David Harrington on getting called up by two countries and lining out for Fleetwood

It was his first time away from home at Christmas, but having his mum with him, a full Christmas dinner and getting a clean sheet on St Stephen's Day softened the blow of missing family and friends.

Former Cork City goalkeeper David Harrington is now plying his trade with Fleetwood FC, the League 2 club based in Lancashire, and is loving life.

He left Cork City in 2023 in what was first expected to be a move to Everton. However a shoulder injury at the time meant that move was delayed and off to Fleetwood he went.

He's been there since and is really settling into life in the UK.

Here the 24-year-old Douglas man tells us about being a pro across the water and his experience of togging out for two different countries.

"I’m loving life in the UK, which has definitely been helped by playing every week this season," said Harrington.

" Playing with a smile on my face week in week, out is the most important thing and at the moment I’m doing that with Fleetwood. It's a great club to be part of, great supporters and I genuinely love going into train every day.

"My career since leaving Cork City has been a bit stop-start due to my two shoulder operations. While at times it's tough, like anyone who suffers an injury in their career, things have been great the past few months and I have since got fit and kicked on and got into the team and hopefully can continue playing for the rest of the season. 

There's no better feeling than being part of the starting team on match day.

"I had two shoulder reconstructions that have impacted me massively but I have had no problems since getting them both done and can only look back on them as moments that have made me stronger. As I said it was tough being injured but I strongly believe I learned a lot from that period, things that will help me become a better player and a stronger person.

"Obviously before I left Cork City there were talks about me going to Everton but I then got injured and look that’s football. Will I get that opportunity again? Hopefully but at the moment I’m not focusing on what is going on between clubs, instead I’m just trying to keep focused on what I have to do on a Saturday at 3pm. 

GOAL

"Of course, playing for a club like that is something I’m working and aiming towards. It will take hard work and I certainly won't shy away from doing such.

"I’m living just north of Manchester in my own place. Christmas this year was different as it was my first one away from home and the first one when I had to play a game the day after. But my mum came over and we tried to make it as normal as possible. I had a full Christmas dinner and felt great the next day," laughs Harrington.

This year now I’ve played 20 league games with eight clean sheets so far and also made my FA Cup debut away at Reading which was another proud moment bar the result.

"The ambition for me is to keep playing week in, week out and improving day by day. I want to get into more international squads and play at the highest level possible. 

OPTION

"I've had the brilliant opportunity of playing for two eligible countries, Ireland and Wales. I was with Ireland from U21 to First team and then with Wales' first team. 

"They were different in terms of settling in obviously as I knew a good few of the Irish lads before the camp but with it was going into an unknown but the Welsh lads were class with me and made it so easy to gel in. Both were so professional and learned so much from so many of the lads and coaches. 

"It’s great to have the option and I’m proud to have had a chance to represent both but my aim is to just play at the highest level possible regardless of who it is for. Looking forward to 2025."