'To do it for my grandfather, would be a dream' - Kevin O'Toole embraces Irish call-up

IRISH ROOTS: Kevin O'Toole is hoping for a long international Ireland career. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland’s last US-born resident to debut for Ireland, Joe Lapira, entered a unique type of folklore so Kevin O’Toole is intent on ensuring longevity to his Ireland carer.

Everything about the Lapira cameo in 2007 chimed with the chaotic end to Steve Staunton’s era, from how he was nominated through an FAI employee and the swiftness with which he strayed from the picture.

O’Toole’s case is different. He’s something of a late developer but at 26 he’s got the experience of marshalling Lionel Messi for New York City in the Major League Soccer.

He could also profit from timing, as options for the left-back or left wing-back berth are threadbare. Getting thrust into his bow for a crunch World Cup qualifier against group leaders Portugal in front of a 51,000 sold-out Lansdowne Road on Thursday would be a chapter in his story like no other.

Killian Phillips – another debutant this year – was born and lived in San Diego until the age of five before moving to Dublin, whereas O’Toole is third-generation Irish part of a New Jersey community for his lifetime.

Like many of his generation, O’Toole’s grandfather emigrated from Dún Laoghaire in 1958. His sister Jillian was first to activate her Irish roots for football by joining Treaty United this season and her brother is the bolter among Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad this week.

“It’s not a traditional path but I think it allowed me to hone a lot of my attacking skills and position me well for my professional career in America,” said O’Toole about his developing through the collegiate system.

“I did four years at school and took one year off because the football season at school was going to be cancelled during covid.

“To earn that last year of athletic eligibility, I had to take the year off.

“I spent a lot of time training with the New York Red Bulls second division team there.

“I was later drafted after that final college season to New York City Football Club, the New York Red Bulls’ rival club.” 

Their neighbours, part of the Manchester City umbrella group, is where O’Toole has flourished. Hallgrímsson was scouting the team in his previous role at Jamaica and explored when he heard the Irish-sounding name.

“The discussions really started back in February when I had a conversation over the phone with Heimir,” he explained.

“He coached one of my current club teammates, Tayvon Gray, at Jamaica previously.

“He contacted Tayvon, and he did a nice little service in talking up to the coach. From there, it was just about finding the right moment. It couldn’t be a bigger moment for it, so I’m really happy.

“These two games against Portugal and Hungary are huge but to represent Ireland, to do it for my grandfather, would be a dream. Hopefully it’s the start of a long international career.

“We’ve got really strong Irish roots and connection. I'm a proud descendant of an Irishman and he’s always instilled those values in us.”