'He's horizontal' - Laidback Caoimhín Kelleher's journey from Ringmahon to Ireland No 1

The Brentford shotstopper has been reflecting on his career so far and his proudest moment with Ireland

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025 - 10:36

Examiner Sport

As the Boys in Green emerge from an international window which saw them keep their World Cup hopes on life support, Ireland's star goalkeeper -- and his international teammates -- reflect on Caoimhín Kelleher's journey from Cork schoolboys soccer to stopping the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brentford No 1 saved a penalty from the Portugal talisman in Lisbon last Saturday night and was at the heart of the defence which helped Heimir Hallgrímsson's side to a crucial 1-0 win over Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday.

“He’s honestly one of the most laid-back men you’ll ever meet," says John Egan in a new Sky video. "He’s horizontal.”

Striker Adam Idah agrees and talks about the experience Kelleher brings to the Irish squad having won some of the biggest prizes in the game. He said: “Everyone has their own different leadership skills and Caoimhín is a big key figure in the dressing room. He has a lot of experience in winning the Premier League – one of the best things you can do. And it’s the same at international (level). I don’t know how many times where he’s saved us in games.”

A Premier League winner with Liverpool, Kelleher graduated from underage football on Leeside with Ringmahon Rangers. Chairman Paul Higgins recalls Kelleher’s early composure: “Calmness was running through him from a very young age.”