29 Facts About Liam Kearney

Liam Kearney, nicknamed "The Conna Maradona", is an Irish former professional footballer associated primarily with Cork City in the League of Ireland.

Liam Kearney played mainly on the left wing and represented the Republic of Ireland U21 team on seven occasions, scoring once.

Liam Kearney joined Nottingham Forest from Fermoy United after previously playing for Valley Rangers.

Liam Kearney was the star of the Cork Schoolboys League Kennedy Cup team in 1998 and as a result signed with Nottingham Forest in 1999.

Whilst with Forest, Liam Kearney won the U19 FA Premier League.

Liam Kearney appeared many times for several of the underage Irish national teams, from U16 to U20.

Liam Kearney played in the U16 European championships in Israel and finished 3rd in Norway in the U19 European Championships.

Liam Kearney left Cork City for Shelbourne in 2006 following an offer from Dutch Premier Division side Heerenveen was denied to the disappointment of the player.

Liam Kearney joined Shelbourne from the then league champions, Cork City, on a free transfer in January 2006.

Liam Kearney was limited to few first team opportunities, making just 10 league appearances throughout the season, scoring once.

Liam Kearney returned in time to take a left wing berth in a friendly against English Championship side Sunderland.

Liam Kearney failed to break into the first team upon his return, but was rewarded with his second league winners medal in two years, as Shelbourne clinched the title on the last day.

Liam Kearney has described his time in Dublin as "disappointing".

Liam Kearney departed Shelbourne on 22 January 2007 to rejoin Cork City, signing a two-year contract.

Liam Kearney scored the winning goal in Cork City's Setanta Sports Cup final win over Glentoran but because of City's failure to offer him a new contract due to financial turmoil, Kearney left for Derry City after being approached by Stephen Kenny.

Liam Kearney missed Derry's UEFA Europa League games, which saw them knock out Skonto Riga and run CSKA Sofia close.

Liam Kearney expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in Europe however he said once he regained fitness he was looking forward to helping the Candystripes challenge for the League of Ireland title.

Liam Kearney signed for Waterford United in what was a significant coup for the club.

Liam Kearney became a fans' favourite within his first 5 games scoring the winner against his old club Derry City in his second game.

Liam Kearney was a big influence in Waterford United's push for the promotion towards the end of the season.

Liam Kearney scored 5 league goals and played 30 league games before leaving the club.

Liam Kearney signed for Australian Victorian Premier League side Dandenong Thunder SC in January 2011.

Liam Kearney returned to Cork City FC at the start of the 2014 season from Avondale United, having been denied in joining halfway through the 2013 season due to amateur player regulations.

Liam Kearney left the club after the 2015 season in which Cork City were runners up to Dundalk in both the Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup.

Liam Kearney represented the Republic of Ireland Under-16 team at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Championship and the Under-19 team at the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Liam Kearney later assumed the role of head coach of the club's Under 17 side.

On 17 December 2019 the club confirmed, that Liam Kearney had decided to leave the club.

In March 2020, Liam Kearney was hired as a sports and events coordinator for the Fota Island Resort hotel near Cork.

In January 2021, Liam Kearney took a role as "Head of Academy" with Cork City FC, having previously held coaching roles at Galway United.