Aaron Drinan

Drinan began playing football with his local side Carrigaline United, impressing enough to earn a move to Cobh Ramblers, where he would play with their Under-19 side for a short time in early 2015 before moving to their rivals Cork City in the summer of 2015 where he would play until the end of the 2017 season.[2] During his time at Cork's under-19 side, he played alongside Chiedozie Ogbene, Cian Coleman and Conor McCarthy among others.[3]

Drinan won his first title with Cork City Under 19's with a win over Limerick at Markets Field on 15 December 2015.[4] His first appearance for the first team came on 9 June 2016, playing 85 minutes of a friendly against Fulham.[5] He was part of the side to the Enda McGuill Cup in September 2016, beating St Patrick's Athletic in the final and qualifying for the UEFA Youth League in the process.[6] Drinan impressed in the UEFA Youth League, scoring the winner in a 1–0 win on aggregate against HJK Helsinki of Finland[7] as well as scoring an equaliser against Italian giants AS Roma.[8] His first involvement in a first team squad for a league game was on 23 June 2017 when he was an unused substitute in a 2–1 win over Derry City at Maginn Park.[9]

Drinan dropped down a division to sign for Waterford of the League of Ireland First Division in July 2017, making his competitive debut in senior football away to Cabinteely on 4 August 2017.[10] He scored the first goal of his senior career on 1 September 2017, scoring in a 1–1 draw with Shelbourne at the RSC.[11] Drinan finished up the season with 5 appearances and 1 goal to his name as Waterford won the League of Ireland First Division, resulting in his first taste of silverware at senior level.[12]

Drinan began training with EFL Championship side Ipswich Town in October 2017[13] and was announced as a new signing by manager Mick McCarthy on 4 January 2018, signing a three and a half year contract.[14][15][16] He was an unused substitute in 4 EFL Championship games and 1 FA Cup game for Ipswich but failed to make his first team debut as his side finished in 12th place.[17]

He joined National League side Sutton United on 1 August 2018.[18] His first goal came on 20 October 2018 when he scored the winner against Wealdstone in the FA Cup.[19]

On 15 February 2019, it as announced that Drinan had signed for his old club Waterford on loan until the summer.[20] His loan was a huge success, scoring 7 goals in 18 league games.[17] His form had Waterford looking to extend the loan, but this proved to be unsuccessful, with Ipswich wanting the player to return.[21]

Drinan signed for Swedish Superettan side GAIS on 8 August 2019.[22][23] He made his debut away to Dalkurd FF on 18 August 2019.[24] He returned to Ipswich Town in November at the end of his loan which saw him make 9 appearances for GAIS.[25]

He signed for Scottish Championship side Ayr United on loan on 17 January 2020.[26] His debut came the next day in a 1–0 Scottish Cup win over Ross County to earn a 5th Round tie with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone.[27]

After 2 and a half years at Ipswich, Drinian made his full debut for the club on 5 September 2020 in a 3–0 win against Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup, assisting first goal scored by teammate Freddie Sears.[28] He scored his first goal for the club on 30 January 2021, in a 1–1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.[29]