Hi lads, what’s the story? Welcome back to another weekly off-season interview. This week, I sat down with two Athlone Town AFC defenders: Kyle O’Connor and Matthew Leal, who left the club in July. First up is Kyle O’Connor’s interview, followed by Matthew Leal’s. Let’s get started!
It hasn’t been the best season for Athlone this season with coming 10th place in the league – is there something that you want to bring in for next season that you didn’t do this season.
Kyle O’Connor: It’s a totally different set up now with the Ian coming in so I’m looking forward to a full pre season under him.
Thinking back over the season, was there a moment on the pitch that gave you a real sense of achievement or pride?
Kyle O’Connor: I felt very proud when I was made captain for the second half of the season, something I haven’t done at senior level.
How do you prepare for a game, both mentally and physically?
Kyle O’Connor: Preparation for me starts the day after the previous game – I ensure my food & training is correct all week and then the day before match day I have a ‘ritual’ which includes a specific training session & recovery.
Was there anything in particular that motivated you before matches this season?
Kyle O’Connor: Motivation for me is my family, they support me up and down the country week after week and I want to give them something to be proud of.
What goals have you set for yourself heading into next season?
Kyle O’Connor: Next season I hope to keep improving both defensively and attacking. Particularly chipping in with assists & ofcourse keeping clean sheets.
Can you tell me how your football journey began and what led you to join Athlone Town?
Matthew Leal: Up until u14 I was playing academy football in America , and when I turned 15 I moved to Portugal and played academy , and first got into first team football with a club called Casa Pia when I was 19, training everyday with them and playing in a few friendly matches. Then after they got promoted to the first league in Portugal is was time for me to move on, and I had a connection at Athlone Town and I headed over for the second half of the 2022 season.
What are some of your most memorable moments or matches while playing for the club?
Matthew Leal: I had a great experience with Athlone town and I’ve been lucky enough to have had a decent number of good moments. A few that stick out to me would be my first goal for the club down in Cobh in 2023, later that year playing in the brandywell against Derry City in the cup, and getting into the team of the week after a decent performance and goal against Wexford I had in 2023. But for me the most memorable moment would be the win down in Waterford in the cup in 2024, that was an incredible moment for me and I was so proud of the squad.
Who were the teammates or coaches that had the biggest influence on you during your time at Athlone Town?
Matthew Leal: If I could name and thank everyone who’s played with me and coached me for the time I was here I would , especially during those 2023 and 2024 playoff years. I was lucky enough to have great coaches at the club and a great manger in Dario castelo that really helped me during my time there. Again if I could shoutout every player I would, but I will say when I first arrived there I was a 19 year old kid. So the other foreigner boys at the club who were a bit older than me really helped me transition into being there and guided me in the right direction.
How did playing for Athlone Town shape you as both a player and a person?
Matthew Leal: As I said I was a 19 year old kid, so I feel like being there not only matured me on the pitch but off it as well. Before Athlone my life was mostly football and studying and that’s about it, but living in Athlone I leaned a lot of other important life skills just from getting older and experiencing them during my time here.
You’ve played for clubs in the US, Portugal, and Ireland. How would you say the football culture and style differ between these countries?
Matthew Leal: I would say the USA and Ireland are similar in the football culture as football isn’t the main sport. In Portugal it’s a big different, where almost all of life revolves around football. In the sense of style of football, I would say Portuguese football is closer to Spanish football with a bit more flair, and Irish football is closer to English football, a bit more direct. In the USA it’s a very physical game.
What advice would you give to a player aspiring to play in the League of Ireland?
Matthew Leal: I would say if you are like me and are not from Ireland and get the chance to play on the league of Ireland, I would highly recommend taking the chance to go play. It’s a competitive league with some good quality players and clubs and I think anyone lucky enough to play would enjoy it.
A big thank you to both Kyle O’Connor and Matthew Leal for taking part in this interview. I wish them the very best in their football careers and in their personal journeys. And as always, thank you to everyone who took the time to read this article. See you next week for another off-season interview!