City hero Roy O'Donovan hangs up his boots after a great career in both England and Australia

He had an incredible career which spanned for 20 years, and although he is still fit and capable of playing at a decent level, Roy O'Donovan felt the time was right to hang up his boots.

"I have a lot going on in my life at the moment with three kids and the travel to Sydney was getting really difficult, so I decided it was the right time," said O'Donovan.

I recently caught up with the former Cork City player as he watched City take on Finn Harps last Friday night in Turner's Cross. 

Home for a short period, The father of three reminisces about the great days he had with the club and looks back on his career with a smile on his face.

"It was great to see the 'Cross bouncing with energy on Friday night and to see the team back in the big time with promotion to the Premier division is fantastic for everyone involved. 

"Hopefully this group can have the same great success and European nights that we enjoyed as a group back in the day.

"Special memories that last a lifetime."

The decision to hang up the boots wasn't an easy one but one in which O'Donovan felt was the correct one.

"I'm still passionate about the game and feel really fit at 39 and feel fortunate to go out on my own terms.

"The past 12 months has been enjoyable on the pitch playing for Sydney Olympic and to score 20 goals and get into the team of the season I was going alright but as I said previously the travel was taking its toll.

"I have been very fortunate to be able to travel the world playing football for a living and see and play in different cultures.

"Surprisingly, I learnt a hell of a lot more about the tactical and technical side of the game down under than I did in the UK which tells you a lot about the standard of coaches and talent coming out of Australia. 

"Ange Postecoglu is the first of many I am sure."

A career that saw him play in Ireland, UK, Middle East and Australia, O'Donovan gained so much experience along the way both on and off the pitch, which has now brought him to his current posts as commentator and coach.

"As well as playing, I have been busy working on the sidelines for paramount + covering the A league games as a pundit and it's something that I have enjoyed and I suppose that helps me make the decision to step away from playing that bit easier.

"Watching football and giving an honest appraisal of what I see isn't a problem for me.

"I've also fairly recently formed an academy with a couple of ex pros in Australia coaching kids between the ages of 8 to 16 years old of a decent level that are trying to make the jump into the professional system ultimately and that's been a lot of work trying to make sure things are done in the right way from our end to give the kids the best possible chance."

Has Roy any regrets from his time in England?

"I would have like to have played in the English Premier League a bit longer of course and at times looking back on my career probably not trying to play through serious injuries that ended up setting me back a few times for longer than it should but things worked out pretty well for me in the end.

"I get back home every year or two to see all the family and I always try and catch up with as many of the old city boys as I can for a beer usually. 

"But Playing in Australia has been a really good move for me and my family and that's what matters when all is said and done. 

"Not many people get to play professional football for a living. I have done it for over 20 years and it's been a joy and a privilege."