LEAGUE OF IRELAND legend Ollie Cahill announced his retirement from football today.
The 36-year-old hangs up his boots having clocked up 488 appearances during successful spells with Cork City, Shelbourne, Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers, Sporting Fingal and last season Bohemians.
He is one of the most decorated players of his generation – winning five league titles as well as an FAI Cup, League Cup and a Setanta Cup. In 2007, the winger also claimed the Eircom League Player of the Year.
Advertisement
Cahill was an influential member of the Pat Fenlon-led Shels side which dominated during the early 2000s and started in the historic 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna at Lansdowne Road in 2004 on his way to amassing a record 41 appearances in Europe.
Out of contract since last November, the Clonmel-native spent some time thinking things through and, taking into account the current state of the domestic league, feels the decision is best for his family.
I’ve thought long and hard about it over the course of the last few months and although I feel I still have something left to offer, I’ve reached a stage in my life where there are other priorities,” said Cahill on the PFAI website.
“The wages in the league now are so low that it would be difficult to justify playing when I could be at home.”
Having worked with the PFAI as Delegate Liaison Officer for the past three years, Cahill will continue that role. He also has a UEFA coaching badge but has now plans to go into management right now.
Cahill playing for Shelbourne against Deportivo’s Manuel Pablo and Victor Sanchez in 2004
And here’s an interview from 2009 in which he speaks about his distinguished career:
Calling it a day: Ollie Cahill retires from football
LEAGUE OF IRELAND legend Ollie Cahill announced his retirement from football today.
The 36-year-old hangs up his boots having clocked up 488 appearances during successful spells with Cork City, Shelbourne, Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers, Sporting Fingal and last season Bohemians.
He is one of the most decorated players of his generation – winning five league titles as well as an FAI Cup, League Cup and a Setanta Cup. In 2007, the winger also claimed the Eircom League Player of the Year.
Cahill was an influential member of the Pat Fenlon-led Shels side which dominated during the early 2000s and started in the historic 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna at Lansdowne Road in 2004 on his way to amassing a record 41 appearances in Europe.
Out of contract since last November, the Clonmel-native spent some time thinking things through and, taking into account the current state of the domestic league, feels the decision is best for his family.
“The wages in the league now are so low that it would be difficult to justify playing when I could be at home.”
Having worked with the PFAI as Delegate Liaison Officer for the past three years, Cahill will continue that role. He also has a UEFA coaching badge but has now plans to go into management right now.
And here’s an interview from 2009 in which he speaks about his distinguished career:
YouTube credit: leagueofirelandtv
Fined: Homophobic tweet has cost Michael Ball £6,000
The Departures Lounge: your daily transfer gossip round-up
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Airtricity League CALLING IT A DAY Cork City Drogheda Untied FAI Legend Ollie Cahill Player of the Year Shamrock Rovers Shelbourne Sporting Fingal