Tipperary minor footballer moves closer to American college football dream

Tipperary minor footballer James O'Brien has taken another significant step towards a potential career in American college football after progressing to the next stage of Ireland's Kicking King competition.

The 18-year-old Moyle Rovers goalkeeper is among 20 talented young athletes selected following a nationwide search by Leader Kicking, with the group now set to receive specialist coaching as they bid to earn a place in the next phase of the competition in the United States.

O'Brien has already enjoyed a memorable experience through the initiative, having earned the opportunity to kick a field goal at the Aviva Stadium during half-time of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

The young Tipperary man successfully converted his attempt in front of thousands of college football supporters, having impressed during the regional selection process.

He will now begin working directly with Tadhg Leader and the Leader Kicking coaching team, who will help develop the technique, consistency and mentality required to compete at the highest levels of American college football.

It has already been an impressive year on the Gaelic football front for O'Brien, who featured for CBS High School Clonmel in the Munster A Schools Football Final, while also being involved with the Tipperary minor and U20 panels.

He also demonstrated his kicking ability in dramatic fashion during September's South Minor A Football Championship Final, landing a last-minute two-point winner against Clonmel Commercials.

Speaking about his progression in Ireland's Kicking King, O'Brien expressed his excitement at the opportunity ahead.

“I’m delighted to have made it through, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next. It’s a completely new challenge for me, but I’m excited to get into the training, improve my technique and see how far I can take it.”