Cork kid Mark O’Mahony becomes fourth Irish teenage Premier League player this season

The 19-year-old was introduced late on as a substitute for Brighton against Burnley.

21 October 2022; Mark O'Mahony of Cork City celebrates after his side's second goal, scored by Ruairi Keating, during the SSE Airtricity League First Division against Bray Wanderers. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Teenage kicks continued for Ireland on Saturday when Cork native Mark O’Mahony made his Premier League debut for Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 19-year-old was introduced late on as a substitute for Joao Pedro as the Seagulls fought back to earn a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

The striker joined the Premier League club from Cork City in January 2023, having made 11 first team appearances as well as representing the Ireland up to U21 level.

So far this campaign, the Carrigaline man has scored ten goals and assisted two in 11 Premier League 2 outings as well as being named in six Premier League matchday squads. This week, after signing a contract extension until 2027, he finally hit his breakthrough from Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking to the clubs' official website, Technical director David Weir last week said: “Mark has done really well since joining us in January last year and we’re very happy with his progress. We’re pleased to see him commit his future here.

“His form for the U21s has seen his regular involvement with the men’s first-team squad, and this new contract is recognition of that.”

O'Mahony is the fourth Irish teenager to play in the Premier League this season. Evan Ferguson, Alex Murphy and Nathan Fraser being the others.