By Keith Kelly (Courtesy of Connacht Tibune)

Ollie Keogh has no trouble picking out the biggest match of a League of Ireland career that started with Galway United back in 1998 and has taken in five clubs - the play-off victory by Mervue United over Kildare County in 2008.

The midfielder, who has also played with Sligo Rovers, Limerick FC and Monaghan United, says that first leg clash at Fahy’s Field on Tuesday November 18, 2008, was easily the biggest game of his career, and was all the more special as he scored the first goal in a 2-2 draw. Mervue won the second leg 3-0 to seal their place in the League of Ireland.

“Mervue is where I was born and bred, I’m from just around the corner [from Fahy’s Field] so the night we played Kildare here was biggest game I ever played in my career. That game meant so much to me, and scoring the first goal meant everything.

“Tactics wise we nailed it, and fair play to Johnny [Glynn] and Mark [Herrick], they are outstanding managers, training was exceptional, Johnny’s commitment to whatever he does is second to none, and I wish them the best of luck,” says Keogh.

There is a new broom sweeping through Mervue United for the 2010 season, with Tom French appointed manager following Glynn’s resignation, and Keogh - who didn’t feature for Mervue last season - says he had no hesitation in returning to the club after speaking to the new manager.

“I had a bit of a personal setback last season but it is great to be back now. I talked to Tom a few weeks back and liked what he had to say, I am still fit so I am delighted to give it another go,” he says.

While he may not have been involved with the club last season, Keogh didn’t let his fitness slide and if anything, he is looking as fit now as he has done in the past 13 seasons, which he puts done to a new-found hobby of his.

“I do a bit of work outside of training, and am doing a bit of Thai boxing, and that has really helped me. At my age, it is never easy when you get an injury as you are struggling to get back as quick as you used to, so the bit of extra training is a great help,” says Keogh (34).

The term ‘second season syndrome’ has crept into the lexicon in the past 20 years, referring to the struggles a club can experience the year following promotion, but Keogh shrugs off the suggestion that this could be a concern for Mervue United this season.

“This year seems a bit special, there is a lot of drive, lot of competition in the squad. The youth in the squad is unreal, all very eager and have a bit of experience from last year, they are flying it, everyone of them are gifted soccer players and they’re down here training hard so it is definitely looking up for Mervue this season.

“I can see how much some of the younger lads have grown, I’m actually very excited about this year, was excited last year but it didn’t work out, but hopefully this year,” he said.

Soccer is in his blood, and his family - he is one of 13 children, and his father has 45 grandchildren - are all involved in sport, and when Keogh is not training or playing with Mervue, he is coaching the next crop of young stars.

“I am starting my coaching badges, I have one done already, and I run an after school soccer programme with Eric Lavine. That is the way it will always be with me, I have other interests but our family is built around soccer, the kids all learn how to walk kicking a football, and while Dad is a hurling man, once the kids are involved in sport, he is happy,” he says.

Keogh feels the next step for Mervue United is for the club to play at its home ground, as opposed to the present arrangement at Terryland Park.

“I can’t wait to play in Mervue, will be a good crowd coming, you saw when Galway United played in Glenina [1993/94 season], it was packed for every game. This side of Galway is the soccer heartland of the city, and I can’t wait to get going on this pitch, people will find it very hard to come here and get a result,” he said.