Trapattoni to visit county for gala soccer banquet

Soccer is very much on the up in this region and the sport has been given a boost by the news that Irish international manager Giovanni Trapattoni will visit Cavan Town next month. The Italian coach, who turns 71 on St Patrick's Day, will be the special guest of honour at a gala banquet in the Hotel Kilmore organised by Clones Town FC on March 20 next to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary. "We just got it confirmed today," stated Clones Town PRO Martin Shannon. "Giovanni Trapattoni will fly in from Italy especially for that night's event." The former Juventus and Italian national manager is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the sport and is a hugely popular figure in this country, having brought about a transformation in the fortunes of the Irish team while charming the population with an affable personality. The FAI landed a massive coup in signing the Rome native, who brought Irelan as far as a play-off for this summer's World Cup where they were cruelly denied by wasteful shooting and Thierry Henry's infamous handball. "Trap" will be joined on the night by FAI Chief Executive John Delaney and President David Blood. • There are a limited number of tickets still available for the event. For more details, contact Paula on 087 2618660.