Mark O'Mahony: How his early days at Carrigaline shaped his Premier League breakthrough

Cork's Mark O'Mahony made his first Premier League start recently in Brighton's 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Despite the result, it was a memorable afternoon for the Carrigaline man who was later referred to as 'the next Evan Ferguson' by his manager Roberto de Zerbi.

A proud moment for O'Mahony's family and friends but also for his former teammates and coaches in Carrigaline.

I recently caught up with one of his former coaches and current club PRO Ken Dennehy, who was full of praise and proud of the talented youngster.

"To be honest when Mark's dad text me to say Mark was starting, I started to cry," said Dennehy. "It was one of those moments in life where it will be hard to forget. To say we were proud would be a massive understatement. The whole club and community of Carrigaline are so proud and happy for Mark and of course his parents Paul and Marian and his sister Sophie."

Dennehy coached Mark for two seasons but from a very early age, it was evident that Mark had the potential to be a star. His ability, hard work and determination are the reasons he's playing at the top level.

"I had the pleasure of coaching Mark for two years at U13 and U14 where he won a few Player of the Year awards and a few local cups.

It was very evident of his ability at that age where he always stood out amongst others and not just for his ability but his attitude.

"Mark joined our academy at five years old and even at that age you could see something special in him. That only got more obvious as the years went on. It was Mark's natural ability and attitude to everything including training that was superb.

HUMBLE

"He is probably one of the most humble guys I know. The humility he showed even at a young age was excellent. His relationship with his teammates has always been top-class.

Even if he had scored two goals and we took him off, he never complained because the guy that was replacing him in his eyes was just as important to the team as he was.

That trait of Mark's is not only very rare but also one of his most redeeming qualities.

"As long as I know Mark he has always wanted to be a professional footballer. 

His ability and unbelievable attitude to all aspects of his game were the attributes most prevalent that have gotten him where he is now and so well deserved."

Though Dennehy has yet to see him play live in the UK, he hopes to do so soon but believes there is plenty of time as he expects the 19-year-old striker to have a long and successful professional career.

"I haven’t been over yet to see him but rest assured it’s on my agenda as soon as I can. I have no doubt Mark will have a very successful career in England as a professional due to his incredible work ethic and drive. I spoke with him a few weeks back and he has a list of firsts that he wants to achieve, the first few of which he has already completed.

His first call-up, his first appearance as a sub and his first start, the next I hope is his first goal."

O'Mahony was part of a talented squad growing up in Carrigaline, some of whom played at a higher level. One of his great friends Ryan Delaney played a huge role in Mark's success and here Dennehy speaks about the impact of Delaney and his late father Edwin, another former coach of O'Mahony.

"They had a great side growing up which obviously, played a key role in Mark's performances. One team-mate of Mark's was Ryan Delaney, who is also a great friend of his. Ryan is currently with Cobh Ramblers U20 and recently got a call-up to the first team so fingers crossed there’s more to come from Ryan. 

"A few weeks back, Ryan's father Edwin passed away. Edwin was one of Mark's coaches and again Mark showed his class as he made sure to get home and support Edwin’s family during this difficult time. Ed I know was very proud of Mark's achievements and I’m sure he is looking down on him now smiling."