Willie Lannon, Chairman of the school-children section at Thomastown United, recently spoke on the ascension of two former alumni.
Last weekend saw Ellen Molloy, earn a senior Irish Call up, be nominated for the Women’s National leagues young player of the year, and claim the Evoke.ie FAI Cup. Not bad for a week’s worth of work.
All though all these accolades came in just the span of a week, the hard work began many years ago at United Park. Speaking to scoreline Lannon was brimming with pride;
“We are very proud of her. She is a brilliant lady and goes about her business great. It is just brilliant.”
Colm Whelan was also once again on the lips of Irish soccer fans. This year has seen Whelan fire UCD to a relegation/promotion final against Waterford, in a season where he has grabbed 24 goals. Whelan’s exploits have earned him regular call-ups to Jim Crawford’s under 21 Irish squads and become shortlisted for PFAI First Division Player of the Year. Lannon said he will be shouting on Whelan against Waterford this week but believes what he has done so far has been amazing:
“Unbelievable. He seems to be in demand and just getting on with his business and firing ahead. It is great.”
Two players on everyone’s lips in Irish soccer coming from the Thomastown ranks has had a serious knock on effect for the club, which has seen their female ranks more than double their numbers, a fact Lannon is more than happy to inform us;
“It is great for the club, great for the town, and great for their family because they have put the work in also. It makes a massive difference, our girl numbers have gone from 50 plus to 100 plus in just a matter of three years.”
Check out the full interview and more on Full Time with Eddie Scally below ;
