Callum O’Dowda staying in tune through steady rise

As a footballer, Callum O’Dowda seems to take all the big tests in his graceful stride – whether that be moving from League 2 Oxford United to Bristol City in the Championship, getting his first senior cap on the eve of the Euros against Belarus in Cork or, just last month, making his competitive debut for Ireland when coming off the bench in the 3-1 win in Moldova.

Well, not quite all the big tests, perhaps. Even though he is the grandson of Brendan O’Dowda, the popular Dundalk tenor synonymous with the songs of Percy French, Callum confesses he has not inherited the warbling gene: “I admit that, strongly.”

Which made his traditional initiation into the Irish squad — whereby every newcomer is obliged to sing in front of his teammates — a trial he struggled to pass.