The 2024/25 Premier League season kicked off last month, bringing renewed excitement after the summer break. Bandon’s own Conor Hourihane made headlines with a fresh start, returning to his former club, Barnsley, on a multi-year deal in June. The Irish midfielder, who previously captained the Reds to promotion in 2016, has returned to the club in a player-coach role.
Since the start of his career, Hourihane has captained three different football clubs over the years– Plymouth, Barnsley and Derby County. In early 2017, he marked a significant milestone by making his senior international debut for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. That same year, Hourihane also took a major step forward in his club career, signing with Premier League side, Aston Villa.
Conor’s earliest memories involve sports, with football taking centre stage. “I remember kicking the ball up against the wall at home and playing with my friends during yard time in school.” From a young age, he was “sports mad”, trying nearly every sport available to him. As a member of Bandon GAA Club, Bandon Rugby Club and Bandon Golf Club, Conor explored various athletic avenues. “I always loved going up to the Town Park in Bandon and playing soccer with the lads,” he says, a tradition he continues whenever he visits home.
Despite his involvement with multiple sports, including hurling and football with Bandon GAA, Conor ultimately chose to pursue soccer. “Sciath na Scol was always a big event in the primary school calendar!”
Throughout his youth, Conor steadily climbed the ranks, playing at U15, U16, U17 and U19 at local and club level. After starting with Bandon FC, he moved on to Douglas Hall FC, where his skills and reputation began to shine. “My dad always took me to training and to matches every week. A standout moment was being part of the Kennedy Cup team for Cork in June 2005 – those are good memories.”
While his talent was evident during his time with Bandon, it was at Douglas Hall that Conor’s career really began to accelerate. His impressive performances eventually earned him a spot on Ireland’s U21 team in 2010, marking a significant milestone toward his professional aspirations. “I always had a dream about being successful, maximising the opportunities I got and dedicating myself to all the chances that arose.”
It wasn’t long before Conor found himself on trials with several English clubs, opting to sign with Sunderland in the end. At the time, fellow Cork man Roy Keane had started his managerial career with Sunderland, creating a unique opportunity for Conor to join the squad under Keane’s leadership. With Keane being one of the most iconic midfielders in football history, Conor was fortunate to receive coaching and advice from someone who had excelled in the same position.
“Roy Keane has been a role model from day one. He was captain of Manchester United when I was young, and my dad used to take me, my brother Patrick, and my sister Elaine to Old Trafford. Starting out in my football career, it was great to work with Keane both at Sunderland and later at Ipswich. I’ve learned a lot from him.”
In 2014, Conor signed a three-year contract with Barnsley, a decision that would significantly shape his career. After an impressive start with the club, his leadership qualities were quickly recognised, leading to his appointment as captain in 2015. Hourihane became one of the club’s most popular players in recent decades. “My three years at Barnsley were fantastic. We had two big wins at Wembley and secured promotion from League one to the Championship.”
Over the course of 135 appearances, he lifted two trophies at Wembley, etching his name into Barnsley’s history.
In January 2017, Conor had left Barnsley to join Championship rivals Aston Villa on a three-and-a-half-year deal. “My years at Aston Villa particularly stand out, especially playing in the Premiership. It was a dream come true to compete at that level.”
2017 also marked his senior international debut for Ireland, with a total of 36 senior caps in total. Although the side missed out on qualifying for the Euros 2020, Hourihane was a key player in the penalty shoot-out.
“I would say my biggest achievement has been playing in all four divisions, especially reaching the Premier League. It’s a level that many people don’t get the chance to experience, and I’m incredibly proud to have made it there.”
It is known that teamwork, preparation, and adapting to advancements in training and nutrition are crucial to sport in today’s world. The sports industry has evolved significantly with more emphasis on these areas. However, social media, while influential, can be challenging for young athletes and isn’t always a healthy space. The West Cork man highlights how it’s important for young athletes not to get too caught up in it.
His advice to any young player hoping to maximise their performance is to eat well, get plenty of rest and recovery, and to prepare well for the game. “It’s as simple as that. A strong mentality, relentless work ethic and sacrifices is key to overcoming the ups and downs of sport. You get over the difficulties and move on to the next day. When it comes to social life, you must be willing to sacrifice. There are plenty of events, which I have missed over the years, but the sacrifice has been worth it.”
Conor has lived in the UK since he was 16, becoming familiar with much of England through his football career. Though he doesn’t get the opportunity to get home during the season, he looks forward to visiting in June with his wife and two daughters, to spend quality time with extended family in Bandon and West Cork. Family time is very important to him, and he especially enjoys a game of golf with relatives when he’s home.
His more recent move back to Barnsley is one he anticipated. “I’m delighted to be back in Barnsley in a player-coach role. I have a great fondness for the club from my time here before, and I’ve always wanted to return in some capacity.” He has completed his B and A coaching licence and is currently pursuing a League Managers Association management course. “Starting the next phase of my career here is something truly special, not just for me but for my family as well.”
