Excitement in Mayo with Finn in Ireland squad
Excitement is growing, particularly in east Mayo, ahead of tonight's Republic of Ireland friendly versus Senegal, which features John Joe Patrick Finn in the Ireland squad.
Finn has been a regular visitor over the years to his family in Mayo, enjoying summer holidays in Ballyhaunis.
Since his early days as an academy player with Real Madrid, to Getafe and now Stade de Reims, there has been great pride in John Joe Patrick's achievements in the community, and especially at his two 'local' football clubs, Ballyhaunis Town and Kiltimagh Knock United.
On visits to the Ballyhaunis club over the years, Finn was always happy to sign autographs for young players and join in training sessions.
The Ireland flags will be flying proudly this evening for one of their own.
And it's a similar story down the road in nearby Kiltimagh Knock United where the club archives record happy days with Finn, his family, including dad John and grandfather Mike, who lived at Devlis, Ballyhaunis, and young club members.
One club coach recalled a visit back in 2018. An Under 12 girls training session had finished when they spotted Finn across the pitch, kicking a ball with younger brother Brandon, who has also featured for Ireland at underage level, accompanied by their mum.
The warm welcome to the club was returned, as in previous visits, with photos with young players and the family happy to chat about football, their visit to Mayo and meeting family and old friends.
A club spokesperson extended best wishes to Finn and his Ireland team-mates.
“It has always been a pleasure to welcome John Joe Patrick and his family to KK. We look forward to someday hanging his Ireland jersey beside that of former Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph's in the clubhouse.”
Randolph's mother hails from Kiltimagh and he has extended family living in the local area.
And today there's another special reason to celebrate at the club: Former Kiltimagh Knock United player Thomas Morley, who now plays with Sligo Rovers, has been nominated for the Under 19 FAI International Player of the Year Award, taking place in the Aviva this evening.
“This is well deserved recognition for a super young talent and we wish Thomas all the best.
“With talent such as John Joe Patrick and Thomas on the national stage, there's lots of inspiration coming through for the next generation of young footballers in the county.”