Big boost for Westmeath as Ilunga gets Irish citizenship

Westmeath football has received a massive boost following the state’s decision to hand full citizenship to rising star Israel Ilunga.

The Liberian born teenager is regarded as the county’s most promising young player and is being tracked by Aussie Rules scouts. But Westmeath minor manager Tommy Carr said Ilunga has been playing under a cloud of uncertainty in recent seasons because of genuine deportationfears.

Ilunga, who has lived in Ireland for more than five years, was full-back for Westmeath in last Friday’s Leinster MFC defeat to Offaly.