George O'Callaghan
Encyclopedia
George Paul O'Callaghan, Jr., (born 5 September 1979 in Cork
, County Cork
) is an Irish
football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for DPMM FC.
O'Callaghan started his career with Port Vale
in 1995, he made 41 appearances for the club before joining Cork City
in 2002. He spent five years at his home town club, making 150 league appearances. This was followed by a return to English football with Ipswich Town
, before a brief return to Cork in 2008. In the summer of 2008 he signed with Tranmere Rovers
, before brief spells with Dundalk
and Yeovil Town
in 2009. He then returned to his homeland for short stays at Waterford United and former club Cork City. He was briefly with Cambridge United
in 2011, before he emigrated to Brunei
to play for DPMM FC.
at the age of fifteen, and was signed up almost immediately. After two years, he was offered a professional contract. After being named the club's Young Player of the Year, O'Callaghan was on the point of breaking into the first team in the 1998–99
season, until John Rudge
was sacked. Brian Horton
took over as manager and O'Callaghan was put back into the youth squad. Thirteen months later he made a return to the senior squad, scoring in a draw with Crewe Alexandra
. He stayed in the side for the rest of the season and signed a new two year deal with the club despite an offer from Tottenham Hotspur
. Port Vale were relegated to the Second Division
that year. O'Callaghan was top-scorer seven games into the 2000–01
season but was suddenly dropped after a 3–0 loss to Cardiff City
. It would be his last game for the "Valiants".
He returned home to Cork
in 2002 after his contract ended at Port Vale. Shortly after, he signed for his hometown club Cork City
making his debut in the opening game of the 2002–03 season against Shelbourne
in 3–0 home win in which he scored. He went on to form a useful striking partnership with John O'Flynn
. Following the arrival of Neale Fenn
in 2004, O'Callaghan was moved to midfield
by then manager Pat Dolan
, to accommodate the new player.
In 2005, Cork City picked up their first league
title in twelve years and O'Callaghan picked up a winners medal. He scored eleven goals in all competitions, including in the UEFA Cup, and was also announced as the eircom League Player of the Year for 2005.
In July 2006 he was given time off due to a falling out between himself and manager Damien Richardson
. In September 2006, O'Callaghan joined English club Ipswich Town
on trial with a view to a permanent deal. He remained training at Ipswich for the following two months, unable to formally sign because of UEFA's transfer window system. In January 2007, the clubs finally negotiated a deal despite strong words on both sides, concluding in an undisclosed fee (speculated to be around £60,000) which saw him sign an eighteen month contract with Ipswich. On his full Ipswich debut he was sent off playing in the FA Cup
against Watford
, after an alleged stamp on defender
Danny Shittu
. However O'Callaghan was to escape a further three match ban after a successful appeal. On 7 May 2007, O'Callaghan scored his first goal for the "Tractor Boys" in the 5–1 win over Barnsley
.
In August 2007, Ipswich agreed terms with Brighton & Hove Albion
to sell O'Callaghan for around £85,000, rising to £105,000 based on appearances, although this transfer fell through as the club and player were unable to reach an agreement on personal terms. He did however move to Withdean
on loan until the end of December 2007. He rejected the chance to sign permanently at Brighton, stating that chairman Dick Knight was being unrealistic with the wages he was offering both himself and fellow striker Bas Savage
. Both players left the club at the end of December 2007.
In January 2008 he decided to terminate his contract with Ipswich, having played seventeen games for the club, manager Jim Magilton
explained: "George is a great lad but he's 28 now and needs to be playing regular first-team football. We have not been able to give him that here and we won't stand in his way of moving on now." On 31 January 2008, O'Callaghan returned home to Cork City, signing a three year deal under new manager Alan Mathews
. O'Callaghan made his debut in a friendly against Shelbourne on 7 February. He then made his competitive debut against Dungannon Swifts
in the Setanta Cup
on 26 February, scoring two goals.
After numerous man of the match displays at Cork City, it was announced on 9 July that O'Callaghan, along with ex-teammate Bas Savage, had joined Tranmere Rovers
on a two year contract. However on 13 February 2009, O'Callaghan had his contract cancelled by Tranmere Rovers after suffering illness and failing to settle at the club. Returning to his native Ireland, O'Callaghan signed for in February 2009, scoring against Celtic
on his debut. He left the club after just four months.
In July 2009, English club Yeovil Town
confirmed won O'Callaghan's signature. On 23 December 2009 it was announced that his contract would not be renewed, after seven starts and five substitute appearances in six months, leaving him without a club. He returned to Cork City for a third time under new boss Roddy Collins
. After the departure of Dan Murray, he was named captain. O'Callaghan and the rest of the staff of the club became free agents after the winding up of the club in February 2010. He turned out for the club in a pre-season friendly at Crosshaven, but decided against playing for his local club due to the uncertainty surrounding their future. George signed for Waterford United on 8 April 2010. He made his debut in the away day defeat to Monaghan United. In his second game for the club he scored a 35 yard wonder goal against Tramore in the Munster Cup. He scored five goals in the "Blues" 9–0 victory over Tralee Dynamos
in the League of Ireland Cup on 11 May 2010, becoming the first Waterford player to score five in a game since Alfie Hale
.
At the end of June 2010 George decided to return to Cork City in order to help the clubs attempt to achieve promotion from the First Division. He made his debut on 23 July against Finn Harps
. He left the club once again before the end of the year. In February 2011 he joined League One
side Brentford
on a two week trial. He signed for Conference National
club Cambridge United
on non-contract terms in April 2011. However he was never utilized by the club in his brief time there.
In October 2011 he signed for DPMM FC, the only professional football club in Brunei
.
with Port Vale
with Cork City
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
) is an Irish
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for DPMM FC.
O'Callaghan started his career with Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in 1995, he made 41 appearances for the club before joining Cork City
Cork City F.C.
Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork...
in 2002. He spent five years at his home town club, making 150 league appearances. This was followed by a return to English football with Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
, before a brief return to Cork in 2008. In the summer of 2008 he signed with Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, before brief spells with Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
and Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
in 2009. He then returned to his homeland for short stays at Waterford United and former club Cork City. He was briefly with Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
in 2011, before he emigrated to Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
to play for DPMM FC.
Playing career
O'Callaghan went on trial with Port ValePort Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
at the age of fifteen, and was signed up almost immediately. After two years, he was offered a professional contract. After being named the club's Young Player of the Year, O'Callaghan was on the point of breaking into the first team in the 1998–99
1998–99 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1998–99 season was Port Vale's eighty-seventh season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive season in the First Division. It was the end of an era for the club, as manager of sixteen years John Rudge was sacked in January, and was replaced by Brian Horton...
season, until John Rudge
John Rudge
John Robert Rudge is an English former football player and football manager. He is currently working as the director of football at Stoke City....
was sacked. Brian Horton
Brian Horton
Brian Horton is an English former footballer and manager, who is working as Phil Brown's assistant at Preston North End.Horton played for Hednesford Town, Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town and Hull City as a midfielder...
took over as manager and O'Callaghan was put back into the youth squad. Thirteen months later he made a return to the senior squad, scoring in a draw with Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
. He stayed in the side for the rest of the season and signed a new two year deal with the club despite an offer from Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
. Port Vale were relegated to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
that year. O'Callaghan was top-scorer seven games into the 2000–01
2000–01 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2000–01 season was Port Vale's eighty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and first season back in the Second Division. A season of two halves, Vale were struggling at the bottom of the table when Isthmian League minnows Canvey Island knocked the Vale out of the FA Cup with a 2–1...
season but was suddenly dropped after a 3–0 loss to Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
. It would be his last game for the "Valiants".
He returned home to Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
in 2002 after his contract ended at Port Vale. Shortly after, he signed for his hometown club Cork City
Cork City F.C.
Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork...
making his debut in the opening game of the 2002–03 season against Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
in 3–0 home win in which he scored. He went on to form a useful striking partnership with John O'Flynn
John O'Flynn
John O'Flynn is an Irish footballer, who plays for Exeter City as a striker.He spent six years with Cork City, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup. He scored twice on his league debut for Cork on 5 July 2002...
. Following the arrival of Neale Fenn
Neale Fenn
Neale Fenn is a retired English born Irish footballer.- Early career :Fenn previously played for Spurs, making his professional debut in January 1997 starting a memorable 3rd round FA Cup tie at Manchester United in 1997 alongside Rory Allen, which Spurs lost 2-0...
in 2004, O'Callaghan was moved to midfield
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
by then manager Pat Dolan
Pat Dolan
Patrick Dolan is a former football player, manager, and executive. He is a soccer analyst on Setanta Sports Ireland.-Early life:...
, to accommodate the new player.
In 2005, Cork City picked up their first league
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
title in twelve years and O'Callaghan picked up a winners medal. He scored eleven goals in all competitions, including in the UEFA Cup, and was also announced as the eircom League Player of the Year for 2005.
In July 2006 he was given time off due to a falling out between himself and manager Damien Richardson
Damien Richardson
Damien John Richardson is an Irish football manager and former player. He currently has no club attachments, having left Cork City at the end of the 2007 season. Richardson formerly managed Gillingham in England and Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.Richardson's father...
. In September 2006, O'Callaghan joined English club Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
on trial with a view to a permanent deal. He remained training at Ipswich for the following two months, unable to formally sign because of UEFA's transfer window system. In January 2007, the clubs finally negotiated a deal despite strong words on both sides, concluding in an undisclosed fee (speculated to be around £60,000) which saw him sign an eighteen month contract with Ipswich. On his full Ipswich debut he was sent off playing in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
against Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
, after an alleged stamp on defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
Danny Shittu
Danny Shittu
Daniel Olusola "Danny" Shittu is a Nigerian footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers."Olusola" is a nickname for the Yoruba name "Oluwanisola" .-Early career:...
. However O'Callaghan was to escape a further three match ban after a successful appeal. On 7 May 2007, O'Callaghan scored his first goal for the "Tractor Boys" in the 5–1 win over Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
.
In August 2007, Ipswich agreed terms with Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
to sell O'Callaghan for around £85,000, rising to £105,000 based on appearances, although this transfer fell through as the club and player were unable to reach an agreement on personal terms. He did however move to Withdean
Withdean Stadium
Withdean Stadium is an athletics stadium in Withdean, a suburb of Brighton. Between 1999 and 2011 it was the home ground of football team Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.....
on loan until the end of December 2007. He rejected the chance to sign permanently at Brighton, stating that chairman Dick Knight was being unrealistic with the wages he was offering both himself and fellow striker Bas Savage
Bas Savage
Basir "Bas" Mohammed Savage is a professional English footballer who plays as a striker for Northampton Town. He is known for his trademark moonwalk goal celebration and his outrageous hairstyles which have gained him cult fame on TV's Soccer AM.-Starting out at Reading:Savage started his...
. Both players left the club at the end of December 2007.
In January 2008 he decided to terminate his contract with Ipswich, having played seventeen games for the club, manager Jim Magilton
Jim Magilton
James "Jim" Magilton is a Northern Irish former footballer and manager, who is currently employed as Football Consultant at Shamrock Rovers F.C. after being appointed on 6 July 2011....
explained: "George is a great lad but he's 28 now and needs to be playing regular first-team football. We have not been able to give him that here and we won't stand in his way of moving on now." On 31 January 2008, O'Callaghan returned home to Cork City, signing a three year deal under new manager Alan Mathews
Alan Mathews
Alan Mathews is a former Irish footballer and the current manager of League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne.-Player:As a player, Mathews played for St...
. O'Callaghan made his debut in a friendly against Shelbourne on 7 February. He then made his competitive debut against Dungannon Swifts
Dungannon Swifts F.C.
Dungannon Swifts F.C. is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club playing in the IFA Premiership. The club, founded in 1949, has risen from the Mid-Ulster league to the top tier in Northern Ireland since its election to the Irish League First Division in 1997...
in the Setanta Cup
Setanta Sports Cup
The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland...
on 26 February, scoring two goals.
After numerous man of the match displays at Cork City, it was announced on 9 July that O'Callaghan, along with ex-teammate Bas Savage, had joined Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
on a two year contract. However on 13 February 2009, O'Callaghan had his contract cancelled by Tranmere Rovers after suffering illness and failing to settle at the club. Returning to his native Ireland, O'Callaghan signed for in February 2009, scoring against Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
on his debut. He left the club after just four months.
In July 2009, English club Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
confirmed won O'Callaghan's signature. On 23 December 2009 it was announced that his contract would not be renewed, after seven starts and five substitute appearances in six months, leaving him without a club. He returned to Cork City for a third time under new boss Roddy Collins
Roddy Collins
Roderick 'Roddy' Collins , is a Irish former professional football player and current manager of Monaghan United. He has also worked as a television pundit, and is the brother of acclaimed former boxer, Steve Collins....
. After the departure of Dan Murray, he was named captain. O'Callaghan and the rest of the staff of the club became free agents after the winding up of the club in February 2010. He turned out for the club in a pre-season friendly at Crosshaven, but decided against playing for his local club due to the uncertainty surrounding their future. George signed for Waterford United on 8 April 2010. He made his debut in the away day defeat to Monaghan United. In his second game for the club he scored a 35 yard wonder goal against Tramore in the Munster Cup. He scored five goals in the "Blues" 9–0 victory over Tralee Dynamos
Tralee Dynamos F.C.
Tralee Dynamos F.C. is an Irish football club, currently playing in the Newstalk A Championship in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Tralee, County Kerry in Ireland, and play their home matches at Cahermoneen. The club colours are red. The team were accepted to play in the newly formed A...
in the League of Ireland Cup on 11 May 2010, becoming the first Waterford player to score five in a game since Alfie Hale
Alfie Hale
Alfred "Alfie" Hale is a former Irish footballer and manager who played for several clubs in both the League of Ireland and the English League, most notably, Waterford United, Aston Villa, Doncaster Rovers and Cork Celtic. During his career Hale scored 153 goals in the League of Ireland and a...
.
At the end of June 2010 George decided to return to Cork City in order to help the clubs attempt to achieve promotion from the First Division. He made his debut on 23 July against Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
. He left the club once again before the end of the year. In February 2011 he joined League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
on a two week trial. He signed for Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
club Cambridge United
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
on non-contract terms in April 2011. However he was never utilized by the club in his brief time there.
In October 2011 he signed for DPMM FC, the only professional football club in Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
.
Honours
Individual- Port Vale F.C.Port Vale F.C.Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
Young Player of the Year: 1997 - League of IrelandLeague of IrelandThe League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
Player of the Year 2005
with Port Vale
- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 20012001 Football League Trophy FinalThe 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
with Cork City
- Munster Senior Cup winner: 2003, 2004 & 2005
- League of IrelandLeague of IrelandThe League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
champion: 2005