Stephen O'Halloran: 'I’ve always been a huge fan of Giggs and Neville and now they're my bosses'
By Aoife Geary
Cork’s Stephen O’Halloran hopes to take his team Salford City FC and its famous “Class of ’92” owners to the third round of the FA Cup tonight, by delivering another David and Goliath style upset.
Four weeks ago, Salford City beat League two side Notts County to reach the second round. The win was an “unbelievable achievement” that showed they “can play some good football”, according to O’Halloran. They will face Hartlepool United in the next round tonight and the match will be shown on BBC2. Tickets are sold out and expectations are high for the non-league Ammies.
.@SalfordCityFC's pitch is ready!
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) December 3, 2015
Live commentary v Hartlepool from 7:55pm on 95.1FM & https://t.co/1Nh3TqpLaw pic.twitter.com/2wdCN9pEN9
O’Halloran signed for Salford City FC in May 2015 but his career began long before that. At just 15, while his friends celebrated finishing their Junior Certificate exams, O’Halloran was preparing to move to his new home in the UK and the Aston Villa youth team.
From there he would sign for the senior team, go on loan to a number of clubs, earn himself two international caps, suffer two serious injuries and ultimately end his Premier League career as it had begun: without a single competitive appearance.
His first injury occurred while on loan to Leeds United; during the warm up for his debut. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was out for six months. After a strong rehab recovery, he was back on loan, this time with Swansea City. After just two months he injured the same knee during a match and was out for fifteen months. “It was a difficult time but it made me mentally strong.”
Even with his injury misfortune, the Cobh man has not become cynical about the game. “It’s a tough industry but it makes you appreciate doing what you love, when you might take it for granted.
”Football offers some amazing opportunities but you have to work hard for your rewards.”
A recent BBC documentary “Class of ‘92” followed the progress of the club under the new ownership of former Manchester United players and the Ammies have been enjoying the limelight.
O’Halloran speaks about Salford City with the excitement of a young fan rather than a seasoned player.
“I’m loving my football here, it’s a great team and we’re on the up. I’ve always been a huge fan of United legends like Giggs and Neville and now they’re my bosses,” he laughed.
The left back is six months from completing his degree in physiotherapy from University of Salford and ranks this as one of his highest achievements. “I’ve really had to work hard to combine my football and studies. Graduating will be up there with earning my 2 international caps.”
O’Halloran earned those two international caps at the age of 19 against Ecuador and Bolivia. In 2007, he won the FAI under 21 International Player of the Year award; the same year in which fellow Cobh native, Stephen Ireland scooped the award for young player of the year.
O’Halloran says: “There is no better feeling than being able to play for Ireland.”
Despite having spent half his life in the UK, he still calls Cork home: “It’s a beautiful part of the world. I’m still in daily contact with family and the same group of friends I had growing up. I’m very lucky to still have them in my life. We are still close and that’s what I miss the most. It’s hard to find time to visit.”
He looks forward to the future and combining his football and physiotherapy. “I want to continue playing for as long as I possibly can but you need to be prepared for when it’s all over. You never know, maybe one day become physiotherapist for the Irish team.”
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