Adam O'Reilly
{{short description|Irish footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Adam O'Reilly
| image = Adam O'Reilly.jpg
| caption = O'Reilly with St Patrick's Athletic in 2022.
| fullname = Adam Kieran O'Reilly{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/image/201920/general-news/efl-squad-numbering-06.09.2019.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Preston North End |publisher=English Football League |page=57 |accessdate=25 October 2019}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|2001|5|11}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/teams/first-team/midfielder/adam-oreilly/|title=Adam O'Reilly|publisher=Preston North End|accessdate=17 January 2019}}
| birth_place = Cork, Ireland
| height =
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Derry City
| clubnumber = 28
| youthyears1 = 2009–2017
| youthclubs1 = Ringmahon Rangers
| youthyears2 = 2016–2018
| youthclubs2 = Preston North End
| years1 = 2018–2023
| clubs1 = Preston North End
| caps1 = 1
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2019
| clubs2 = → Hyde United (loan)
| caps2 = 4
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2020
| clubs3 = → Stalybridge Celtic (loan)
| caps3 = 6
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2020
| clubs4 = → Bamber Bridge (loan)
| caps4 = 3
| goals4 = 1
| years5 = 2021
| clubs5 = → Waterford (loan)
| caps5 = 16
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2021
| clubs6 = → Stalybridge Celtic (loan)
| caps6 = 4
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2022
| clubs7 = → St Patrick's Athletic (loan)
| caps7 = 34
| goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2023–
| clubs8 = Derry City
| caps8 = 72
| goals8 = 2
| nationalyears1 = 2017–2018
| nationalteam1 = Republic of Ireland U17
| nationalcaps1 = 6
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2019
| nationalteam2 = Republic of Ireland U19
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| medaltemplates =
| club-update = 22:25, 3 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 19:35, 23 August 2020 (UTC)
}}
Adam Kieran O'Reilly (born 11 May 2001) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division. He made his professional debut for Preston North End in December 2018, aged 17 before spending time on loan at Hyde United, Stalybridge Celtic (over two spells), Bamber Bridge, Waterford and St Patrick's Athletic.
Club career
=Early career=
Raised in Mahon, Cork,{{Cite web|url=https://punditarena.com/irish-football/rbarrett/adam-o-reilly-upcoming-preston-debut/|title=Irish Prodigy Exclusive: 16-Year-Old Adam O'Reilly On Upcoming Preston Debut|date=19 February 2018|website=Pundit Arena}} O'Reilly progressed through the academy of local side Ringmahon Rangers, where he played under his father, Kieran. During his time with the club he produced an act of sportsmanship that went viral, passing a penalty straight to the opposing goalkeeper after it was deemed that it was unfairly awarded to his side.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-20262465.html|title=O'Reilly hailed for 'wonderful act of sportsmanship'|first=Denis|last=Hurley|date=19 March 2014|website=Irish Examiner}}
=Preston North End=
He signed for Preston North End in December 2016 after successfully trialing with the club.{{cite news|url=http://punditarena.com/irish-football/rbarrett/adam-o-reilly-upcoming-preston-debut/|title=Irish Prodigy Exclusive: 16-year old Adam O'Reilly on upcoming Preston Debut|publisher=The Pundit Arena|last=Barrett|first=Richard|date=19 February 2018|accessdate=17 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=http://thejuniorsoccerportal.info/amateur-managers-striking-sons-sign-professional-contracts/|title=Amateur manager's striking sons sign professional contracts|publisher=The Junior Soccer Portal|date=20 December 2016|accessdate=17 January 2019}} During his first full season with the club's academy, he helped his side reach the Lancashire FA Youth Cup final, was named in the team of the season and won Preston's Scholar of the Year award.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/adam-oreilly-4028248-May2018/|title=Preston's 17-year-old Irish star scoops two awards after impressive first season|publisher=The 41|last=Casey|first=Gavan|date=22 May 2018|accessdate=17 January 2019}} The highlight of the season came in February 2018 when he was named on the substitute's bench for the first team's Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, although he was not called to enter the field of play.
On 29 December 2018, following a string of injuries in the first-team squad, O'Reilly was afforded the chance to feature on the bench again in a league encounter against Aston Villa. He made his debut in the final minutes of the match, coming on as a substitute for compatriot Graham Burke as the two sides played out to a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/soccer/how-the-irish-fared-preston-debut-perfect-present-for-adam-oreilly-894735.html|title=How the Irish fared: Preston debut perfect present for Adam O'Reilly|publisher=Irish Examiner|last=Norris|first=Darren|date=31 December 2018|accessdate=17 January 2019}} In doing so, he became the 20th-youngest player ever to represent the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2019/january/debuts-for-oreilly-and-walker/|title=Walker Becomes Youngest League Player For Lilywhites|publisher=Preston North End|date=2 January 2019|accessdate=17 January 2019}} The following month, he signed his first professional contract with Preston.{{cite news|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2019/january/adam-oreilly-signs-first-professional-contract/|title=Adam O'Reilly Signs First Professional Contract|publisher=Prestoin North End Football Club|date=25 January 2019|accessdate=1 February 2019}} On 27 October 2020, he signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/ireland-u19-midfielder-rewarded-with-new-preston-north-end-deal-5246077-Oct2020/?amp=1|title=TheJournal.ie - Ireland U19 midfielder rewarded with new Preston North End deal|website=www.the42.ie}}
==Loan to Hyde United==
At the start of March 2019, O'Reilly signed for Hyde United on a short-term loan deal and made his debut for the club in a 2–1 defeat to Farsley Celtic.{{cite news|url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/preston-north-end-youngster-adam-o-reilly-heads-to-hyde-united-on-loan-1-9642954|title=Preston North End youngster Adam O'Reilly heads to Hyde United on loan|publisher=Lancashire Post|date=11 March 2019|accessdate=4 April 2019|last=Lord|first=Adam}} The first goal of O'Reilly's senior career came on 30 March 2019, scoring in a 5–3 win over Stafford Rangers.{{Cite web|url=https://hydeunited.co.uk/match/1270-hyde-united-v-stafford-rangers/|title = Hyde United v Stafford Rangers – Hyde United}} He made 4 appearances for the club, scoring 1 goal.{{Cite web|url=https://hydeunited.co.uk/player/adam-oreilly/|title=Adam OReilly – Hyde United|website=hydeunited.co.uk}}
==Loan to Stalybridge Celtic==
In January 2020 he joined Stalybridge Celtic on loan until the end of the season along with fellow Preston teammate Ethan Walker.{{cite web |title=PNE Duo Join Stalybridge Celtic |url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/january/pne-duo-join-stalybridge-celtic/ |publisher=Preston North End FC |accessdate=11 February 2020}} His first goal for the club came on 4 February 2020 in a 2–1 loss against Gainsborough Trinity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/matchcentre.php?id=15478|title=Stalybridge Celtic - Official Site - Match Centre|website=www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk}} He returned to Preston following 7 appearances in all competitions and 1 goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/play.php?code=OREIA|title = Stalybridge Celtic - Official Site - Player Profile Adam O'Reilly}}
==Loan to Bamber Bridge==
In October 2020 he joined Bamber Bridge on a short term loan deal until the end of November, alongside Ex-Preston teammate Mathew Hudson.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/october/pne-duo-join-bamber-bridge/|title=PNE Duo Join Bamber Bridge|website=www.pnefc.net}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/duo-join-bamber-bridge-from-preston-64240|title=Duo join Bamber Bridge from Preston - The Pitching In Northern Premier League|website=www.thenpl.co.uk}} He scored on his debut the following day in a 2–1 loss to Buxton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bamberbridge/teams/53473/match-centre/1-6359641/report|title=Bamber Bridge 1 - 2 Buxton|website=www.pitchero.com}} He made a total of 3 appearances for the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.playmakerstats.com/player.php?id=627727&epoca_id=150|title=Adam O´Reilly :: Adam O´Reilly :: Stalybridge Celtic|website=www.playmakerstats.com}}
==Loan to Waterford==
On 22 February 2021, he returned to Ireland, signing for League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford on loan until 30 June 2021 ahead of their 2021 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2021/february/adam-oreilly-joins-waterford-on-loan/|title=Adam O'Reilly Joins Waterford On Loan|website=www.pnefc.net}} He made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season on 19 March 2021 as his side lost 1–0 away to newly promoted side Drogheda United.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40247993.html|title='A real sucker punch':Late heartbreak for Waterford and Kevin Sheedy|date=19 March 2021|publisher=The Irish Examiner|accessdate=20 March 2021}} O'Reilly left the club at the end of June after 16 appearances for the club.{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/adam-oreilly/515622/|title=Republic of Ireland - A. O'Reilly - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com}}
==Second Stalybridge Celtic loan==
On 19 November 2021 O'Reilly returned to Stalybridge Celtic on loan until the end of December.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2021/november/stalybridge-celtic-loan-for-oreilly/|title=Stalybridge Celtic Loan For O'Reilly|website=www.pnefc.net}} He made 4 league appearances for the club before returning to Preston North End.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/play.php?code=OREIA|title=Stalybridge Celtic - Official Site - Player Profile Adam O'Reilly|website=www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk}}
==St Patrick's Athletic loan==
On 20 January 2022, O'Reilly signed for League of Ireland Premier Division runners up and FAI Cup holders St Patrick's Athletic on loan until 31 July, ahead of their 2022 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=9086|title=O'Reilly Joins On Loan|website=www.stpatsfc.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2022/january/adam-oreilly-joins-st-pats-on-loan/|title=Adam O'Reilly Joins St Pat's On Loan|website=www.pnefc.net}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/adam-oreilly-st-pats-5659913-Jan2022/|title=St Pat's add to their squad by snapping up Preston midfielder Adam O'Reilly on loan|first=The42|last=Team|website=The42}} On 11 February 2022, he made his debut for the club in the 2022 President of Ireland's Cup against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, scoring his penalty in the shootout as his side lost 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/shamrock-rovers-st-pats-report-3-5681143-Feb2022/|title=Memorable return for Jack Byrne as Shamrock Rovers beat Pat's on penalties|first=Paul|last=Fennessy|website=The42}} O'Reilly was voted Player of the Month by the club's fans for June following a run of excellent performances.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/stpatsfc/status/1544411807049256963|title=O'Reilly named June Player of the Month|date=5 July 2022|website=twitter.com}} On 19 July 2022, he signed a loan extension until the end of the season in November.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2022/july/adam-oreilly-extends-st-pats-loan/|title=Adam O'Reilly Extends St Pat's Loan|website=www.pnefc.net}} O'Reilly made his first appearance in European football on 21 July 2022 in a 1–1 draw with Slovenian side NŠ Mura in the UEFA Europa Conference League.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2022/07/21/chris-forrester-inspires-revival-as-st-patricks-athletic-keep-the-tie-alive/|title=Chris Forrester inspires revival as St Patrick's Athletic keep the tie alive|newspaper=The Irish Times}} He was named as the club's Player of the Month award for July 2022, his second month running to win the award.{{Cite web|url= https://twitter.com/stpatsfc/status/1560664988922044417|title=O'Reilly wins July Player of the Month|date=19 August 2022|website=twitter.com}} O'Reilly scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park on 29 August 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/st-pats-boss-5852654-Aug2022/?amp=1|title=TheJournal.ie - St Pat's all but seal fourth place after dismissing Bohs in Dublin derby|website=www.the42.ie}} On 7 October 2022, he scored a 93rd minute winner away to Dundalk to secure a crucial 2–1 win for his side in the race for Europe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40978928.html|title=O'Reilly bags crucial late winner for St Pat's against Dundalk|first=James|last=Rogers|date=7 October 2022|website=Irish Examiner}} He received the Young Player of the Year award at the club awards night after being voted by supporters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=9256|title=2022 Awards Night Winners|website=www.stpatsfc.com}}
=Derry City=
On 30 January 2023, O'Reilly departed Preston North End after six and a half years at the club, signing for League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City on a two-year-contract for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2023/january/adam-oreilly-signs-for-derry-city/|title=Adam O'Reilly Signs For Derry City|website=www.pnefc.net}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0130/1352753-derry-land-prestons-adam-oreilly-to-boost-title-hopes/|title=Derry land Preston's Adam O'Reilly to boost title hopes|date=30 January 2023|via=www.rte.ie}} O'Reilly made his debut on 10 February 2023 in a 2–0 win over Shamrock Rovers in the 2023 President of Ireland's Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/humble-adam-oreilly-plays-downs-plaudits-after-impressive-derry-city-debut-4025001|title="When we heard the news we were all heartbroken for him but tonight it was just nice to give him one back."}}
International career
O'Reilly has represented Republic of Ireland at various youth levels and was part of the squad which reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. On 19 September 2022, O'Reilly was called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the first time for their 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualification Play-off games against Israel U21.{{cite web | url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/squad-update-four-called-into-u21-squad | title=SQUAD UPDATE | Four called into U21 squad | Football Association of Ireland }}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 18 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/adam-oreilly/515622/|title=A. O'Reilly|website=Soccerway|accessdate=17 January 2019}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||||
| rowspan=2 style="width: 100pt;"|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National Cup !colspan=2|League Cup !colspan=2|Europe !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="6"|Preston North End
|rowspan="5"|EFL Championship |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2019–20
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2020–21
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2021–22
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2022–23
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| Hyde United (loan)
|4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 1 | |||||
| Stalybridge Celtic (loan)
|6 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearances in the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup}} | 0 | 7 | 1 | ||||
| Bamber Bridge (loan)
|3 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 1 | |||||
| Waterford (loan)
|2021 |16 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 16 | 0 | |||||
| Stalybridge Celtic (loan)
|4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|name=FAT|Appearances in the FA Trophy}} | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||||
| St Patrick's Athletic (loan)
|2022 |34 | 2 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4{{efn|Appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League|name=statsUECL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|Appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup|name=statsPOIC}} | 0 | 40 | 2 | ||
| rowspan="4"|Derry City
|2023 |rowspan="3"|LOI Premier Division |28 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4{{efn|name=statsUECL}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=statsPOIC}} | 0 | 34 | 1 | ||
| 2024
|35 | 1 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|Appearances in the UEFA Conference League|name=statsConf}} | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 42 | 1 | |||
| 2025
|9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 9 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Derry City Total
!72 | 2 | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85 | 2 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!140 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 161 | 7 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
=Club=
;Derry City
=Individual=
- St Patrick's Athletic Young Player of the Year: 2022
References
{{reflist}}
{{Derry City F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:OReilly, Adam}}
Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Preston North End F.C. players
Category:Hyde United F.C. players
Category:Stalybridge Celtic F.C. players
Category:Bamber Bridge F.C. players
Category:Waterford F.C. players
Category:St Patrick's Athletic F.C. players
Category:Derry City F.C. players
Category:Association footballers from County Cork
Category:Association footballers from Cork (city)
Category:Republic of Ireland men's youth international footballers
Category:English Football League players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:League of Ireland players
Category:Republic of Ireland expatriate men's association footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England