Karl O’Sullivan: ‘As an opposition player you would dread coming to Sligo and especially when they are going well.’

Karl O'Sullivan in action for Finn Harps

Karl O'Sullivan in action for Finn Harps Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

Liam Buckley has added to the attacking department at Sligo Rovers with the arrival of Limerick native Karl O'Sullivan. 

The winger spent last season at Finn Harps and has racked up over 100 senior appearances between the Ballybofey outfit and Limerick.

He was included in Stephen Kenny's first under-21 training camp in February 2019, alongside new team mates Robbie McCourt, John Mahon and Will Fitzgerald. With four goals and six assists for Harps last season and a brace of goals in the shortened 2020 campaign, O'Sullivan will be expected to provide plenty of opportunities for the Sligo Rovers attack to profit from. 

This is a point referred to in an interview on sligorovers.com with manager Liam Buckley. "It’s another really good addition,” said Buckley. “We’ve looked at areas we wanted to improve on and they include getting more balls into the box and having better deliveries.

“Karl will bring those qualities and I feel he comes to us at a good age. Despite just turning 22 a couple of months ago, he has had several seasons in the league and we’ve tracked him since his Limerick days. 

“I think he will make an impact and he will fit in well with within the group. It’s great competition in the squad to bring in Karl and Will Fitzgerald. Our overall goal has been to build a stronger group and I feel we will do that. This is another good step in that direction and we look forward to working with Karl.”

O'Sullivan himself about delight at signing for the club and his hopes for the season ahead. "I’m thrilled to be here. I’ve been speaking with Liam for the last couple of months and he told me what he felt I could bring to the team. 

“As an opposition player you would dread coming to Sligo and especially when they are going well. There is a great atmosphere in The Showgrounds and the club has a very big following. I’m hoping to chip in with goals and assists from as early as possible.

“I’ve played everywhere with Harps and Limerick but I feel winger is my strongest position. It’s a fresh start for me. I really enjoyed my time with Finn Harps, everyone at the club is brilliant. 

“I’ve been putting the work in this month in order to ready for pre-season and I can hit the ground running here. I’m very excited to play for the club and in the last two seasons Liam has led the team to the top four which is what you want. There’s European football as well so I can’t wait to get started.”



    About Tom O'Connor

    Dundalk based reporter following the league since Monaghan United’s goalless draw against Athlone Town in 1996. Special interest in education and underage football. Shortlisted for the 2018 FAI Communications Award for series on Life beyond … View Full Profile