Tara O’Hanlon: 10 things you didn’t know | OneFootball

Tara O’Hanlon became City’s second January deadline day signing having joined the Club from Peamount United.

The 18-year-old defender has enjoyed a rapid rise, having also broken into the Republic of Ireland’s senior setup in 2023.

And the exciting youngster’s journey now sees her sign her first professional deal with City until the summer of 2027.

Below are ten things you may or may not know about our latest recruit…

International acclaim

O’Hanlon made her senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in April 2023, coming on as a late substitute against the USA.

It was a memorable occasion for the teenager, but one which came as a surprise.

“I was on my way to the U19s camp when I got the call up to say I was going to the seniors in the US instead,” she explained.

“It was a surreal moment. I hadn’t been anywhere near that squad, and I hadn’t met any of the players so to come into camp and see the likes of Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan was a surreal moment.

“I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Attacking intent

Asked to describe her best qualities, O’Hanlon believes she can be a real asset to City in both attacking and defensive situations.

The defender described herself as an attack minded full-back, with her time playing in midfield as a youngster meaning she’s comfortable on the ball and in advanced areas.

However, that’s never at the detriment of her defensive responsibilities, with the Irish international also relishing a physical battle at the other end.

Brazilian inspiration

It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that the defender’s playing style is similar to that of her idol growing up, Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos.

“I grew up watching him and that was the way I wanted to play,” our new number 26 explained.

“He was a tricky player, skilful, quick and very technical.”

Champion

O’Hanlon joins City as a league champion in her native Republic of Ireland.

Indeed, having broken into the senior setup at Peamount United, she helped the team win the League of Ireland title in 2023.

The Peas lost just twice all season and ended up winning the title by six clear points.

WATCH: International experience helped me be ready for City, says O’Hanlon

Taste for silverware

It’s often said that claiming silverware sparks an even greater desire in players to go out and win more.

And that’s certainly the case for O’Hanlon, who is excited to challenge for top honours with City in the coming years.

She added: “The big thing for any footballer is winning trophies and that’s what I’ve come here to do.

“I’ve come here to learn off the players and coaches but ultimately, I’ve come to win WSL titles and Champions Leagues.”

Inked

The Republic of Ireland international revealed that she has eight tattoos so far, each with a significant personal meaning.

She explained: “I have one on my ankle, a dove for my sister. I have ‘22’ on my wrist matching with my older sister. That’s our lucky number.

“The biggest one is on my arm, it’s all my family’s birth flowers and it wraps around my arm.

“I have one on my back and a little one on my waist.

“My newest one is on my arm, it’s my favourite quote: ‘what’s for you won’t pass you’”.

Words of wisdom

Asked for the best piece of advice she’d ever received, our new recruit referred back to her most recent tattoo.

“What’s for you won’t pass you,” she explained when asked for a quote she tries to live by.

“I went through a difficult few months with an injury and missing out on certain things in football that were tough, so I got told that a lot: ‘what’s for you won’t pass you’.

“If it’s going to happen, it will happen.”

A new challenge

The move to Manchester represents the first time the Republic of Ireland international will live away from Dublin, where she spent her formative years.

It’s a daunting prospect, but one that the defender is excited to sample.

“I’m a bit nervous to leave home and everything I’ve known for the last 18 years behind but like I’ve said to family and friends, it’s not that far.

“This is what I want to do. I want to be a professional footballer and I want to play for City so it’s a sacrifice well worth it.”

Numbers game

O’Hanlon has opted to wear number 26 during her time at City.

It’s a shirt of huge significance to the youngster, as she explains: “26 was my debut number for Ireland so that was the first time I had my name on the back of a jersey.

“When I was told the number was available, that’s what I wanted.”

The best companions

O’Hanlon is also the proud owner of two dogs, Jessie and Nala.

Jessie is four, while Nala was brought home last Christmas.