Cork City teenager Mark O’Mahony joins Brighton and Hove Albion

Cork City have confirmed that underage star Mark O’Mahony has left Turners Cross to join Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old Cork native joined City’s academy in July 2019 but impressed immediately and it was not long before he was added to the first team squad by manager Colin Healy.

The centre forward made his league debut for Healy’s side in a 0-0 draw away to Longford Town in March 2022, his 6-minute cameo as a substitute marking the first of his 11 league appearances for the side.

His final appearance for City was their 2-0 home win against Bray Wanderers in October 2022 when he came on in the 60th minute for Cian Murphy on a night when the home side clinched their promotion back to the First Division.

He has been a prolific goal scorer at international level also, scoring a remarkable 11 goals in 13 appearances for Ireland at U-17, U-18 and U- 19 levels.

He scored a hat trick for the Irish U19’s in a 6-0 thrashing of Gibraltar in a UEFA U-19 qualification match back in September 2022.

Commenting on the news, City’s Head of Academy, Liam Kearney, said: “As an academy we have been delighted with the progress Mark has made over the last couple of years both at club level and international level. 

“Mark’s dedication to improving his game has been exceptional. His attitude and determination, both on and off the pitch, have led to his rapid promotion through the club’s ranks to our first team.”

Manager Colin Healy was equally effusive in his praise for O’Mahony, saying: “Mark has done really well for us since he joined the club, coming into the academy at a young age and he has played all the way up and into the first team last season.

“We know the ability that he has and he works really hard as well, so this is a reward for the work that has gone in.

“He is a very talented player and he has a really good attitude, so I am sure he will continue to do well.”