News

Ireland star McClean sponsors GAA kit for former club

James McClean in action
James McClean in action James McClean in action

Republic of Ireland soccer star James McClean has extended a helping hand to the Derry GAA club he played for as a teenager.

McClean is remaining true to his Creggan roots by sponsoring a new kit for Sean Dolans, the club he played minor football with before joining Derry City FC.

News of his generosity comes during a memorable week for the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, after he played his part in putting the Republic back on course for qualification for next year’s European Championships.

The 26-year-old was also present in Derry for the birth of his second child and first son at Altnagelvin Hospital yesterday afternoon.

He tweeted: “Delighted and over the moon to announce the birth of my son Junior James McClean. Proud daddy now to two amazing beautiful wains.”

The player’s mum also told the Irish News last night that her son and his partner, Erin Connor, were delighted to have a little brother for their daughter, Allie-Mae.

Mrs McClean said: “James is just away back to England but he was able to be here as he was playing with the Republic earlier this week."

She also said James had been happy to help out his local GAA club.

“The ground was just behind our house so he would go over the back fence and up to play with Dolans."

His gesture has come as a huge boost for the Creggan GAA club after its clubhouse was destroyed in an arson attack in December 2011.

In Facebook post, a spokesman for Dolans said with the support of former players like James it made the task of rebuilding a lot easier.

“The club would like to thank former Sean Dolans player and West Brom and Ireland winger James McClean for offering to sponsor a new team kit for the senior team.”

He described the Ireland international as a “true son of Creggan”.

"James is a credit to the Creggan area and is a real friend of Sean Dolans GAC.

“Hopefully, when we get the rig, James will present it to the senior team.”