Meath Sports Awards... McGrath's breakthrough onto the big stage
In the pleasant surroundings of Andorra la Vella, the small town in the Pyrenees mountains, Jamie McGrath stepped onto the big stage last June when he made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland.
The young Athboy man was sent onto the field after 88 minutes by manager Stephen Kenny to replace Troy Parrott who had scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Andorra in the friendly game. By taking to the field McGrath became only the second Meath man to represent the Republic at senior level. He followed in the footsteps of Darragh Lenihan who made his debut for the Boys in Green in 2016.
In early September McGrath took things a step further. He created a significant piece of soccer history when he became the first Meath man to represent the Republic of Ireland in a competitive international. He lined up to sing Amhran na bhFiann against Portugal in a World Cup qualifier at Faro with the home side made up of players such as Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva - and McGrath didn't look out of place among such exalted company.
McGrath went on to earn six senior caps for the Republic in 2021 making it a truly memorable year for him. Not only did he establish himself as an international he turned in a series of five-star displays for St Mirren and at the end of the 2020/2021 Scottish Premiership season he was named the club's 'Player of the Year'.
To cap the year McGrath was nominated in November for the SPL 'Goal of the Month' award for a brilliant curling effort against Livingston. In the January transfer window McGrath made the move from St Mirren to Wigan Athletic where he is currently seeking to make an impact.