North Antrim locals claim that Alexis Mac Allister is from hurling town

Lee Costello

“It’s been the talk of the town.”

County Antrim town Cushendall claim that Argentina’s World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister is from their neck of the woods following revelations that the South American has Irish links.

The Brighton midfielder has caught the eyes of those from Britain and Ireland with his celtic name, and facial features that would be more commonly scene in the local village than in sunny Argentina.

Commentators through the World Cup have often claimed that he comes from Scotland, but in an interview with the player’s father, Carlos Mac Allister, it wasrevealed that they actually come from Ireland.

Carlos admits that they have never visited the emerald isle, but that he “would love to see Ireland,” and now the town of Cushendall believes his roots belong there.

“Oh it’s been the talk of the town around Cushendall this week and the past two weeks,” said Dominic McAlister, speaking to BBC NI’s Evening Extra on Friday.

Dominic runs a corner shop in the village and described the street opposite his shop as being “all McAlisters.”

“A lot of the boys have been Googling it and it’s come up that (Alexis’) family comes from Cushendall,” he explained. “If you took the McAlisters out of here there wouldn’t be many left, to be quite honest with you.”

Former President of the GAA Aogán Ó Fearghail also took to Twitter to share a photograph of a Dickie Mc Allister – from Buenos Aires – who received an award from the GAA Federation in 2018.

Mr Ó Fearghail said Dickie’s family is originally from Cushendall, but has ancestors who moved to Argentina in the 1800s with his “cousin” now playing for Argentina in the Qatar tournament.

Cushendall wouldn’t be known for making many soccer players, and is a strong hurling community, with the sport being the core interest in the village.

Ferghal McAlister, who runs the GAA club in Cushendall, also told Evening Extra, Alexis is considered a “local lad” due to the perceived family roots in the village.

There’s no doubt that given a bit a practise, Mac Alister would have made a one hurler, but for now he will just have to stick to football and some big game he has to play this Sunday.