Limerick connections inspires Republic of Ireland U17 soccer star to wear green jersey

STRONG Limerick connections have inspired Republic of Ireland U17 soccer star, Niall McAndrews, to wear the Irish jersey. 

McAndrews, who has represented Ireland at both U16 and U17 level made a promise to his grandmother seven years ago that if he was given the opportunity to represent Ireland then he would.

His Irish and Limerick connection come from his dad, Sean McAndrews heritage. Sean's mother Nancy McAndrew (nee Heffernan) hailed from Towerhill, Cappamore and is a place she spent the most of her life until moving to England where she met her husband from Mayo. 

Despite the family living in England for the majority of Sean's live he remembers traveling back to Limerick fondly. 

Speaking about the connection to Limerick, Sean McAndrews said "All our summer holidays were back to Cappamore in Ireland and it is a place where I spent a lot of time and have fond memories."

Niall McAndrews grew up in England and began his soccer career in his home town of Derby before quickly moving up through the ranks. 

There is no real connection to the game of soccer from either side of the family and his father Sean said "it was just something he was incredibly talented at from a young age."

Seven years ago Niall's grandmother, Nancy, fell ill before being able to see her grandson playing in an Irish jersey and since then he has made it his mission to represent Ireland as much as possible. 

After recovering from a horrid ACL injury which saw him out of action for four months, Niall is back on the field and recently represented Ireland with the U17 squad at the UEFA European U17 Championship qualifying round.

He continues to play his club soccer with Derby county, where the family are living now and aims to keep impressing with this current U17 Republic of Ireland team.