Cork City have confirmed that rising star Cathal O’Sullivan will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, dealing a major blow to both the club and the player’s burgeoning career.
The 20-year-old playmaker sustained the injury during a training session last week, and scans have since confirmed a full ACL rupture. It marks the second time in his young career that O’Sullivan has suffered such a setback, having previously endured a similar injury in 2022.
Cork City issued a statement on Monday confirming the news, with manager Tim Clancy expressing his sympathy for the midfielder.
“It’s a cruel blow for Cathal. He’s been in exceptional form this season and was playing some of the best football of his career,” Clancy said. “Everyone at the club is fully behind him, and we’ll make sure he has all the support he needs during his recovery.”
O’Sullivan’s performances this season had drawn considerable attention from scouts in the UK, with clubs from the English Premier League and Championship reportedly monitoring his progress.
Known for his sharp passing, creativity, and technical ability, he had become a focal point in Cork City’s midfield and a key figure in their push for promotion.
The news of his injury has come as a major setback for the team, who currently sit in contention for a play-off spot in the SSE Airtricity First Division.
Fans and pundits alike had touted O’Sullivan as a potential candidate for a future Republic of Ireland senior call-up, following standout performances at underage international level.
Medical staff expect O’Sullivan to be sidelined for at least nine months, with surgery planned in the coming weeks followed by a long rehabilitation process. Given the recurrence of the injury, his recovery will be handled with extra caution.
Club captain Cian Murphy spoke on behalf of the squad, saying, “We’re all devastated for Cathal. He’s a top professional and a massive presence on and off the pitch. We have no doubt he’ll come back stronger.”
While O’Sullivan now faces the challenge of a second long-term layoff, both club and country remain hopeful that the talented midfielder can bounce back and fulfill his considerable potential.
