Former Ireland U17s boss O'Brien returns to Cork City in academy director role

Former City player O'Brien steps into the role vacated by Liam Kearney, who has moved into the director of football position.

Colin O'Brien is back at Cork City. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Former Republic of Ireland U17s boss Colin O’Brien has been announced as Cork City's new academy director.

Ex-City player O'Brien steps into the role vacated by Liam Kearney, who has moved into the director of football position.

Cork native O'Brien opted to take voluntary redundancy from the FAI and depart his role with the Ireland underage side shortly after guiding his young charges to the last-16 of the U17 World Cup in Qatar. 

After winning their group and overcoming Canada on penalties, their journey was ended by Switzerland.

During his time in charge, the former midfielder also led Ireland to the quarter-finals of the European Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Prior to his role at the FAI, O’Brien had a long association with City as a player, spending virtually his entire League of Ireland career, from 1995 to 2008, with the club.

“I am delighted to accept the role of academy director - it's a real full-circle moment returning to Cork City FC," Colin O’Brien said. "The club has a strong history of producing young players who support the first team and play major roles for both European clubs and the international team. 

"Liam Kearney’s previous work as head of academy has provided the first team with fantastic talent which has helped throughout the course of his tenure and especially this season. 

"I look forward to working in tandem with the various coaching teams, first team managers Barry Robson and Derek Coughlan, as well as Liam Kearney. I can’t wait to get started and build on what is already in place.” 

Kearney added: “We are delighted to welcome Colin as our new academy director here at Cork City FC. 

"As a former player, Colin knows the club extremely well and his reputation for nurturing young and talented players at underage international level is fantastic. 

"His reputation in the game speaks for itself, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him on board.”