Cobh Ramblers u19 striker Aaron Drinan has taken the league by storm since joining the club at the end of January. In his first three games he has grabbed three goals, scoring against Bray Wanderers, Wexford Youths and Shamrock Rovers. Still just 16, the young attacker has a very bright future ahead of him.

First of all, could you tell us a small bit about your career up to now?
I started playing soccer with Carrigaline United at the age of six and stayed with them until signing for Cobh this year. In my time with Carrigaline I reached two local cup finals, winning one at u14 level. We also got to the semi-final of the National Cup at u15s. I was often involved in the Cork Squads down through the years but I never really had much luck with them. I kept training and working hard and it has finally paid off for me. I was also involved in the Emerging Talent program which I really enjoyed.

How did you get involved with the Ramblers u19 side recently?
I started training with Cobh u19s in January and I was training with them for about a month. As a result of doing well in training, I was then asked to sign for the club.

You only joined the club on the last day of the transfer window. Was there ever a worry that the deal wouldn’t come through on time?
There was actually. I only signed the contract late in the night and I was worried that it might not have gone through on time. Thankfully it did and I was delighted that the deal went ahead.

Was it difficult to settle into the squad, given that you joined midway through the season?
I was nervous at the start as I was joining a new club and a new team but I got to know the lads quickly and I settled in right away.

3 goals in 3 games. Not a bad return! Were you expecting it to go this well?
No, I wasn’t expecting things to go this well at all but I’m thrilled with the way that things are turning out so far. Hopefully it will continue until the end of the season!

Did you know much about the club before joining this year?
I knew quite a bit about the club before I joined and I was going to attend the trials this summer for next season but luckily I was asked to sign earlier. I knew a few of the lads that were already in the squad and they had only good things to say about the club.

Have you been impressed with what you’ve seen so far?
I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen. It’s much more professional than what I was used to. I’ve also been impressed with the training sessions that are put on by Steve Bermingham and Dec Coleman. I think I have improved overall as a player since I joined the club.

Is there a big step up from the local leagues to this level?
The step up to this level is huge. The games are so much quicker and it’s much more physical than the Youths League. The training is very good every week and it has helped my game come on a lot. You have to be switched on right from the start of every game

What are your own aims for the last few games of the season?
My aim really is to keep on playing well, scoring goals and try and help the team to get a top four finish. Hopefully we can make the play-offs and push on further in the competition.

What’s the best thing about playing in the u19 League of Ireland?
The best thing is that you’re playing good teams week in week out which means that you have to perform to your best every week.

Finally, you have another two seasons at this level, how to you hope that develops?
I want to develop and progress as a player and try help bring silverware to Cobh. I would love to get a chance to represent my country in the future so I’ll see how it goes!

Thanks Aaron and best of luck for the rest of the season!

By Thomas Stafford