29 years ago this week: When a young Offaly man scored against Sunderland

On July 25, 1995, 29 years ago this week, Athlone Town hosted Sunderland in a pre-season friendly in St Mel's Park, following which Athlone's goalscorer, Stephen Grant, was signed by the English club.

It was a game notable for a number of reasons, not least the result (Athlone held Sunderland, managed by Peter Reid, to a 1-1 draw).

But the game was particularly memorable for a young Birr player, Stephen Grant, who was making his debut for Athlone Town. Grant scored the equaliser and signed for Sunderland in the wake of the game.

Our report noted that Sunderland, then playing in Division One, were 'bowled over by the enthusiasm and commitment of the home side who grabbed a deserved equaliser early in the second half'.

Grant's goal was "an unstoppable effort from the edge of the penalty box past Alec Chamberlain in the Sunderland goal'.

Grant did not make a first team appearance for Sunderland, but did play cross channel for both Stockport County and Burnley, as well as a lengthy spell with Shamrock Rovers, amongst other League of Ireland clubs, before later pursuing a career in professional golf.

Sunderland, then managed by Roy Keane, returned to Athlone for a friendly in 2008.

Athlone lined out as follows: Anthony Keenan, Frank Darby, John Murphy, Chris Malone, Jamie Jardine, Conor Frawley, Val Keenan, Rod de Khors, Stephen Grant, Brian Frawley and Michael Collins. Subs used: Shane Curran, Warren Parkes, Tommy Keane, John Morris Burke, Thomas Silke and Paul Brady.

Sunderland: Alec Chamberlain, Dariusz Kubicki, Martin Scott, Paul Bracewell, Andy Melville, Richard Ord, Michael Gray, Brian Atkinson, Craig Russell, Martin Smith and Gordon Armstrong. Subs: Martin Gray and Phil Gray.

Referee: John Stacey.