ON THIS DAY

Eunan O’Kane celebrates his 35th birthday

Northern Ireland-born Eunan O’Kane was first spotted by Everton in 2007, and went onto spend two years in the Toffees’ youth system before moving back to Northern Ireland to play for Coleraine. Torquay United saw the potential of the youngster and he was invited to Plainmoor in early 2010, impressing Paul Buckle enough to earn a contract until the end of the season, and making his first appearance in a League 2 draw against Chesterfield.

In the summer of 2010 Eunan signed a 2 year deal and as 2010-11 progressed, the attacking midfielder started to really find his feet at Torquay, scoring in the FA Cup versus Carlisle and most notably in the play-off semi final 1st leg against Shrewsbury. There was play-off disappointment at Old Trafford, but O’Kane’s ability on the ball and his driving runs did enough to earn another contract extension, this time until 2014.

Martin Ling arrived at Plainmoor in the summer of 2011, and quickly realised that O’Kane would be an integral part of his team, giving him the licence to roam in midfield with Damon Lathrope tidying up behind him. The plan paid off as the Gulls pushed for promotion, with Eunan scoring two very memorable goals versus Plymouth Argyle, with the 2nd goal going down as one of the best scored by a United player at Plainmoor, an outrageous lob from long distance that left the keeper stranded.

By then his skill in tight spaces made him a difficult man to mark, and he had also developed stronger fitness to go with it. United’s season ended with a painful bump again and more play-off heartbreak, and after a play-off loss at home to Cheltenham it was inevitable that we had seen the last of O’Kane in a United shirt. It had after all been a season where O’Kane had been voted into the League 2 team of the year, and his performances were enough to attract the interest of Bournemouth.

O’Kane spent the next four years with the Cherries, playing in the Premier League during the 2015-16 season. He then played for Leeds United and Luton Town, but suffered a number of major injury problems and unfortunately had to retire at the end of the 2020-21 season. He also represented Northern Ireland at youth levels, before switching to Republic of Ireland and earning 7 caps at senior level.

An exciting player who grew up quickly at Plainmoor, O’Kane was a diamond who could impact any game and make something happen out of nothing. Happy Birthday Eunan!