Sheeran selected as Young Sportsperson of the Year

Eoin Sheeran has been chosen as the Young Sportsperson of the Year in the 2021 Westmeath Independent Sports Awards.

The Glasson native was recently presented with his award in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone (sponsors of the awards).

Eoin made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland U-16 soccer team last year. The Athlone Town player started at centre-back as Paul Osam's Ireland charges defeated Malta 3-0 in an international friendly.

Reflecting on his delight at getting called up for the Ireland squad, Eoin told the Westmeath Independent: "It was very exciting. I was shocked when I got called in, I couldn't believe it. It was unreal to make my debut for Ireland."

The match was played in Malta's National Stadium, close to the capital city of Valletta. Apart from his pride at being picked to play in the match, one thing that stands out for Eoin was the heat on the day. "It was a scorching hot day, it was in the high 30s," he recalled.

Eoin also plays Gaelic football for Tubberclair and last year, he won two Westmeath U-15 county medals in the space of three months.

Tubberclair won the 2021 U-15 Division 1 title and the 2020 Division 2 championship (the latter competition had been previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic). Eoin played at centre-back on both of those Tubberclair teams. Tubberclair defeated Mullingar Shamrocks in the Division 1 final, with the Division 2 team getting the better of Killucan in their final.

"It was class to win the two finals and we won the Division 1 final with a last-minute goal (scored by Daire O'Connor) which made it even better," recalled Eoin.

Indeed, Eoin was chosen as player of the match in the Division 1 decider, with the Westmeath Independent report on the game stating: "The winners’ centre half back oozed class all through. His fielding, running and all-round skill levels were a joy to behold."

Overall, 2021 was something of a dream of a year for Eoin. "I even said to my dad the other day that I did a lot in 2021 and I've been trying to keep it going this year," said Eoin.

Eoin currently plays with both the Athlone Town U-17s and U-19s, and he has been on the bench for the senior team.

Going into fifth year in Marist College, Eoin is well aware that it will be more difficult to balance his sporting and educational commitments from now on.

At present, playing football for Tubberclair has taken something of a back seat. "I'm trying to focus mainly on soccer but also trying to play Gaelic as well when I can,” Eoin said.

Eoin started his football journey with St Francis FC and he is grateful to those who guided him from a young age.

"Robbie Wallace was one of my coaches since as far back as I can remember and Tony O'Sullivan was a big help as well,” he said.

Eoin is also thankful to the coaching staff at Athlone Town, to Cathal Tighe (manager of the Tubberclair U-15 team last year), as well as Tadhg Carey and Clive O'Neill for their help when he played with the ADSL emerging talent programme.

Eoin enjoys playing in the role of centre-half in soccer. "You're talking to players in front of you because you can see the whole picture," he said.

Still only 16 years old, Eoin is hopeful of getting a chance to play for Ireland again in the future, though he's well aware of the very keen competitive for places.

A son of Orla and John Sheeran, Eoin has one brother, James, and one sister, Aoife. John is originally from Dublin and Orla hails from Kenmare so Eoin's parents were on opposing sides when they attended last month's thrilling All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Dublin. No doubt, Orla was delighted to see Kerry win the match courtesy of a magnificent long range free from Kenmare's Seán O'Shea, with the Kingdom going on to defeat Galway in the All-Ireland final.

The previous Young Sportsperson of the Year in the Westmeath Independent Sports Awards was Dara McGuinness, who has since signed a professional contract with Stoke City.

Who knows where Eoin Sheeran's sporting journey will take him, but he has already shown that he is a name to watch out for in the future.