A visit to familiar surroundings for U's boss.
U's boss Joe Dunne headed back to where he grew up on Wednesday evening, in the latest part of the team's pre-season trip to Dublin.Following another day's hard work in preparation for the new season, Joe took assistant boss Mark Kinsella to the Dublin suburb of Inchicore, where he spent his childhood years.
Joe's father, Joe senior, was manager of Inchicore Athletic in the early days of the club and lead the team to the 1977/78 FAI Junior Cup title.
And the current Colchester United manager's return to the home of his younger years saw him presented with a commemorative award from the current Inchicore Athletic committee to acknowledge 40 years of the local team.
"I caught up with a few familiar faces and a few friends of my father and there were plenty of people who came along to wish me and the team well for next season."
"I went along to pick up this award in memory of my father and his contribution to the team and also to take a look at the area that I grew up in. They're rebuilding the club and playing a lot of football now, so it was important for me to show support both from myself and Colchester United.
He told the official website: "Inchicore are a small club and I recall very fondly being ball boy for the final back in 1978.
"I went along to pick up this award in memory of my father and his contribution to the team and also to take a look at the area that I grew up in. They're rebuilding the club and playing a lot of football now, so it was important for me to show support both from myself and Colchester United.
He told the official website: "Inchicore are a small club and I recall very fondly being ball boy for the final back in 1978.
"So far, the
"We gave the players a bit of a break after some really hard work this week and many of them took the chance to go into Dublin for a couple of hours, so the club was well represented around Dublin yesterday.
Joe added: "We have got the name of Colchester United out there on our visit so far, which I'm pleased about.
As well as an appearance on Sky Sports News, the U's boss held a press conference with the national and local papers and radio stations on Wednesday, spreading the word on the U's visit and their growing links to Ireland.
It has been a busy time for the U's since being out in Dublin and the trip has been one that has received plenty of attention.
"They've demonstrated a real work ethic and a willingness to get on board with what we're trying to show them. The facilities are good and it's proving to be a very worthwhile trip so far."
preparations have been spot on. We have got through the sessions that we had planned, which have been tough but very enjoyable for the players.
"We gave the players a bit of a break after some really hard work this week and many of them took the chance to go into Dublin for a couple of hours, so the club was well represented around Dublin yesterday.
Joe added: "We have got the name of Colchester United out there on our visit so far, which I'm pleased about.
As well as an appearance on Sky Sports News, the U's boss held a press conference with the national and local papers and radio stations on Wednesday, spreading the word on the U's visit and their growing links to Ireland.
It has been a busy time for the U's since being out in Dublin and the trip has been one that has received plenty of attention.
"They've demonstrated a real work ethic and a willingness to get on board with what we're trying to show them. The facilities are good and it's proving to be a very worthwhile trip so far."
preparations have been spot on. We have got through the sessions that we had planned, which have been tough but very enjoyable for the players.