John O’Donovan, Cobh Ramblers

John O’ Donovan joined Ardfield FC at the young age of 5 and now, aged 21, plays his football with Cobh Ramblers since 2024.
John was a pivotal part of the West Cork Schoolboys’ and Schoolgirls’ League Kennedy Cup squad in 2018 – a time when Ardfield had a remarkable seven players on the squad and he was voted Player of the Tournament. He transferred to College Corinthians for six months before moving on to Cork City at U15 in 2019, working his way through the academy for his senior debut in 2022.
John also holds an Irish cap for U18 schools and he never forgets his roots at Ardfield, always so generous to mention his time here with us whenever he is interviewed.
John kindly gave us some of his precious time to committee PRO Catriona Griffin to a small insight into his life.

Ardfield FC wish John every success in the future both on and off the field.
AFC : When did you first start playing soccer?
JO’D : I first started playing soccer when I was about 5 up in the old Ardfield pitch in Carrigroe.
 
AFC :  Who has been the most influential person in your soccer career?
JO’D : My parents
 
AFC : Which club did you dream of playing for as a child?
JO’D : Liverpool
 
AFC: Do you have any pre- game ritual?
JO’D : I always put my left boot and sock on first while getting ready for a match or training.
 
AFC: What’s the most memorable game you have played in?
JO’D : When I scored my first league of Ireland goal for Cobh Ramblers against Bray Wanderers.
 
AFC: How do you handle pressure of big games?
JO’D : Try not to think of it too much. Just keep my daily routine the same such as going for a walk or waking up at the same time and eating the same as every match day and treat it just like any other game and I go into it nice and relaxed
 
AFC : Who has been the toughest opponent you’ve faced on the field?
JO’D : Jake Mulraney
 
AFC :  What does you’re your daily training schedule look like?
JO’D : Arrive at 5:30pm. Gym at 6pm to do stretching and get rubs. 6:45 team meeting. 7:15pm train until 8:45pm
 
AFC :  What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a coach?
JO’D : Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough

AFC: Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years’ time?
JO’D : In 5 years, I hope that I will still be playing soccer at a high level. I want to be a consistent leader and hopefully be captain of a team. I also hope I will be fully qualified as a PE and history teacher and be academically sorted so I can focus on my soccer career.
 
AFC :  What advice would you give to any young players starting out?
JO’D : Keep working on the basics like passing or shooting. Keep a positive attitude. Always listen to your trainers as they have experienced it all and are trying to help make you a better player.

AFC : Who would be your five ideal people to ask for dinner?
JOD : Van Dijk, Ronaldo, Messi , Marcelo, Roy Keane