Iarla O’Donovan

  • Iarla O’Donovan

  • Career
    Clubs

    Killorglin A.F.C,

    Kerry F.C.
  • Position
    Defender
  • Years at Killorglin
    2017 - 2024

Killorglin A.F.C Memories

Q
Looking back, what are your favourite memories wearing the Killorglin AFC jersey?
A
Winning Southwest Cup and Premier Division Kerry in 2024.
Q
Is there one match that you will never forget? Why?
A
Beating Salthill in Galway in the last 32 of the National Cup.
Q
What was your proudest moment/performance at Killorglin AFC?
A
Captaining my team in 2023.

Academy Journey

Q
What are your earliest memories of football with the club?
A
Playing in the Dragon’s Den with Batty Foley!
Q
What was your favourite part of academy football?
A
Traveling to away games on the bus with my friends.
Q
Who were some of your closest teammates growing up?
A
I was good friends with all my teammates. We were a close group.
Q
What lessons did academy football teach you?
A
Train hard, listen to my coaches and have fun.

Coaches & Mentors

Q
Is there any advice from a coach that you still think about today?
A
Attack the ball when it’s in the air!

Fun Facts & Quick Fire

Q
Favourite football player of all time?
A
Maldini.
Q
Favourite current player?
A
Hakimi.
Q
Favourite football team outside of Ireland?
A
Liverpool.
Q
Favourite position to play?
A
Right back.
Q
Left foot or right foot?
A
Right.
Q
Pre-match song or artist?
A
Drake.

Off the Pitch

Q
Favourite food?
A
Chicken.
Q
Favourite Drink?
A
Water.
Q
Favourite movie?
A
The Hangover.
Q
Favourite TV series?
A
Stranger Things.
Q
Dream holiday destination?
A
Los Angeles.
Q
Hidden talent that people might not know about?
A
Fairly handy at table tennis .
Q
Favourite school subject?
A
Woodwork.

This or That

Q
Messi or Ronaldo?
A
Messi.
Q
Premier League or Champions League?
A
Champions League.
Q
Score a winning goal or make a goal-saving tackle?
A
Make a goal-saving tackle.
Q
Training session or match day?
A
Match day.
Q
Boots: Classic Black or Bright Colours?
A
Bright Colours

Final Reflection

Q
If you could speak to your younger self on the first day at Killorglin AFC, what would you say?
A
No matter setbacks you get, use them as opportunities to come back stronger.
Q
In one word, describe your football journey.
A
Eventful.
Q
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
A
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.