Cathal Heffernan fulfilling his dream as he represents Ireland at Turner's Cross

Thursday sees Heffernan and his international teammates begin their bid to qualify for the UEFA Under-17 European Championship with Andorra the visitors to the banks of the Lee

Cathal Heffernan during the U17 inrternational friendly between Ireland and Mexico at Turner's Cross. Picture:INPHO/Ken Sutton

For Cathal Heffernan, lining out in Turner's Cross is the stuff of dreams, not just for him but for so many 16-year-olds in Cork.

That he will do so in the green of the Republic of Ireland only adds to the sense of occasion.