Hotel Facilities Offer to New United Hopeful McShane

Manchester United's latest signing, Paul McShane from Kilpedder has been given a major boost by his neighbouring Glenview hotel which has offered him free use of the leisure facilities there until he moves to England in July.

Sixteen year old Paul, whose three year contract is United's first Irish signing in three years, will take a huge step in his sporting career when he vacates his role with Dublin club St. Joseph's to join the world's soccer elite.

McShane Family with Dave Bushell

`My ambition has always been aimed at professional football and I am thrilled with the United contract', said the Irish under-16 international who was actually head hunted by eighteen top English clubs.

While considering them all, Paul, with the help and support of his parents Sean and Ann from Glenview Park, narrowed it down to United and Leeds. It was eventually a week-end trip to Old Trafford and friendly persuasion from Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane that made him decide on United.

Part of the contract is the continuation of academic studies for this student in St. David's School in Greystones. According to United's Youth Development Officer, Dave Bushell who spent last week-end in Kilpedder with Paul, there is always the danger that serious injury could bring a sudden end to a player's career.

`We arrange the ongoing education of young players which, we feel, is a vitally important part of any contracts we offer', Dave told Wicklowtoday.com during his visit. He also sat down with Paul's teachers in St. David's on Monday to ensure them that United will be placing a major emphasis on further education.

The offer from the Glenview Hotel is a great boost for Paul who can maintain his level of fitness there when he is not tied up with world travel with the youth international team and until he travels to United in July.

Said Leisure Centre Manager, Michael Wolohan - `We are delighted to give Paul a helping hand at this exciting time in his life and we wish him every success in the future'.