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Nationality: | Irish |
| Date/place of birth: | 4 December 1968/Dundalk | |
| Position: | Goalkeeper Coach, Youth Development Officer & U19 Team Manager | |
| Ex-clubs: | As Player: Dundalk, Bank Rovers, Monaghan United | |
| Joined: | Friday 1 February 2008 | |
| Joined from: | Unattached | |
| First game: | v Shelbourne (A), 7 March 2008 | |
| First club win: | v Monaghan United (H), 13 March 2008 |
Martin Connolly (born: 4 December 1968) is Goalkeeper Coach, Youth Development Officer and U19 Team Manager at Oriel Park.
Connolly is a former Dundalk goalkeeper, who became Goalkeeping Coach with the senior squad in February 2008. Connolly spent time at Oriel Park as a player in the early 90s, and made his only ever senior appearances for the club when lining out twice in the 1991/92 season. Despite performing well, the local netminder could never displace legendary ‘keeper Alan O’Neill from the No1 spot.
Martin returned to Oriel during pre-season in 2008 following the departure of Paul Fagan and the late decision of intended replacement Dermot O’Neill to join Bohemians on a full-time contract.
The appointment originated through Jack Greene, a son of then Club Director Paddy Greene, and a member of an U12 schoolboys’ team which Connolly was involved with. Connolly had initially turned down the role due to work and family commitments. However, after working out details with then first-team manager John Gill, he came on board and has worked with Gill, Seán Connor and Ian Foster.
In January 2012, it was announced that, under new manager Seán McCaffrey, Connolly will share Goalkeeper Coach duties with Dermot O’Neill, who made his return to the club following a five-year absence. With the team training four days a week, Connolly takes two sessions and the home matches, while O’Neill does two days and the away matches.
Profile last updated: 17 January 2012
