Irish Player signs for Dutch league team
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There are not many Irish footballers plying their trade on continental Europe but last Friday morning Clondalkin’s Ian Maher travelled to Rotterdam to begin his new career with Leonidas. Speaking exclusively to the Clondalkin Gazette’s John Barrington Maher said “ This is a great chance for me to pursue a career in football, it’s something I’ve always wanted and thought it has passed me by when I was released by St Patrick’s Athletic”.
Maher was on the books of St Patrick’s Athletic for four seasons and managed a number of first team appearances before loan spells at Shamrock Rovers and Kildare County. However, last November he was released and was promptly snapped up by Cherry Orchard manager Joe Somerville for the Ballyfermot clubs Leinster Senior League side.
The 21-year-old from Dunawley applied himself and was rewarded when the Orchard went on to pick up the title. It was his performances at the Orchard that sparked Leonidas’ interest and the Dutch approached the club seeking his services.
It was a second chance for the young Clondalkin man as he agreed as a 17-year-old to sign for Sparta Rotterdam but their relegation put paid to that opportunity.
“I was due to sign for Sparta four years ago”, Maher continued, “but they were relegated that season and some problems developed within the club and the deal was called off.”
“St Patrick’s Athletic came in for me and I spent four seasons there rising up through the under 21’s to the senior team and then I was sent on loan to Shamrock Rovers and Kildare County. My contract expired at the end of last season and was not renewed”
“Joe Somerville was on the phone to me straight away and I didn’t hesitate to sign for Cherry Orchard, a club I played for at schoolboy level, moving there from Bawnogue Boys when I was 12.”
“He [Joe] deserves a lot of credit, he gave me the chance and I feel I learned lots from him and my game improved. We had a great season and I really enjoyed the midfield role, it was hard work but very satisfying.
Leonidas are regarded as a feeder club of Sparta Rotterdam, similar to the way Ireland international David Connolly who, while at Feyenoord, played with their feeder outfit, Excelsior.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge. The club chairman flew over to do the deal and it was all done and dusted last Monday in Jury’s Hotel. I start training with my new club on Monday and I am really looking forward to it and I know it’s going to mean working hard.”
“The Dutch league season doesn’t start until September , they have their cup competition first so I expect to be thrown in the deep end as there is a tournament this weekend ”, he laughed.
A metal worker by trade, Ian was fulsome in his praise of his employers NK Fencing for their support and understanding while he also had a special word for his family and girlfriend saying “ It’ll be hard to leave but they are 100% behind me and I appreciate that a lot.”
