Fermoy family's success continues on the soccer field
One Fermoy family’s soccer success is on the up-and-up as local sporting star, Joseph O’Brien-Whitmarsh, recently made his first team debut with Cork City FC.
At just 17 years old, the midfielder took to the pitch to make his debut in front of a packed Turner’s Cross stadium, being introduced as a second half sub. Taking on UCD in the League of Ireland Premier Division on March 3, the former Fermoy FC player played his part, with the game ending in a 4-0 win for the home side.
On March 11, Joseph made another appearance as substitute, the Cork City FC Academy graduate being introduced in the second half away from home against Sligo Rovers, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Fermoy FC chairman, Aidan O’Mahony said it was ‘ fantastic’ to see former club members achieving such success.
“Joe was with us up to U15 when he went to Cork City FC. It’s great to see a lad coming through. We knew from an early stage that Joe was going to make it.
“He is a role model for all the youngsters at Fermoy FC, to see the hard work and determination that Joe puts into it. On behalf of Fermoy FC we wish him the best of luck,” Aidan said.
Last year, the local sports star was also amongst the Republic of Ireland U18 squad, taking the central-midfield position.
Coming from a strong sporting family, Joseph O’Brien-Whitmarsh is the second of three brothers to take to the pitch in Cork City FC colours, as his older brother, Beineon sported the number 9 jersey for the team before he moved to Cobh Ramblers.
Their younger brother, Sean, is also now playing with the U15s Cork City FC team, while all three had previously played for their home town team, Fermoy FC.
The boys’ father, Paul,
is also well known in sporting circles, having too played professionally when he was younger at a non-league level in the UK. He also played with Leinster Senior League club, Belgrove while living in Dublin and was also a player and coach with Fermoy FC for a short spell.