George O’Callaghan’s five goal haul against Tralee was the first time a Blues player had hit five the great Alfie Hale achieved the feat back in 1972.  | Photos: Jim O’Sullivan

George O’Callaghan’s five goal haul against Tralee was the first time a Blues player had hit five the great Alfie Hale achieved the feat back in 1972. | Photos: Jim O’Sullivan

■□■ View More Photos

George O’Callaghan became the first Blues player to score five goals in one match since Alfie Hale in 1972 when firing home a quintet against Tralee Dynamos in the EA Sports Cup on Tuesday night last (May 11th).
Since signing for Waterford United, O’Callaghan has become a cult figure at the club and his nine goals scored to date only tells half the story.
His range of passing and his work rate is something we have not seen from any one player since the golden era of the 60s and early 70’s. Quite simply George O’Callaghan is different class.
That said, he has been receiving superb support from his colleagues, something he admitted after the trouncing of the hapless visitors from the Kingdom.
“The most goals I have scored in a game (until last Tuesday night) is two,” said O’Callaghan.
“When I scored the second goal tonight I was determined to score a hat-trick for the first time in my career and to go on and score five goals is unbelievable.
“I was a little unlucky not to score seven because I hit the crossbar and their goalkeeper also produced a fine save but I have to be honest and say that some of the goals were laid on a plate for me.
“Kevin Waters and Liam Kearney were unreal out on the left and only for them I would not have scored five.”
A happy George went home with the match ball that had been signed by the entire Waterford United team.
“I will treasure this football forever,” said George as he left the RSC, just as fans are treasuring his tremendous contribution to the club since donning the blue jersey.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.