AS HIS PLAYERS were no doubt revelling in the achievement of Europa League progression last night, UCD manager Collie O’Neill didn’t stick around for the celebrations.
The Students lost 2-1 on the night in Luxembourg but a heroic second-half rearguard saw the League of Ireland side hold on to win the tie on away goals.
It was a famous night for all involved with the club and it was to get all the more memorable for O’Neill.
Once the final whistle went, he made a quick escape to the airport to catch a flight home to Dublin and after landing at 2am, arrived right on cue for the birth of his third child.
All in a night’s work.
UCD will now face Slovan Bratislava in the next round having already banked over €400,000 from their European odyssey.
Although the college were relegated to the First Division last season, they earned a place in this year’s Europa League via the Fair Play league.
Originally published at 14.33
