It’s certainly been a week to remember for youngster Senan Mullen.
After making his first-team debut in the 5-0 win over Cork City at Oriel Park last Monday night, the 18-year-old followed it up with a cameo appearance in the Louth Derby win over Drogheda United on Friday night.
Senan, who missed almost five months of the season with a broken foot, also played a key role in our MU19 team’s 5-2 win over Longford Town on Sunday and speaking to dundalkfc.com, he reflected on a memorable seven days.
“It was the first time I’ve been on the bench for a Louth Derby,” he said. ”Seeing the whole atmosphere and all before the game…and then to get on, was brilliant, so I really enjoyed it. It was a good win as well.”
The Cootehill native made his competitive debut for Dundalk four nights earlier when he appeared as a 77th-minute substitute for Darren Brownlie against Cork, and he revealed that he was given a pre-match heads-up by Stephen O’Donnell.
Senan Mullen prepares to come on in the Louth Derby win over Drogheda United. Photo: Gerry Scully
“When we were winning, I was hoping I’d get a go,” he said. “He (Stephen) had a word with me before the game and just told me to keep an eye on the game and see how it was progressing and I was able to do that.
“I really enjoyed it,” he added, “and I thought I done alright. I waited a long time to get a crack and I’m just delighted that I got a go and hopefully, now I can push on and get more opportunities. ”
Mullen has represented the Republic of Ireland at U17 and U18 level and was nominated for the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools Player of the Year award at this year’s FAI International Awards.
The Irish MU19 team are in action next week when they face Scotland and the Faroe Islands in a friendly double header in Spain and he is hoping that his recent performances may have helped him catch the eye of Tom Mohan.
“I hope so,” he said. “I was out for a long time and I missed a lot of the camps and stuff so it’s just about working hard, trying to get better and trying to force my way in any way I can.”
