Blackrock native Jimmy Dunne became the first local player to be capped at full international level since Stephen Staunton when he took to the pitch in the 74th minute against Bulgaria in Sunday evening’s Nations League Group B encounter.
The 27 year old QPR defender earned his first cap when he came on in place of Bettystown man Evan Ferguson as his proud mother Sharon Treacy Dunne watched it all unfold in the Aviva.
It hasn’t been a straightforward journey or Dunne who was signed up to Manchester Utd’s Belfast academy at the age of 10. He would later move to Manchester and join the youth set up over there but at 19 hyear sof age he made the move to Burnley before embarking on a number of loan moves which saw him play in all four diviisons in England as well as the Conference. He would also play a season in Scotland where he played with Hearts during the 2018/19 season.
However, his wandering days ended when he was signed by QPR in 2021 and that move has proven hugely beneficial for Dunne who has become a mainstay in the defence while garnering a reputation for scoring crucial goals for the club. Last December Jimmy Dunne scored for QPR against Norwich City the day after his father Eamonn’s funeral and in the build up to the Ireland match he spoke of his determination to put on the Green shirt to honour his father. He did exactly that on Sunday night in front of his Mam as well as friends and family who all cheered to the rafters as he took to the pitch to help Ireland seal a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria. Speaking to reporters after the game he spoke of his joy in representing his friends and family as well as his parish in Blackrock.
“I’m not embarrassed to admit I’m absolutely thrilled to put on the green shirt and play in front of friends and family back home,” he said.
“All my family and friends from Dundalk were at the game, and loads of ones up in Dundalk, they’ll be absolutely delighted back home. It’s a great feeling. I’m representing a small parish, my GAA parish, everyone in Geraldines, it’s a really proud day,” he stated.
