McGrath looking forward to new Colleges' season

Two Meath League of Ireland players, Jamie McGrath (St Patrick's Ath) from Athboy and Georgie Poynton (Dundalk FC) from Bettystown will be some of the 86 players from the league who will in action in the forthcoming Third Level competitions that were launched today.

McGrath (Maynooth University) and Poynton (Dundalk IT) will return to their College and University sides for the start of a new campaign.

The Athboy man is one of the top talents in the league who are mixing top level football with further education.

He was a nominee for the 2013 Meath Young Sportsperson of the Year, award.

Last Saturday he scored for St Patrick's Athletic in the EA SPORTS Cup Final victory over Limerick in front of a 5,000 strong crowd at the Limerick venue

'It was a great day for me, especially to win such a big trophy such as the EA SPORTS Cup and it was a great feeling to play in front of such a big crowd,' commented McGrath at today's launch.

'I had a decent run last year in the first-term and I'd hoped to continue it this season. With a few injuries in the squad, it gave me a chance so I took it and it's gone really well.

'We've got a few games in hand so we'll be looking to catch that fourth-place and we're also one game away from the Aviva Stadium in the FAI Cup which would be some experience,' he added.

McGrath is on a scholarship programme between the SSE Airtricity League club and Maynooth University where he can complete his further education.

The 20-year old believes the education and the scholarship programme offered in the SSE Airtricity League with Colleges and Universities is a huge plus for any player.

'I really enjoy playing college football so it's really good to be back for a new season.

'A lot of young players go to England from Ireland, but there isn't sufficient education for those players. I think it's important to get both done because if football doesn't work out, you can fall back on your degree or visa versa.'

'It's a great scholarship programme Maynooth University have with Pats and I'm very lucky to be on that,' he concluded.

Poynton is at Dundalk IT and has already played for the Dundalk first team and was included on the bench this season for a number of the European games.