Cork City's John O'Donovan keeps promise by attending fan's birthday party

John O’Donovan didn’t get booked in Cork City’s victory against Kerry on the opening day of the season but that’s not to say he didn’t receive a card.

As the defender was making his way out of Turner’s Cross shortly after City’s 2-0 win over the Kingdom recently, the West Cork native was greeted by a number of fans when one youngster named Nicholas O’Sullivan decided to try his luck.

He duly presented O’Donovan with a card and written on the card was an invitation to his upcoming 13th birthday party to play football with his friends at Aghamilla in Clonakilty the following weekend.

Despite making the trek to Donegal and playing the full 90+ minutes in City’s 1-1 draw with Finn Harps last Friday night O’Donovan, staying true to his word, turned up to the party on the Saturday, much to the delight of his biggest supporter.

“I forgot they were playing in Donegal so I never knew he would come. He is very sound for coming to the birthday party after a long trip from Donegal,” said Nicholas, who officially turned 13 on Wednesday.

“I’ve said it before about John especially but for a young person, he is such a credit to his club. Down to earth, and overall, such a lovely person. Thanks to Cork City FC and John for making memories for my son’s birthday yet again,” added his father, Sean.

O’Donovan, who is only 19 himself, went completely with the backing of his manager Tim Clancy as the City boss acknowledged the important role the club has in the community.

“John is a lovely fella, and you can tell that — it’s a really nice gesture. I’m not sure I should be encouraging lads to go to 13-year-old’s birthday parties,” jokes Clancy.

“But no, when a player gets an invitation like that, and it goes through the club it’s good because