OZ adventure over, Anto O’Donnell is loving life with Ringmahon Rangers

For Anto O’Donnell, football has always been stitched into the fabric of his life. 

Now 30, the Carrigaline native is embarking on his second season back in the famous red and black of Ringmahon Rangers after an eventful spell in Australia and an impressive League of Ireland journey.

“It’s my second season back at Ringmahon since coming home and I’m really enjoying it,” said O’Donnell. 

"I spent time with Fremantle FC while working in Australia where we earned promotion and I chipped in with a few goals. 

"Leigh Griffiths, the former Celtic and Scotland striker, was playing against us and asked me to join his club the following year. 

"But by that stage, we’d decided to return home.” 

That decision brought him back to the club where he played schoolboys.

“I first joined Ringmahon Rangers 15 years ago as a teenager. It was the U15 season and we were lucky to lift a few trophies. 

"Limerick FC approached me about signing. I was only 16, juggling the Leaving Cert while training with lads like Joe Gamble, Stephen Bradley, Paddy Barrett, Rory Gaffney and Denis Behan under Pat Scully. 

"It was tough, but I learned a huge amount.” 

O’Donnell's talent earned recognition at national level where he represented Ireland at U18 under the late Ollie Horgan and also college international teams.

From there, O’Donnell’s League of Ireland chapter unfolded with memorable milestones.

“Making my debut for Cobh Ramblers under Dave Hill was special, and starting my Treaty United journey with Tommy Barrett stands out. 

"Scoring Treaty’s first ever League of Ireland goal at the Markets Field under the lights was something I’ll always treasure. 

"Being voted the club’s first Player of the Month meant a lot too. I still have great affection for Treaty and keep in touch with the manager and supporters.” 

Leaving League of Ireland football wasn’t easy, but life circumstances played their part.

“I told Tommy Barrett I’d be heading overseas after our first season, but he asked me to sign anyway to give the squad some stability. 

"I stayed as long as I could before Australia called.” 

Returning to his schoolboys club Ringmahon was never in doubt. 

“It was always going to be the red and black for me,” he says. “Since coming back, I’ve played with a few of the lads I knew from before, and there are younger faces in the squad too. 

"The Munster Senior League is getting stronger every year. Plenty of players see it as a good alternative to League of Ireland when you factor in work, family and mortgages.

“For me, it’s playing at a level that suits now at the moment and Im enjoying it hoping to push on now again this season. 

"Last season we played 46 games, reached five cup finals and won all but the FAI Intermediate Cup. The Premier League slipped away with four games to go because we were running on empty. 

"This season it’s one game at a time again—we want to maintain that high standard.” 

The facilities at Ringmahon Park have been transformed, something that gives O’Donnell particular pride.

“Playing under lights in the League of Ireland was always special, but to have those same Friday-night vibes at Ringmahon Park now is fantastic. "My dad has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, handling grants, planning and land acquisition. 

"What the club has done in the past few years is staggering—new 9v9 Astro, a clubhouse extension for the girls’ section, a relaid small astro, new car park, and now full floodlighting. 

"Chairman Paul Higgins, Secretary Sean Fitzgerald and a dedicated committee deserve credit too.” 

Is there any temptation to return to League of Ireland football?

“I still find myself checking the scores every Friday night. Never say never,” he laughs. 

"But it’s hard to juggle that level with a full-time job. I’ve been with Martin Scaffolding for years, and we’re just waiting on the keys to our new home. 

"Financially, it would have to be right.” 

Opening day of the new season brought a 1-1 draw against Corinthians under the lights last Friday and a good occasion it was. 

"We were off it in the first half and deserved to be behind. After a few words at the break, we looked like a different team—scored early, hit the post and the bar, and their keeper pulled off some saves. 

"I was happy with my own display, but the standards are high. Corinthians are a decent side, but you can’t give teams too much time or space. "We ll just have to build now. Football for me is as much about community as competition. Whether under the Markets Field lights or back home at Ringmahon Park, my passion is always there and with a strengthened squad and upgraded facilities, the coming season promises plenty.”