The 'I don't believe this is happening' reaction from Jimmy Corcoran at the u-17 UEFA quarter-final penalty shoot out in May 2018. PHOTO: MALCOLM COUZENS / SPORTSFILE

Jimmy Corcoran set for First Division season with Wexford

Talented young Meath goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran is back in the League of Ireland following his departure from Dundalk last November after he completed a move to First Division side Wexford FC.

Corcoran has played for the Republic of Ireland at under-age grades and was propelled into the limelight three years ago when a ludicrous refereeing decision saw the Drumbaragh teenager receive a second yellow card in a sensational UEFA u-17 Championship quarter-final shoot-out against the Netherlands.

With the score standing at 4-4 Corcoran produced a spectacular penalty save from the Dutch captain Daishawn Redan, but was penalised for leaving the line despite having one foot clearly on the line.

Corcoran had picked up the first yellow card in that game after the referee deemed he was wasting time - it was a harsh call, but nothing compared to the second one.

The rule applying to penalty kicks and shoot-outs was subsequently amended ahead of that year's World Cup arising out of the decision by the referee in that Republic of Ireland v Netherlands game.

Jimmy has established a fine reputation as a goalkeeper and was a member of the u-16 Republic of Ireland team that won the prestigious Victory Shield in 2017.

He began playing locally with Kells / Blackwater in the NECSL before a move to Cherry Orchard and that was followed by a two-year stint with Preston North End.

He returned home last year and joined Dundalk where he was part of the panel for the Europa League games with fellow Meath man Gary Rogers a regular between the posts.

Jimmy Corcoran (left) with Gary Rogers and Greg Slogget after a Europa League game at the Aviva Stadium in October 2020.

According to Wexford FC, the Meath shot-stopper has looked sharp in pre-season training and is looking forward to the League of Ireland season kicking off next month.

He will be in the Wexford panel tomorrow for the pre-season friendly against Drogheda Utd at United Park where Meath man Timmy Clancy is the manager.

Looking forward to the new challenge Corcoran commented: "Hopefully I can play as many games as possible and gain as much experience as I can, Wexford is a great club and it's only getting better so hopefully we can push on this year and do well in the league."

Wexford's game tomorrow against Drogheda tomorrow is the first of three pre-season friendly games; next up is St Patrick's Athletic on Friday, 26th February and Waterford FC on Saturday, 13th March.