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10.11.05 Declan O'Donoghue Declan O'Donoghue In the fall of 1979 Declan and Jean O'Donoghue were faced with the prospect of returning to Ireland with Declan's dream of an American college education and career in business unfulfilled. He had transferred from the University of South Florida to the University of Florida with the prospect of a football scholarship to place kick for the University of Florida. Due to a coaching change, the scholarship had not materialized and funds were running out for the young Irish couple. Fortunately, Erskine soccer coach Ralph Lundy had heard of Declan's soccer ability and called with the offer of a scholarship to Erskine; and in the spring of 1980 Declan entered Erskine. "It took a great deal of dedication and determination for Declan and Jean to make it financially and for Declan to meet his educational goal," former Student Services Vice President Bill Lesesne recalls. "Jean became a secretary in my office. Declan worked for maintenance and in the dining hall. They became dormitory directors of Robinson Hall. Declan showed such leadership in spring soccer that he was elected co-captain for the 1980 season." Declan O'Donoghue quickly became a team leader, both as sweeper back and field general. Along with freshman goalkeeper Matt Beyer and senior back Rick Wright, he anchored a defense that shut out 10 opponents and allowed only 15 goals in 19 matches. Erskine played South Carolina to a 0-0 tie and lost only 1-0 to Duke and 2-0 to Clemson. It went 7-0 in NAIA District 6, outscoring opponents 22-1. After defeating Coastal Carolina, 3-1, for the district title, it routed nationally ranked Berry, 4-1, in the area semifinals before falling to Alabama-Huntsville, 3-1, in the area championship game. That was Erskine's only NAIA loss in an 11-5-3 season. In addition to his defensive play, Declan had two goals and three assists and won all-district honors. In 1981, his senior season, Declan again served as co-captain and led Erskine to its tenth NAIA District 6 title in 13 years. The Flying Fleet finished with an 11-6 record, with four of the losses coming to NCAA teams. Erskine played all four of South Carolina's NCAA Division I teams, defeating Furman and The Citadel, and losing to South Carolina (in overtime) and Clemson. Declan increased his offensive production to a team-leading 11 goals and added four assists, while helping the team score five shutouts. He was named to the NAIA All-American team. In 1982 Declan achieved his educational goal by receiving his degree in business from Erskine "cum laude." Before returning to Ireland, Declan served as soccer coach at Wofford College, helping to build a strong program there. He has used his Erskine degree as a foundation for fulfilling his dream of a career in business. He now also holds an M.B.A. and serves as business development director for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Dublin, Ireland. Declan O'Donoghue has earned a place in the Flying Fleet Hall of Fame through his leadership abilities, athletic skills, classroom accomplishments, and personal values. |
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