Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien (born: 16 June 1980) is a striker who ended his long association with Drogheda United when signing for rivals Dundalk in January 2009. O’Brien first hit the League of Ireland stage during the 2001/02 season when he helped Drogheda to the First Division title and promotion as he scored 19 goals, a record bettered only by Finn Harps forward Kevin Hugh, who hit the net 27 times. Fabio continued to impress in the Premier Division and, despite being met with injury on a number of occasions, scored 53 goals in a total of 157 top-flight appearances over seven seasons. Five of those goals were scored during just seven outings in the 2007 season as Drogheda captured the Premier Division crown for the very first time in their history.

During his time on Boyneside, O’Brien won a Premier Division title (2007), an FAI Cup (2005) - where he scored in the final against Cork City - two Setanta Sports Cups (2006 & 2007) and a First Division title (2001/02). However, he ended his love affair with the Drogs at the end of last season after the United Park outfit entered examinership. Shortly after, last January, Declan crossed the Louth divide after being convinced to sign for Dundalk by Sean Connor. He made his debut for the Lilywhites in the opening night defeat by Bohemians at Oriel Park and scored his first club goal on Good Friday, 10 April, in a 1-1 draw at Bray Wanderers. He scored his first home goal a month later in a 1-0 win over Galway United on 8 May.

Profile last updated: July 2009