Former Killarney Athletic AFC star Diarmuid O’Carroll, who went on to enjoy a career as a professional footballer before qualifying as a highly respected coach, has landed the biggest coaching job of his career in the English Premier Division.
The Ross Road native has been appointed lead coach with Newcastle United FC’s Under 21 squad.
He joins from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and in his new role with the Magpies, the 37-year-old will work closely with senior boss Eddie Howe and the club coaching staff.
Diarmuid will also continue his senior coaching role with the Northern Ireland international side where he works alongside manager Michael O’Neill.
A standout player with Killarney Athletic in his youth, Diarmuid went on to play professionally with Glasgow Celtic in Scotland as well as in England, Iceland and in Northern Ireland before pursuing his coaching badges.
When his playing days ended, he worked as a coach with Crusaders, Glentoran, Mortherwell, Morcambe and in the US before he joined St Mirren.
Of his big switch to St James’ Park, he said he is really excited and looking forward to getting stuck in.
“The club speaks for itself in terms of the size, stature and fan base. It’s a really exciting time now as well, with the new ownership and everything that is planned going forward,” he said.
Newcastle United’s Academy director, Steve Harper, said Diarmuid is a young, progressive and ambitious coach who will play a key role in supporting the talented younger players to progress to the first team.
“We have gone through a rigorous process and, in Diarmuid, we have an exceptional coach and person joining us”.
Another Killarney man making headlines in cross channel football is Colm Fuller who has just joined Premier League club Brentford FC as Director of Player Health.
A qualified physiotherapist who specialises on musculoskeletal physio and is skilled in strategic planning, former Dr Crokes player Colm joins Thomas Frank’s team at the Gtech Community Stadium from the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry, Dublin where he was head of physiotherapy.
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