Sam and Ben Curtis add to international experience

Brothers Ben and Sam Curtis from Navan added to their international experience when they played for the Republic of Ireland in friendlies games against Malta in recent days.

On Tuesday Sam was on the starting Irish team that drew 0-0 with the Maltese side in Paola.

Today the teams resumed action in another friendly. This time around there was no doubt about the winners as the Irish won 7-1 with Ben starting the game at midfield while Sam came on as a substitute.

The game was played at the Tony Bezzina Stadium the home of Hibernians FC located close to Valetta Harbour.

In October 2020 the precocious Sam Curtis made his own unique stamp in Irish soccer when he came on as a substitute for Shamrock Rovers in a game against Athlone Town become one of the youngest ever players to play senior football for the famous Hoops.

Ben has also represented Ireland at under-age level before receiving the call into the u-18 squad by manager Colin O'Brien.

While both brothers have been on the books at Shamrock Rovers they both are now part of the St Patrick's Athletic club and are regarded as two young players with a bright future in the game.

Mark O'Mahony hit a hat-trick for the Irish while Michael Leddy, Jad Hakki, Tom Lonergan and Alex Murphy also netted.

Republic of Ireland team and substitutes that defeated Malta 7-1: Jauny (Walsh ’23), Murphy (C), Ben Curtis, Heffernan, McManus (Ferizaj ’66), Ryan, Toure (Sam Curtis ’66), Gallagher (Mullins ’53), Hakiki, O’Mahony (Lonergan ’53), Leddy (McGuinness ’66)

* A goal in each half proved enough to see the Colleges & Universities selection get the better of the Ireland Amateurs 2-1 in an entertaining friendly fixture at Home Farm FC.

Meath goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran played his part in the victory as he was between the posts for the Colleges & Universities team.

The Drumbaragh man, who is a student at Carlow IT, recently opened up a new chapter in his career when he signed for Cork City.