North American Irish Coaches Show

Molloy, who is from Dublin, hails from a soccer family: His father, Trevor, was a prominent striker in the League of Ireland. The younger Molloy began his career at Drogheda United in 2016 before moving across the pond to Keiser University (Fla.) and then Penn State. Molloy starred for Reading United AC in his college off-season's, winning USL League Two’s Young Player of the Year award in 2017.

Larry Mahony is a former FAI UEFA ‘A’ License instructor with over 30 years of coaching experience. He has provided expert coaching for players at every level of football in Ireland, from the youngest beginners all the way up to the professionals of Ireland’s National League. He has worked with underage international teams and – as coach on the FAI player education programs – was instrumental in the development of full internationals Roy Keane and Mark Kennedy.

A former youth international himself, he was previously a first-team coach at Ireland’s premier club, Shamrock Rovers, as well as Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers and Athlone Town. He was also a national league and cup winner as head coach of the University College Dublin women’s team.

We discuss coaching, LOI, the USA pathway and more!!

ENJOY!!!!

Patricia Hughes comes to the position as the College Programs Officer after three and half years as Athletic Director of Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. During her successful tenure at Salem, she led multiple community initiatives, developed a college-wide NCAA Compliance education program, and implemented and monitored Title IX training strategies plans and processes. Her career path has included not only athletic administration at Salem, the University of New Haven and the University of Montevallo, but a wide variety of NCAA committees and projects, head soccer coach roles at the University of Montevallo and Belmont University, assistant coach at Auburn University and a stint as Director of Operations for a large youth soccer club. She also had a playing career, which included both college and appearances for the Ireland Women’s National Team.

As a young player, Sean Kelly stood out within Arsenal’s youth academy. A talented center back with a high soccer IQ, he captained Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup and played with Cesc Fabregas, one of the most accomplished players in English Premier League history. Kelly also has caps for the Irish U17 and U19s. 

Through a series of unfortunate injuries, Kelly’s time with Arsenal came to an end, and he later played with Cork City, Galway United and Pike Rovers in Ireland.

Kelly’s life and career were transformed when he received a phone call from Lansdowne. The club offered him a chance to play and the opportunity for work in the construction business.

Kelly is now the first team manager at Lansdowne and is pursuing his coaching badges. A fantastic listen about the Kerry Mans journey. Enjoy!

Steve Guppy as a player appeared in over 550 matches as a professional from 1989 to 2008, including two separate stints in the English Premier League with Leicester City (1997-2001 and 2004). Guppy recorded 161 appearances for the Foxes as a left winger. Guppy also appeared for Newcastle United, Port Vale, Celtic Leeds United, Stoke City, Wycombe Wanderers, D.C. United, Stevenage F.C. and the Rochester Rhinos.

At the conclusion of his playing career, Guppy joined Gary Smith’s coaching staff at Colorado Rapids from 2009 to 2012. In their time together, Guppy and Smith went on to win the 2010 MLS Cup in a playoff run that saw the club give up one goal or less in every match. After his time in Colorado, Guppy returned overseas and joined the coaching staff of Sunderland A.F.C. in the Premier League. In Guppy’s most recent coaching stop, he spent the last five years working on the National Team staff of the Republic of Ireland along with Martin O’Neill before joining him at Nottingham Forest in 2019.

An incredible story that goes from being a construction worker to becoming a professional footballer!!

Enjoy Everyone!!

Don O'Riordan (born in Dublin) is an Irish former professional footballer and football manager. O'Riordan notably played for Middlesbrough, Grimsby Town and Notts County among others and has been on the coaching staffs at Sheffield United, in the role of technical director/coach of their feeder club Chengdu Blades F.C. in China. Don has also coached the Chinese womens national team in the Olympics and spent time in the USA as a player playing against the likes of George Best. O' Riordan has also managed in the LOI with Galway United, Sligo Rovers and the Galway WFC. 

A fascinating journey with some great stories and tales that include Brian Clough as well as some other famous players in the mens and womens game. No doubt a part 2 will have to take place on this interview!! 

Dolores Deasley begins her 13th season as head coach of the Jones College Bobcats in 2020.  Deasley received a BS degree in education from Hofstra University in 2004 and her master’s in sports management from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was an assistant coach for the Lady Eagles’ soccer team. During her senior year at Hofstra, Deasley was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year, the Colonial Athletic Association’s Defensive Player of the Year, First team All-CAA, Third Team All-American and First Team All-Region by the National Soccer Association of American and Soccer Buzz magazine. A member of the Irish National Team since 1999, Deasley has also played for the New York Magic, the Long Island Lady Riders, Bristol Rovers and was a Women’s Premier Soccer League national champion with the Long Island Fury.

Deasley is the daughter of William and Bridget Deasley and has five brothers and four sisters. Deasley is a native of Drumkeen in County Donegal. 

Paddy Barrett began his professional playing career with Scottish side Dundee United FC before being loaned to his hometown club Waterford FC in 2014. From 2015-17, Barrett spent three years with League of Ireland Premier Division powerhouse Dundalk FC, where he competed in a UEFA Europa League playoff match and Champions League qualifiers during his stay before heading back to Waterford on loan. Barrett ventured stateside in 2018 after being signed by FC Cincinnati, going on to tally 83 clearances, 34 interceptions and a single goal in his 16 appearances in the club’s final USL Championship campaign. Paddy currently plays for Indy Eleven in the USL Championship. 

Peader Cleary is a native of Waterford in Ireland and at 16 years of age moved to the USA to attend High School.  Peader went on to play at the NCAA D2 level and is now living and working in New York State. Peader recently opened up about his mental health struggle and missing home as well as missing the football life that college soccer gave him. 

This podcast talks everything from football, Mental health in the game as well as being away from Ireland and home during these crazy times. A great talk with two honest lads that will no doubt hit home with many of our listeners. Enjoy!!!