Kevin O'Callaghan

Kevin O'Callaghan (born 19 October 1961) is an Irish former footballer, who played as a left winger.

Kevin O'Callaghan
Personal information
Full name Kevin O'Callaghan
Date of birth (1961-10-19) 19 October 1961
Place of birth Dagenham, England
Position(s) Left winger
Youth career
1977–1979 Millwall
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1978–1980 Millwall 23 (6)
1980–1985 Ipswich Town 115 (3)
1985–1987 Portsmouth 80 (16)
1987–1991 Millwall 89 (14)
1991–1993 Southend United 24 (1)
Total 331 (40)
National team
Republic of Ireland U21
1981–1987 Republic of Ireland 21 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Early years

O'Callaghan was born in Havering on the 19 October 1961 to Paddy and Barbara O'Callaghan.

Playing career

O'Callaghan enjoyed two spells at Millwall as well as stints at Portsmouth and Southend. His most successful years came after transferring to Ipswich Town for a record breaking £250,000 in 1980, joining Bobby Robson's revolution at the club. O'Callaghan contributed to Ipswich's victorious 1980-81 UEFA Cup campaign, making five appearances during the run.[1] However he was not part of the squad for the final itself. He also earned a call up to the Irish national team, who he represented on 21 occasions, scoring one goal.

He was in the Portsmouth team that won promotion to the First Division in 1987 after nearly 30 years away, and then signed for Millwall, helping them reach the First Division in 1988 for the first time in their history. They stayed there for two years, and he stayed with them for a season after relegation.

A knee injury brought his career to an abrupt end in 1993.

Coaching career

Following his playing career Kevin came into his own as a coach, at Millwall he helped plenty of talented youngsters reach their full potential including the likes of Tim Cahill.

Other Ventures

O'Callaghan appeared in the 1981 movie Escape to Victory, cast in the unfamiliar role of goalkeeper alongside Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone and Pelé. [2]

Year Title Role Notes
1981Escape to VictoryTony Lewis - Allied Goalkeeper - The Players: Ireland

Family Life

O'Callaghan currently lives in Kent with his wife Mandy and daughters Kayley and Charlotte.

Honours
Millwall

Winner

Ipswich Town

Winner

Runner up

Portsmouth

Winner

See also

References
  1. "Games played by Kevin O'Callaghan in 1980-81". prideofanglia.com. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  2. Baker, Danny & Kelly, Danny (2009) Classic Football Debates Settled Once and For All, Volume 1, Ebury Press, ISBN 978-0-09-192851-3, p. 233
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