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Jimmy Dunne💚
Before you pile on Jimmy Dunne today, know who you're talking about.
Back in 2019, as a 21-year-old U21 international, the Dundalk native was linked with an approach from Northern Ireland. He shut it down straight away. He wanted to play for the Republic, and he waited years for his chance.
He earned it the hard way. Loans at Barrow, Accrington, Hearts, Sunderland and Fleetwood before making his name at QPR. In 2024-25 he swept the club's awards: Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year AND the Junior Hoops Player of the Year, voted for by the club's young fans.
Off the pitch, when 14-year-old Daniel Greer from Newry, a close family friend, was diagnosed with leukaemia and needed a bone marrow donor, Jimmy got DKMS to send testing kits to QPR, rallied his teammates and got the club to host a swab drive at Loftus Road. A donor was found weeks later🙏
And if you want to know what the green jersey means to him, look at him wrapped in his mam Sharon's arms after that heartbreaking night in Prague💔
Today he's been listed as Ireland's third-choice goalkeeper. Not because he asked to be. UEFA rules say every matchday squad needs three registered keepers, and he was the one asked to fill the spot.
He didn't make a fuss. He just did what the team needed.
The abuse he's getting for that is a disgrace. Whatever your view on this game, it shouldn't land on a player who has only ever given everything for this country.
The ultimate professional💚
IFB Media retweeted
Our friends at @HeadInTheGameIE are doing a survey on mental health in football
Would really appreciate if you could take the time to fill it out 💜
headinthegame.ie/general-5?f…
IFB Media retweeted
Scouting Series 6 Week 4: 20 Talents to Watch in the FAI National League! 🇮🇪👀
15 clubs. A brand new third tier. A pathway Irish football has long been missing.
Academy products, underage internationals, a dual athlete and a 16 year old starter.
At least one per club 🧵👇
IFB Media retweeted
(19) Ben Edeh
Age: 24
Club: Mayo FC
Position: CF
A dual athlete 🏃♂️
400m PB of 47.34, with national relay medals for West Coast AC.
Ex Sligo Rovers U19. Scored Mayo's first ever National League winner.
Raw and rapid, he could kick on as he grows into his body, like Ogbene.
IFB Media retweeted
(15) Ben McDonnell
Age: 20
Foot: Left
Club: Salthill Devon
Position: RW
Came through the Galway United academy and played MU20 Tier 1 this year v Pat's, Shels and Cork.
A goal and 3 assist on opening day in a 4-1 win over Letterkenny
2 more goals now…6 contributions in 6
IFB Media retweeted
(13) Jamie Gray
Age: 22
Club: St Francis
Position: AM
Clondalkin native who came through the St Pat's academy.
Made 6 first-team apps for Pat's across 2023 and 2024.
Can also play CM.
Wears the 10 for St Francis and set up Daniel Hickey in the 3-0 win at Letterkenny.
💥 Michael Noonan & Jamie Gray both scored Goal of the Season contenders in yesterday’s 7-2 win away to Bray Wanderers U20s
#StPatsFC #SaintsAcademy
IFB Media retweeted
(9) Anderson Sipho Dube
Age: 17
Club: Villa FC
Position: DM
Picked for Munster at the 2026 FAI Youth Interprovincial Tournament.
Has already started for Villa and came off the bench in the 3-3 at CK.
In the Villa squad that won the Munster Champions Trophy last weekend 🏆
IFB Media retweeted
(7) John O'Donovan
Age: 22
Foot: Left
Height: 1.88
Club: UCC
Position: CB
Converted from attacker to CB in the Cork City academy.
15 Premier Division apps in 2023, a First Division title in 2024, then 27 apps for Cobh.
2022 Ireland Schools POTY.
Can absolutely play higher.
IFB Media retweeted
(6) Jamal Sow
Age: 16
Club: Salthill Devon
Position: LB
The youngest player on our list and for me arguably the most exciting.
He started on their opening day win playing 75 minutes of a 4-1 win over Letterkenny.
Looks to be an electric prospect with his skill and pace.
IFB Media retweeted
(4) Finn Cowper Gray
Age: 21
Foot: Right
Height: 1.78
Club: Newbridge Town
Position: RB
Capped 3 times by 🇮🇪 at U15 level, and also holds South African nationality.
Came through the St Pat's academy with a spell at Bohs.
Has 1 Goal and 2 Assists from 7 National League games.
IFB Media retweeted
(3) Mark Imiren
Age: 22
Club: CK United
Position: RB
Came through Wexford FC's U20s, with the club praising his speed and determination.
Made his Senior debut v Galway United in 2023, re-signed for 2025.
Versatile across the back line has played at RB and CB for CK United.
How the groups look as things stand 📊
Villa, Home Farm and St Francis lead the way, with the three group winners and the best runner-up heading for the semi-finals in November.
Four games were postponed this weekend due to Storm Boelo, so plenty still to play for 👀
