The Daily Star Ireland
Here’s a fully rewritten, unique version of your article, preserving the key details but restructuring and enhancing Cork native Adam Idah is eagerly anticipating the chance to step onto the pitch at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this summer, as it was officially announced that Celtic will visit Ireland for a friendly fixture in July. For Idah, this match holds special significance, offering him the rare opportunity to play in his home county for the first time since representing Ireland’s underage team at Turner’s Cross when he was just 15 years old.
This time, however, Idah will be on a much bigger stage, taking on Cork City in a venue where he once sat in the stands as a young supporter. Growing up in Cork, Páirc Uí Chaoimh was a familiar destination for Idah, where he frequently attended hurling and Gaelic football matches, cheering on the Rebel County alongside family and friends. Now, the prospect of being on the pitch as a player, rather than a fan, is something he’s relishing.
Hurling played a big role in Idah’s childhood, even competing with football for his attention. He admitted that, like many young Irish athletes, there came a point when he had to choose between the two sports. Around the age of 13 or 14, Idah ultimately made the decision to focus on football, a choice that ultimately led him to a professional career in England and later Scotland. Despite that decision, his love for hurling has never faded, and even today, his brother surprises him with hurleys as Christmas gifts to keep the connection alive.
The upcoming match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh also reflects the growing relationship between the GAA and soccer, two sporting worlds that haven’t always seamlessly coexisted in Ireland. However, the increasing willingness to host football matches at GAA venues highlights how both organisations are now embracing collaborative opportunities, with Idah viewing the event as a positive step for sport in the region.
On the club front, Idah has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining Celtic, initially on loan and later on a permanent transfer. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, he has rediscovered his confidence and made a real impact in the Scottish Premiership. His contributions to the team have been crucial, and he will forever be remembered for scoring the decisive goal in last year’s Scottish Cup final, a career highlight that Idah says will be difficult to surpass.
The switch to Celtic has proven to be a perfect fit for the striker, particularly after a challenging period at Norwich City, where he struggled for regular game time. At Celtic, not only has Rodgers instilled belief in him, but the supportive atmosphere in the dressing room has also played a big part in his success. Playing for a club with such high ambitions — where every competition matters — is exactly the kind of challenge Idah thrives on, and with Celtic aiming for a domestic treble this season, he’s determined to contribute as much as possible to that pursuit.
On the international stage, Idah is expected to be a key part of Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League play-off games against Bulgaria. With his 30th cap on the horizon, the striker now sees himself as an established member of the squad, which continues to undergo a transition with a younger generation at its core.
Although Ireland’s recent World Cup qualifying campaign was a struggle, Idah remains optimistic about the team’s future. He acknowledges that his own start in the green jersey wasn’t easy — goals were hard to come by, and the squad faced consistently difficult opposition — but he feels there’s now a strong foundation to build upon. The players have embraced a more progressive style of play, and with new coaching staff in place, Idah believes the upcoming campaign could mark a turning point for the national team.
Despite the tough results of the past, Idah remains hopeful that the blend of emerging talent and fresh tactical ideas will help Ireland push forward, with the goal of finally turning promising performances into consistent positive results.
