The League of Ireland has become a hotbed for young talent with Ireland underage internationals benefiting from playing first-team football from an early age.

In 2023, a UEFA report found that 57 per cent of players in the league fell into the Under-23 bracket, so it's hardly surprising that male Irish underage internationals have been able to flourish in both the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier & Men's First Divisions.

And while St Patrick’s Athletic forward Mason Melia is rightly seen as a great example of young Irish talent in the league, here are five other players to watch out for in the 2025 season.

Cathal O’Sullivan
Club: Cork City
Position: RW, LW, AM      
Irish Caps: BU15,  MU17, MU19

Ever since making a goalscoring impact on his debut for Ireland Under-15s against Montenegro back in 2021, the Corkonian has looked very comfortable in an Ireland jersey. O'Sullivan has gone on to represent his country from U15s to U19s all while breaking into the first team at Cork City - making his first-team debut in 2023.

At only 17, he already has an SSE Airtricity Men's First Division title under his belt, having been part of City’s 2024 title charge as they returned to the top flight as First Division champions. A tricky, technical and skilful player, it’s not only his style that is pleasing on the eye but his array of goals that make for some highlight reel.

He is fast become a fan favourite on Leeside following his break-out season last term and will be looking to continue that development in the top tier.

Michael Noonan
Club: Shamrock Rovers
Position: CF
Irish Caps: BU15, BU16, MU17 

One of the best kept secrets in Irish football is not so much of a secret any more. Noonan's record as an Irish underage international is truly impressive with the 16-year-old striker netting 26 times in under three international seasons. 

He made his St. Patrick’s Athletic senior debut last October against Bohemians but just three months later he moved from Inchicore to Tallaght to join Shamrock Rovers - signing his first professional contract. In a true show of faith, Stephen Bradley handed the Dubliner his debut in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Knock-Out Phase Play-Off against Molde. And he rewarded his manager’s confidence by netting the winner in a 1-0 victory and, in doing so, became the youngest player to score in UEFA European club competition history this century.

Already a starter in Europe and in the Dublin Derby against Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium, Noonan has a great opportunity to impress fans through the league and in an Ireland jersey.

Jad Hakiki
Club: Sligo Rovers
Positions: AM, RW, LW
Irish caps: MU18, MU19, U21

Hakiki made a blistering start to his Sligo Rovers career by scoring on his debut in this season's opener against Waterford.

It’s been an exciting few months for the Dubliner. He was called up to the Ireland Under-21s in November and impressed, earning two caps in International Friendlies against Sweden. His performances sparked interest from the Bit O’Red who moved for the attacking midfielder in the close season.

And John Russell knows in Hakiki he has landed a player who has already gained a lot of experience despite being just 20 years of age. He has accumulated more than 50 league appearances in spells at Shelbourne and Dundalk - the latter he scored on his debut for and was awarded Player of the Match in a 4-2 Louth Derby win over Drogheda United. 

A direct and technical player, he has a great opportunity to develop his game further under Russell. 

Conor Walsh
Club: Sligo Rovers
Position: Goalkeeper
Irish Caps: BU15, MU17, MU18, MU19, U21

The Westport native recently signed a new deal with the Bit O’Red as he pushes to become the Number 1 at The Showgrounds. Having impressed on loan at Wexford last season, Walsh received high praise for his performances at the latter of the end of the season as the First Division side reached the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Semi-Final and secured a First Division Semi-Final Play-Off place.

He also produced a solid display when English Premier League side Everton came to Sligo for a Friendly game, which only added to his growing reputation. 

Representing Ireland since Under-15s, he received a call-up to the Ireland Under-21s last November. Walsh will be looking stake a claim as the man between the sticks for both club and country.

Cory O’Sullivan
Club: Shamrock Rovers
Position: LB, LWB
Irish Caps: BU16, MU17, MU19

Aged only 18, O'Sullivan has experienced some great moments in his career already. He made his professional debut for Shamrock Rovers just two months after his 16th birthday and last season featured nine times for Stephen Bradley’s team as he embraced the first-team environment.

His first professional goal came against Waterford last October with his manager heaping praise of the left-back’s mentality at such a young age. It’s why Bradley showed no hesitation to start him in the huge game against Molde in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Knock-Out Phase Play-Off.

On the international stage, O'Sullivan has represented Ireland from the Under-16s onwards and was part of Colin O’Brien’s Under-17s team that reached the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA U17 European Championship in 2023 - where Ireland would eventually go out to Spain and he was given the unenviable task of marking star forward Lamine Yamal. 

The highly-rated defender is expected to feature much more for Shamrock Rovers this season.