Nations Junior Men’s Water Polo Tournament in the Czech Republic when two of their star players, Sean Gul and Aidan Mullaney will be on the starting team when they line up to take on Austria in their opening game on Friday.

The club was further honoured when coach Joe Smyth selected Sean Gul to take on the role of team captain at the event. This is the first time that a Drogheda player has had the privilege of captaining his country, and despite the fact that he plays in goal, Sean is a true leader both in and out of the water.

There are 12 nations, made up of 11 European teams and current title holders South Africa. Ireland have been drawn in Group B alongside their Czech hosts and their near neighbours Austria, so the atmosphere their first two matches is expected to be partisan.

Group A is made up of Wales, South Africa and Lithuania, and the Welsh boys will have their work cut out.

Group C could be called the North Sea group as it sees Scotland, England and Denmark go head to head.

England should edge this group with the Scots and Danes fighting for second. In Group D, Finland, Malta and Switzerland do battle with the likely winners of that one being Malta.