O'Callaghan is considering calling it a day

By PAUL DOLLERY

GEORGE O’CALLAGHAN says he’s considering retiring from football.

The 31-year-old is still without a club after his contract with Cork City ended in November. O’Callaghan has been on trial with League One side Brentford recently and has also had interest from a number of clubs in Scandinavia.

However, the former Ipswich Town and Tranmere Rovers midfielder admits he’s at a crossroads in his career and is giving serious consideration to retirement.

“I’ve been all over the place with different clubs over the last few years so I think it’s important that I settle down now and spend some time with my family and my two kids,” said O’Callaghan.

“I’ve been training away with Brentford and I had a call from Roddy Collins at Monaghan United as well, but I don’t think I’m going to do anything. I’m probably going to just take some time out now.

“I’m not really sure if I’ll continue to play, to be honest. I’m not really bothered either so we’ll see what happens. If your heart is not in it there’s no point in going on.”

He added: “Ideally I’d like to have stayed with Cork City this season to try and get them into the Premier Division. That would have been enough for me then.”

O’Callaghan returned to Cork City for a third spell with the club in 2010, spending the latter half of last season with the Rebel Army.

“I was never called back for pre-season with City in January, which was very disappointing after all my years with the club. I didn’t even get a phone-call or a text. But I don’t want to get into that or hold any grudges because I don’t want to start arguments with anyone.

“There’s no drama with me anymore. Those days are over now.”

This article appeared in the Evening Echo on Friday, March 18th, 2011.