Former ‘promising’ Cork soccer player jailed for shoplifting offences

A promising soccer player who had trials with Glasgow Celtic as a teenager was jailed for a spate of shoplifting offences committed some 20 years later.

Before turning to address the crimes carried out by 38-year-old Daniel O’Donovan, solicitor Frank Buttimer spoke of the early promise in the defendant’s life that never came to fruition.

“He was a very fine footballer. Up the to age of 15 he was sought after by a number of clubs across the water. He was given trials with Glasgow Celtic. He was quite young and it was decided he should come home.

“So his talent did not achieve the highest level it could have. He did play football at a pretty good level here in Cork. The problem was that he started drinking alcohol. It spiralled to drug difficulties that included heroin,” Mr Buttimer said.

The solicitor said Daniel O’Donovan did manage to get clear of heroin but relapsed and got back into difficulty, resulting in these crimes. He is now back on methadone treatment in prison.

Speaking directly at Cork District Court, Daniel O’Donovan said by video link from prison, “I would like to apologise. I was going through a bad addiction to drugs at the time.” 

Judge Joanne Carroll imposed a total jail term of five months on the accused for the recent spate of shoplifting committed between June and September.

Judge Joanne Carroll said Daniel O’Donovan as she sentenced him, “I hope you will succeed this time in getting off drugs.” 

The shoplifting charges related to stealing sports clothing from Lifestyle Sports, Elvery’s Sports, and stealing cosmetic items and razors from Boots pharmacies, Walsh’s pharmacy in Carrigaline, Dunnes Stores in Blackpool and sunglasses from Egan’s opticians.