Dominic Devine

Never Forget the Story of Conor Clifford Like many Irish footballers before him, he left home at 15 to join Chelsea. Dublin to London. Conor was living the dream. In 2010, he captained Chelsea to the FA Youth Cup, scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge. It was their first triumph in 49 years, and he called it “the best feeling in the world.” He trained with the first team, and Frank Lampard took him under his wing. Giovanni Trapattoni named him in his senior Ireland squads. The future looked bright. Football is cut-throat. Loans followed at Plymouth, Notts County, Yeovil, Portsmouth and Crawley. Nothing worked out. One new manager didn’t even know which foot he kicked with. Chelsea released him in 2013. By 2015, he was in the Conference. He admits getting caught up in the lifestyle, thinking the Ferraris and Range Rovers would last forever. Each move knocked his confidence further, until he couldn’t see a way out. “I’d fallen out of love with the game, I hated it. I hated life.” Conor was suffering from depression. Friends and family urged him to seek help. In 2017, he returned home, signed for Dundalk and saw a psychologist. He later admitted: “I should have come home earlier.” For years, he kept everything to himself. That finally changed. “Once I started talking, I couldn’t shut up.” It’s a simple quote, but one of the most important parts of his story. Later that year, he received a six-month ban for betting while in England. He played at Limerick, St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Bray Wanderers. At 27, Pat’s was his 13th club. In 2021, he was a postman while playing amateur football. Conor’s story is complex, but he’s said the best thing anyone struggling with depression can do is talk about it. When he finally opened up, he felt a hundred times better. Sometimes, admitting you’re not okay is the hardest thing. If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a friend, family member or someone you trust. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. It’s okay not to be okay. Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) Pieta: 1800 247 247 Text HELLO to 50808.