The MU20 League of Ireland returns this Saturday, with Tier 1 featuring Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, UCD, Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic.
As Cork City U20s prepare to host UCD on Saturday afternoon, the responsibility of keeping the visitors at bay will fall to two goalkeepers who have enjoyed excellent campaigns so far this season – AJ Nash and Shane Hallihan.
Nash has been in fine form throughout the year and played a key role in Cork City's successful Munster Senior Cup campaign. The young goalkeeper recorded clean sheets against Midleton FC and Ringmahon Rangers in the earlier rounds before contributing to Cork City's 2-1 victory over Rockmount in the final, helping the club lift the trophy. Having joined Cork City's U17 setup in 2023, Nash has continued his development and has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts for the club's MU20 side.
Hallihan has also enjoyed a standout season. The goalkeeper has combined his performances for Cork City with international recognition, featuring for Ireland in this season's SAFIB Centenary Shield campaign. His highlight came in March at Athlone Town Stadium when he kept a clean sheet in Ireland's impressive 4-0 victory over Northern Ireland. A product of Castlebridge Celtic, Hallihan joined Cork City's academy at U14 level in 2022 and has progressed steadily through the ranks.
Both Nash and Hallihan have been in excellent form producing a series of assured displays and important saves for Cork City MU20s throughout this campaign as they finished second in the MU20 Group 3 table, five points behind St Pat's.
Their consistency, composure and ability to deliver in big moments have provided a strong foundation for the side, and Cork City will be confident heading into the new MU20 League of Ireland season with two talented goalkeepers competing for the gloves 💪
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