Birmingham
school boy, Charlie O’Loughlin, will be making his debut
for the Republic of Ireland under 16 team against Austria in Dublin
on October 27.
It’s a giant leap forward for the young Birmingham City Academy
footballer. The opportunity arose after Vincent Butler, under 16s
Republic of Ireland Manager spotted Charlie whilst he was playing
for Birmingham City under 16 team in the Milk Cup tournament in
Northern Ireland, in July. A game in which Charlie was also the
Blues Captain.
Vincent made enquiries about Charlie’s eligibility for the Republic,
and as a result, contacted Charlie’s father, Mick, to enquire
as to whether Charlie would consider playing for the Republic of
Ireland.
Charlie’s father phoned him with the news, and the response
by the youngster was one of initial shock and then shear delight
at the opportunity of playing for Ireland.
Charlie said, “I was with two of my mates, John McNamee and
Luke Munnelly, at Bishop Walsh School in Sutton Coldfield when I
told them the news, I think they were as excited as I was”.
I asked Charlie, “why
Ireland?”. He said, “I have been involved with Irish
sports since
primary school, and have been a member of Erin Go Bragh team
at Warwickshire GAA and played both Gaelic Football and Hurling.
I have been a supporter of the Republic of Ireland football
team
Charlie in the green jersey of the Republic of Ireland (on Oct 27,
it will be for real)
|
Charlie’s Academy experience will stand
him in good stead for his Republic of Ireland under 16 debut, in
Dublin
for
as long as I can remember, and now I will be putting on the green
jersey for Ireland. I still can’t quite believe that this is happening”.
Charlie has played both Gaelic Football and Hurling at good levels. Along with
the rest of the under 16 Warwickshire team, defeated London last August to win
the County Provincial Championships.
His Hurling days are over though, as Birmingham City will not allow him to play,
as part of his Academy contract.
Charlie’s proud father, Mick, said that his son has shown great dedication,
especially over the last two years and is always striving to improve his
skills. He also said the call-up to the under 16 team was a pleasant surprise,
and many of our family and friends will be in Dublin on October 27 to cheer
him on.
I asked Charlie what sport, if he had a choice, would he love to pursue as
a career. He said, “whilst I love playing Gaelic sports, my first love is
soccer, and I would like to think that in the future, I will make the grade to
become a professional footballer”.
Charlie has promised The Harp an exclusive report on his debut for the Republic
of Ireland. Afterwards, I came away thinking, “this kid will go far, he
is a mature young man for his age, with an excellent attitude to life”.
I believe his future does lie in the ‘beautiful game’, I hope
he achieves all his goals. Good luck to Charlie on October 27 from everyone
at The Harp. |
