Son of Mayo man makes his Ireland debut in Spain

The son of a Mayo man made his debut for the Republic of Ireland Under 15 team in Spain this week.

Brandon Finn Benoa, whose older brother John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa made his debut for the Irish Under 21s earlier this year, came on during Ireland's 0-0 draw with Mexico yesterday in their opening game of the Federations Cup Tournament at the Camps de Futbol Oliva Nova.

The brothers Finn are based in Spain, both playing for Getafe. Their late father, John Finn, hailed from Ballyhaunis.

Brandon was introduced to the action against Mexico in the 68th minute, in what was an impressive display by Jason Donohue's side. Ireland struck the woodwork three times during the encounter, and were a constant threat on the counter-attack.

In the 25th minute, Galway United's Kyle Fitzgerald forced a brilliant save from Luis Patricio Gómez Sánchez. The ball fell to Bez Agbontaen, whose shot hit the side-netting. Shortly afterwards Shamrock Rovers' Darragh Marshall was unlucky to find the net.

The best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute through another Ireland counter-attack. Ivan Graminschil broke down the left and beat his man before firing at the goal. Somehow the ball stayed out, striking both posts before eventually being cleared by Mexico.

Just after the half-time break Ireland hit the woodwork again, Cork City's Matthew Moore striking the ball off the crossbar.

In the 64th minute, neat work between Mason Melia and Marshall carved Mexico open again but Cathal O'Sullivan was unable to apply the finish. It proved to be the last clear-cut chance of the game which ended all square.

The boys are next in action against hosts Spain on Sunday (December 5), while the final contest is against Poland on Tuesday (December 7).