"I thought we were the better team for the majority of the game, but we didn't take our chances" - Richie O'Farrell relishing clash against former side

Midfielder Richie O’Farrell was one of seven new players signed by Drogheda United during the off season.

The 19-year-old has started Drogheda’s first two games of the season, a 2-0 win away to Cobh Ramblers and a 1-0 defeat at home to Longford Town.

A first half goal from Sam Verdon coupled with goalkeeper Lee Steacy making a number of saves, including one in the last minute from Chris Lyons, saw Longford take all three points on a frustrating night for the Boynesiders.

“Last week was disappointing. I think it shows how tough it is in this league. We started slowly, they took their chance when it came and then that gave them something to hold onto.

“I thought we were the better team for the majority of the game, but we didn't take our chances. It's frustrating, but we can't dwell too much on it either.

“Aside from that game, I've really enjoyed it here so far. We've got a really good dressing room and a manager who's ambitious and wants to get the most out of players. I think I can definitely improve a lot though,” O’Farrell said.

The 2019 season was O’Farrell’s first in senior football, playing 33 games in the Premier Division with UCD – the same side Drogheda face in their third league game of the season tomorrow night.

Despite the Students finishing bottom of the top flight and suffering relegation, O’Farrell is able to look back and see the benefits he gained from playing a full season of senior football.

“Looking back on last year, I'd say it was a great experience from a personal perspective, but from a team point of view it was obviously really disappointing to have been relegated.

“On a personal level, I played nearly every game, scored a few goals and felt I held my own against more experienced players, but I know I have a lot more in me too.

“I know I'm still relatively young, but I want to add more consistency to my game and become a really important player here,” O’Farrell explained.

O’Farrell is looking forward to the game against his former side, on Friday night, as an opportunity for Drogheda to respond to their defeat to Longford.

“I'm looking forward to the next game, not so much because it's against UCD, but more so because we need to respond to the other night.

“I know most of them (UCD) quite well from playing alongside them and they've got plenty of quality players throughout their team.

“They'll look to play football as they always do, so it should be a good game and we'll need to prepare well for it, but for me it doesn't change anything about how I'll approach it,” the midfielder said.

Prior to joining UCD, O’Farrell played underage football with St. Patrick’s Athletic and it was there that he previously played alongside some of his current teammates.

“I loved it at Pats. I was lucky to have had some really good coaches while I was there and to have played with a lot of quality players, too.

“I played with Luke Heeney right the way up from U-17s when we won the league and then I would have also played with Brandon Bermingham and Ryan O'Shea as well, so I knew a few lads when I decided to join.

“I think that's probably helped me settle in but saying that everyone else has been really welcoming too.”

During his time at both St. Pat’s and UCD, O’Farrell was called up to represent Ireland at U-17 and U-19 levels. He was most recently named in Tom Mohan’s U19 squad against Romania, Azerbaijan and Russia in March 2019.

They are experiences O’Farrell considers himself fortunate to have had, although he is hopeful there are more to come in the future.

“I consider myself fortunate to have played for Ireland. To have played in tournaments like the Euros at U-17s and then again in the qualifiers at U-19s is something I'm proud of.

“It gives you a feel for what full-time football is like, being in that environment where you're training every day and preparing off the pitch for upcoming games.

“Then when the games do come you have the opportunity to represent your country and test yourself against some of the best young players in the world, which is what every young footballer wants,” he said.

“At the same time though, I hope my international days aren't over. I'm eligible for the 21s for a couple of years so that's something to strive towards, and who knows after that.”