Son of Mayo native earns Ireland call-up as Hallgrimsson opens the door to fresh faces

By Caoimhín Rowland

There’s a new name on the Republic of Ireland squad list this morning, and one that might raise a few eyebrows and perhaps a smile or two in the county Mayo.

John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa, the son of a Mayo native and a footballing product of the Spanish system, has been named in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s extended panel for June friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has featured 14 times for Stade Reims since his January arrival, is one of four fresh faces brought into the fold as Hallgrimsson continues his exploratory mission with World Cup qualifiers on the horizon in September.

Also handed opportunities are Shamrock Rovers full-back Josh Honohan, Tottenham goalkeeper Josh Keeley, and midfielder Killian Phillips, currently on the books at St. Mirren after enjoying a solid campaign in the Scottish top flight.

But it’s John Patrick’s inclusion that comes with the added dose of narrative. Born in Madrid, the midfielder was eligible for La Roja, but when pressed on his international future, he pointed to the tricolour, not the red and gold of Spain. “I’ve always dreamed of playing for Ireland,” he said in a previous interview.

Finn’s paternal roots are in Devlis, Ballyhaunis, and the connection has echoes of Kevin Kilbane, the 110-cap servant whose roots in Achill became a cornerstone of his story in green, since Kilbane Sheffield United striker is the latest from the Mayo diaspora to represent Ireland at senior men's level.

Purposefully excluding Championship players due to their prolonged schedule, there's a sense that Hallgrimsson is casting the net for more than just cover as Ireland’s central midfield has been found wanting in recent games.

John Patrick is a physically imposing number 6, technically adept and can play with both feet, he is also a firm aerial presence, standing at 6"4.

Ireland’s friendly double-header, Senegal at the Aviva on June 6, followed by Luxembourg on June 10 will both be lacking in competitive risk, but the broader purpose is clear from the Ireland manager.

With no tournament this summer and a rebuild still in its early chapters, these fixtures are an audition space for players like John Patrick.

For Finn, he has bigger fish to fry domestically in the meantime, his club side faces Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup final on May 23.

Not a bad warm-up before potentially donning the green jersey for the first time in his career.