Local man realises Wembley dream

EVERY football fan’s dream is to play at Wembley Stadium.

For one Northside man that dream came true last weekend when he took part in a football match on the hallowed turf before the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final between Barnsley and Oxford United, the former winning a thrilling contest 3-2.

John Conroy, from Drumcondra, is an employee of Johnstone’s Paint’s parent company PPG. He was selected in a random draw for a Johnstone’s Sixes match, which took place less than 90 minutes before the main event.

The players and managers were split into two teams – Covaplus County and Stormshield Rangers. 

John, who has played a bit of 5-side in the past, works as a stockist sales manger at the Johnstone’s Decorating Centre in Dublin, and was selected to play for Stormshield Rangers.

The 48-year-old Manchester United fan said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out I would be playing at Wembley. 

“I go over to England to watch my team every couple of years but I’ve never been to Wembley before.” 

Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager for Johnstone’s Trade, said they were delighted to be able to offer their dedicated staff the unique opportunity to play at the famous London stadium, which is something even most professional footballers can only ever dream of.

“The Johnstone’s Sixes is always a really enjoyable part of the day with our staff, both on and off the pitch, getting into the spirit of things and creating some fantastic memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.  

Johnstone’s Paint has been proudly sponsoring the Football League Trophy for the last 10 seasons.