UCD AFC centre-back David O'Connor spoke to ucdsoccer.com's Ryan Bailey ahead of last Friday night's league game in Drogheda
O’Connor has established himself as a regular at the heart of the College defence alongside skipper Mick Leahy and having broken into the first team in 2010, the Trim native hasn’t looked back since.
It was whilst playing for his local club, Trim Celtic when he was scouted by Belvedere before moving to the Dublin side for the rest of his schoolboy days. Paul Corry, Gary Burke and Stephen Doyle were all part of the same Belvedere side who won two DDSL Premier Division titles as well as being crowed All-Ireland champions on two occasions.
O’Connor’s impressive performances during his four years with Belvo earned him a trial at Nottingham Forest at the age of 17, however he wanted to pursue a college education instead and that’s when UCD came calling.
Martin Russell and Diarmiud McNally liked what they saw and in 2009, he was offered a scholarship and went straight into UCD’s successful U20 side. The 20 year old went onto feature for the “A” side before being drafted in the first team after the unexpected departure of Yael Haro.
“I have just finished my Arts degree where I specialized in Geography and History and achieved a 2:1 degree. I have also just been accepted to do a Masters in Geography starting in September which I am looking forward to starting.” He explained.
Much has been made recently about the balance of football and academic studies but O’Connor feels the two complement each other and he enjoys both.
“I feel that the mix of football and study complement each other greatly. Although at times it can be difficult to juggle both, especially during exam time, I feel that the two act as a perfect combination. It’s the perfect mix, and an opportunity that not many people my age can experience, being able to achieve a Third Level education, while also playing at the highest level of soccer in the country.”
UCD currently sit bottom of the Airtricity League table but have been extremely unlucky at times with injuries severely denting Martin Russell’s side but the centre back feels the team have come a long way since last campaign.
“In terms of results, it has obviously been a mixed season so far but I believe that the current league table does not reflect our efforts this season. I feel that as a team we are undoubtedly a stronger, more solid unit than last season, and are capable of playing some of the best football in the whole league. At times we have lacked some luck in front of goal but I believe that if we continue to believe in what we are doing, that is playing the right brand of football, our fortunes will change for the better and results will turn our way.”
O’Connor, who stands at over six foot tall is still learning his trade as a centre back and admitted he still has a long way to go in terms of development but feels Belfield is the right place to be for such progress.
A lot has been made of UCD’s involvement and contribution to the League of Ireland recently and the Trim native feels that the club don’t receive the praise or credit they deserve.
A lot has been made of UCD’s involvement and contribution to the League of Ireland recently and the Trim native feels that the club don’t receive the praise or credit they deserve.
“What UCD offer in terms of its scholarship system, its facilities and the brand of football that it promotes is unique to any other club in the league. One can simply look at the amount of ex-UCD players now playing at all the top clubs in the league to justify this. It’s a fantastic club for young players like myself.” He said.
O’Connor has already made sixteen league appearances to date this campaign and is looking forward to the second half of the season.
“The aim for this season is to reach the potential that we all know we have. To achieve that, our primary aim is to obviously remain in the Premier Division, however we are ambitious as a team and so want to push on for the final third of the season and climb the table”
A good cup run was mentioned a lot by the players and management before the season started and after Monday’s FAI Cup draw, the Students have been paired with Derry City in the 3rd round and O’Connor admits the Aviva Stadium isn’t a million miles away.
“We see the cup as a serious goal this year- With Derry up next in the Bowl, we will be confident that we can turn them over and claim a spot in the next round. It would be absolutely fantastic if we could reach the final. On our day we know we are capable of beating anyone in the league so an Aviva appearance is by no means out of our reach.”
Martin Russell’s side take on St. Patrick’s Athletic today and after facing Bohemians last week and the centre back feels their European travels will give he and his team mates an advantage.
“With teams playing Europe at the moment it definitely gives us a slight advantage in that the likes of Pats and Bohs may be fatigued from their European travels. However, as always, we will concentrate on our own game and let the opposition worry about us!”
Looking forward, the 20 year old centre-back is focused on improving his own game as well and achieving even more success at the UCD Bowl
“Personally I have a number of aims for the next few years. In terms of my education, I am looking forward to engaging in my Masters and achieving the best possible qualifications for my future. In terms of soccer, I aim to keep improving as a player and as a leader on the pitch. I am looking forward to the next few seasons with UCD and after that who knows what the future holds.” He concluded.
