Mario Goetze in action against Ireland U-16s in Kerry in 2008
Stephen McDonnell (left) looks on as his team-mates contest a header against Germany in Kerry in 2008
Mario Goetze is a man making headlines at the minute for a variety of reasons.
Not only has the German midfielder just helped his Borussia Dortmund team-mates to beat Real Madrid 4-1 in a Champions League semi-final but he has also secured himself a £31.5m transfer to Bayern Munich for next season.
Did you know though that the talented midfielder once went toe-to-toe with Dundalk midfielder Stephen McDonnell?
The former Quay Celtic man, who at the time was playing for Celtic, was a second half substitute for Ireland U-16s in a match against a German side which featured Goetze in Listowel, Co Kerry in April 2008.
Germany won the match – which also featured ex-Lilywhite Michael Rafter – 1-0 with Goetze going on to represent his country at senior level in the European Championships last summer.
McDonnell, who was vice-captain of Dundalk FC last season, continues to ply his trade for his hometown club and will be hoping to feature for Stephen Kenny’s side in Friday night’s home clash with Cork City, which will be shown live on RTÉ Two at 7.35pm.
Talk of the Town 