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Draft:Paul O'Donoghue

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Paul O'Donoghue is a former professional footballer, educator, and Gaelic Football player. He is known for his time as a footballer with Tottenham Hotspur[1][2][3] and for playing Under-19 football for the Republic of Ireland[2][3][4], as well as playing Gaelic Football in the All Ireland Championship for London GAA[5][6]and for Kerry in the McGrath Cup.[7][8][9] O'Donoghue is also an accomplished educator, holding a first-class degree in Physical Education, and currently serves as an Assistant Principal for Behaviour at a school in South London.[10]

Early Life and Education

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Paul O'Donoghue was raised in South London, to parents from County Kerry, Ireland. He began his football career playing youth football for Welling United before being signed by Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 16.[4] O'Donoghue later pursued higher education in Ireland[8][9].[11][12][13]

Club Career

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O'Donoghue joined Tottenham Hotspur's youth setup in 2000 and played regularly for the U-17 and U-19 teams. His impressive performances led him to signing a four year professional contract and being touted as a player with a bright future and a potential first team player within 18 months[1][4][14]. He went on to become a regular with the club's reserve team, playing against players such as Dennis Bergkamp[15][16] & Wayne Rooney[17][16] and was subsequently included in pre-season friendly matches and testimonials with the first team.[18][19][20][21][22] O'Donoghue made three senior appearances in total for Tottenham, with his senior team debut coming against Colchester in July 2002.[23] Despite his potential, O'Donoghue suffered several serious injuries which curtailed his progress[4][24][25][14][26] and he did not make any competitive first-team appearances and was loaned out to Hornchurch,[27] where he gained experience in non-league football.

After leaving Tottenham, O'Donoghue retired from professional football in his early 20's to pursue a university education, despite interest from several League 2 and Conference clubs.[2][28]

International Career

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O'Donoghue represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level[2][3][4]

Gaelic Football

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In addition to his football career, O'Donoghue has a strong connection to Gaelic football. He played for London GAA[5][6] in the All-Ireland Championship and for Kerry GAA in the McGrath Cup[7].[8][9]Following the 2010 Kerry Championship he was he was among five players expected to make their National League debuts that year[29][30]. In 2010, he also earned a Sigerson Cup All Star, alongside Kerry players Shane Enright and Johnny Buckley.

Academic and Teaching Career

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After retiring from football, O'Donoghue pursued a career in education. He completed both his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in Ireland[12] and has now become an Assistant Principal at a school in South London, where he is responsible for overseeing student behavior[10].

References

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  1. ^ a b "Programme: David Pleat". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  2. ^ a b c d Doyle, Paul (2007-07-24). "From London's grassroots, Gaelic football could blossom into a global sport". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  3. ^ a b c Neville, Conor (2016-01-21). "Some Of The Most Famous British Born Gaelic Footballers". Balls.ie. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Up". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  5. ^ a b "London 2-05 Leitrim 1-12". 2007-05-27. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Leitrim lords as 13-man London founder". Irish Independent. 2007-05-27. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  7. ^ a b "McCarron can be London's Ozil says O'Donoghue - HoganStand". www.hoganstand.com. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  8. ^ a b c Brennan, P. (2010) 'Kerry's eye catchers, possibles and also-rans', The Kerryman, 20 January, p.109.
  9. ^ a b c "IT Tralee will mostly call on local player talent for McGrath Cup campaign". Irish Independent. 2011-01-05. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  10. ^ a b "Staff List 2023-2024". St Paul's Academy. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  11. ^ "Well done to our Trench Cup winners". Irish Independent. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  12. ^ a b "O'Donoghue linked with move to Stacks". Irish Independent. 2011-01-19. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  13. ^ O'Sullivan, M. (2007) 'Gaelic football has a worldwide appeal, The Star, 26 July, p.74.
  14. ^ a b "David Pleat's programme notes v Bolton". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  15. ^ "spurs (((on!))) res ars". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  16. ^ a b Collins, J. (2007) 'O'Donoghue earning his spurs', The Irish Post, 14 January, p.30.
  17. ^ "FA YOUTH CUP SEMI-FINAL 1st leg Everton 2-1 Spurs". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  18. ^ "Match Report - Colchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - 23 Jul 2002". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  19. ^ "Report: QPR 3-2 Spurs". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  20. ^ "Match Report - Watford v Tottenham Hotspur - 03 Aug 2002". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  21. ^ "Paul O'Donoghue and Tottenham Hotspur - Matches". thfcdb.com. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  22. ^ "Match Report - Gillingham v Tottenham Hotspur - 27 Jul 2002". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  23. ^ Goodwin, B. (2017) The Spurs Alphabet. Hertfordshire: Robwin Publishing House.
  24. ^ "LIVE COMMENTARY". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  25. ^ "Paul pulls through". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  26. ^ "One in the eye for Paul". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  27. ^ "Slabber to Swindon". Tottenham Hotspur. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  28. ^ Sweeney, P. (2007) 'O'Donoghue Eager to Prove Himself in GAA', The Star, 26 July, p.57.
  29. ^ Murphy, M. (2010) 'Wannabe Kerry stars ready to seize the day', The Kingdom, 5 January, p.79.
  30. ^ Brennan, P. (2010) 'Jack is back but McGrath Cup may fall foul of weather again', The Kerryman, 20 January, p.86.
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