London's Josh Obahor pictured at the launch of the Tailteann Cup. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
These are exciting times for the London senior footballers.
A comprehensive Tailteann Cup opening round win over Offaly ensures Saturday’s tussle with Down at McGovern Park in Ruislip is eagerly anticipated.
Michael Maher’s developing team are beginning to acquire momentum and confidence which matters deeply, especially to the homegrown players in the London panel.
Josh Obahor is contributing to the London GAA story. The Parnells clubman acknowledges the benefits of the Tailteann Cup. “It is great for us to get another three championship games, before it was a short season for us, to host another big championship game at Ruislip is great for us,” he says.
The fact that London continue to develop talent is crucial for the future according to Obahor. “It is great to see, I've been playing for London since I was 12, there has always been a next step for me to go to,” Obahor says.
“When the junior team came in there was a clear pathway to get to the seniors, that is why I'm here today. It is going great for London at the moment.”
Obahor featured in London’s junior team – an all homegrown panel – a couple of years ago before graduating into Maher’s senior set-up. “At underage level it has improved, you have so many games available to play,” Obahor replies about the improved games programme.
London's Josh Obahor in Connacht FBD League action against Mayo. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
“The Junior All-Britain gives you an opportunity to play in a Junior All-Ireland. They are the games you want to get visibility and sight of, it is how I got into it.”
Time and energy is invested in sport, but Obahor relishes representing London. “I live in north west London so I'm not too far from McGovern Park,” he says.
“It isn't too bad for me. When you're working in central London, you have got to get the tube back, get in the car, you have rush hour, it is a big commitment, but it is the same for any county.
“I started playing soccer, then I got into Gaelic Football as a second sport, to be honest. I loved it as soon as I started. So, I started prioritising it over football. Now I don't play soccer anymore, it is all Gaelic.”
The promising Obahor credits the players, coaches, and administrators, who worked in the Parnells underage ranks throughout the decades. “Parnells holds a special place in my heart,” Obahor responds.
“I've been playing for them since I was 11, they've always had so much belief in me.
“I started off as a goalkeeper for Parnells, the players and coaches have always pushed me to go on, to play at the highest level. They are really important to me, and are the reason I play Gaelic today.”
