In this week’s episode of 10forty, we caught up with former professional footballer Mark O’Brien over Teams to talk through his incredible career journey — from grassroots football in Dublin to the highs and lows of life as a pro in the UK, and the remarkable resilience it took to return to the pitch after undergoing not one, but two open heart surgeries.
We dive into:
• Mark’s early love for the game, from kicking a ball as a kid to his first session with Cherry Orchard.
• Being scouted at a young age and the conversations that happen between clubs, parents, and players.
• Traveling back and forth to the UK for trials, and the life-changing decision to leave school to pursue a career in football.
• Choosing Derby County over Blackburn Rovers after extensive training with both clubs, and what shaped that call.
• The emotional toll of homesickness, the difference between staying with a host family vs. staying in digs, and adapting to life in an academy.
• The structure of an academy week — diet, training, and how contracts work for young players.
• His journey through two life-altering open heart surgeries, and the physical and mental climb back to playing first-team football.
• Relationships on and off the pitch, and the work Mark is now doing beyond football.
We also chat about his book, A Game of Two Hearts — a powerful story of courage, recovery, and the love of the game.
👊 Massive congratulations to Mark on his new role as Newport County’s official Club Ambassador!
📚 Grab a copy of his book:
A Game of Two Hearts – Mark O'Brien
Connect with his
Linkiedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-o%E2%80%99brien-3167a4229?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mobrien1992?igsh=MXY2cTJzM2FxNnA4
This episode is brought to you by Top Drawer Talent — the Supply Chain & Procurement Specialists.
HERE WE GO!
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In this weeks eposide, we are joined by former footballer Mark Obrien to hear how he went from