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Although Conor Bradley described his first goal for Liverpool as “a dream,” not many in Aghyaran will believe that he is now living out his dream.
For them, the question was not if but rather when the young Northern Irish lad from a hamlet would become famous.
But it was in this little community of 1,384 people in West Tyrone that Bradley earned the moniker “a gift of God.”
That was known by those who knew him, and now it is also known by Jurgen Klopp.
Everyone who knew him thought he would achieve his goals, whether they were to play winger for the Dungannon Swifts, participate in the organized violence of Gaelic football with St. Davogs, or win the primary school cross-country running title in Northern Ireland.
He was signed by Swifts at the age of 14, and head of development Dixie Robinson said of him, “He had tactical know-how beyond his years.”
Along with his talent, he answered the call each time you put him in a position of leadership.
“Conor was a wonderful young man and a gift from God.”
Five miles down the road at Castlederg, the right-back’s birthplace, the St. Patrick’s Primary School, speaks well of him, stating, “He’s a great friend.” His disposition and willingness to include everyone in play were what made him stand out.
“Everyone is so very proud of him because he’s really down to earth, a lovely fella, and none of this will go to his head,” said Tommy Moss of St. Davogs GAA.
“That attitude is the main reason he’s succeeded,”
The 5-2 FA Cup victory over Norwich last Sunday saw Bradley, 20, put up two goals, which his coach at first club St Patricks marveled at.
Subsequently, he contributed two more assists along with that memorable goal during Wednesday’s 4-1 thumping of Chelsea. “His football brain always set him out — he was doing things no one else could do,” stated Rory Lynch.
He was invited for tryouts by Chelsea and Manchester United, but he had always been a Liverpool fan.
He was a member of the Anfield academy by 2019, and Ian Baraclough made his debut against Malta as a substitute in 2021.
Now ranked No. 2 at Cheltenham, Baraclough stated: “Conor always plays with energy and enthusiasm.”
“Everyone benefits when a young man like him joins a team.
Although he is silent, there is a sparkle in his eye. There may be a sinister element to it, but it will be humorous rather than offensive.