CLONAKILTY teenager Ethan O’Donovan has become the youngest player to ever play senior League of Ireland football for Cobh Ramblers.
The highly-rated striker, who came through the ranks at Clonakilty AFC, made his senior debut for Cobh on Friday night, coming on as a late sub in their 4-0 First Division loss to UCD.
But a disappointing night for Cobh was a huge moment for the former West Cork
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Academy striker.
‘At just 15 years, four months and 17 days, Ethan became the youngest player to ever play Senior League of Ireland football in the club’s history,’ Cobh said.
Not the result we wanted last night, but a historic moment for the club as Ethan O’Donovan entered the record books.
At just 15 years, 4 months and 17 days, Ethan became the youngest player to ever play Senior League of Ireland football in the club’s history.
Since making his… pic.twitter.com/hB0QiO4jJ1
— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) March 28, 2026
‘Since making his first appearance on 12th August 2023 — scoring a hat-trick — Ethan has continued to impress.
‘He finished as the MU14s top scorer in his first season, and followed that up with an outstanding return of 28 goals in 24 games last year, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Galway United and Cork City in the Tier One league.
‘A huge achievement for Ethan and the O’Donovan family and just the beginning of what promises to be a very bright future.
‘The first of many for Ethan last night and hopefully plenty of goals also.’
