Feature Piece: John Lester – A Football Life Lived the Hard Way
Sitting in Ratnew, speaking to former League of Ireland midfielder and ex-English youth professional John Lester, it becomes clear very quickly that this is not a tale of easy breaks or smooth progressions. Instead, it’s a career shaped by persistence, bad luck, hard lessons, and an enduring love for the game.
Early Beginnings – Park Celtic to Leicester Celtic
John’s football journey began the way many Irish careers do: on concrete and grass in a local housing estate. At just six or seven years of age, he joined the very first Park Celtic team the club ever formed. From there, a kickabout in a friend’s garden during the 1990 World Cup changed everything.
Invited up to Leicester Celtic almost by chance, John quickly became part of a strong side competing at the top level of the DDSL. Leicester Celtic would be his football home through his formative years, winning trophies, developing players, and eventually drawing attention from across the water.
England Beckons – Trials and Everton
By the age of 12, English clubs began calling. West Ham, Newcastle, Everton, Wolves and others all showed interest. A standout moment came at 14 when John played in the Mill Cup with West Ham, winning the tournament and being named both Player of the Tournament and Fans’ Player of the Tournament.
Despite strong links with West Ham, John ultimately chose Everton. It wasn’t about money or prestige. It was about home. Liverpool was just half an hour away by plane, close enough that his father regularly travelled over on his motorbike to watch him play. John could still return to Ireland most weekends. Everton felt like a “home away from home”.
Setbacks, Injury and Reality Checks
John joined Everton at 15, leaving school behind. Education existed, but it never truly clicked. The football didn’t always fit either. Played out of position and struggling to settle, his career took a major hit when he suffered a broken leg, keeping him out for nine months.
Though he returned and played consistently afterwards, the feeling lingered that he never got a proper chance in his natural role as a box-to-box midfielder. By 19, with another year left on his deal, John made the call to come home.
Coming Home – Bohemians and Monaghan United
Back in Ireland, John’s ambition hadn’t faded. He joined Bohemians, who were full-time and fresh off a league and cup double. After limited opportunities, Stephen Kenny sent him on loan to Monaghan United — a move that changed everything.
Training full-time with Bohs and playing weekly with Monaghan, John flourished. He earned First Division Team of the Year honours and an Ireland U21 call-up. At 20, he was finally playing men’s football week in, week out — and loving it.
Chasing Games – Drogheda, Waterford, Limerick
Despite signing a new contract at Bohs, opportunities dried up. Wanting to play, John forced a move to Drogheda United, who were transitioning towards full-time football. Injuries struck again, including a serious groin issue that required surgery — an operation doctors warned could end his career.
He fought back, featuring for Waterford during a relegation battle before linking up with Pat Dolan in Limerick. A full season followed, but financial instability and fitness struggles meant another move was needed.
Galway United – Fitness, Fight and Survival
A connection through Tony Cousins brought John to Galway United, initially part-time before the club went full-time. Moving to Athenry and committing fully, John finally reached peak fitness. Galway survived relegation, but managerial changes and financial pressures saw him pushed towards the exit once again.
Repositioned at centre-half, written off, and injured, John fought his way back into the team. Galway stayed up — but at season’s end, there was no contract.
The Final League of Ireland Years
A brief stint followed at St Patrick’s Athletic under Jeff Kenna, then Longford Town where John captained the side but was released regardless. A return to Drogheda didn’t last long. At this point, his League of Ireland career had quietly come to an end.
Sheriff YC – Success at Junior Level
What followed was the most successful period of his playing life.
Joining Sheriff YC in the Leinster Senior League, John thrived. Over eight seasons, the club won seven league titles, four FAI Junior Cups, multiple Leinster titles, and completed two clean sweeps of every available trophy.
Sheriff weren’t just dominant — they were historic.
Later Years – Ratnew, North End & Still Going
After Sheriff, John continued playing into his late 30s with Ratnew, North End United, and later back again in Wicklow football. With North End, he added two more Leinster Junior Cups to his collection.
Now in his 40s, he’s still playing Premier Division football in Wicklow, mentoring younger players, and giving back through coaching — something he once said he’d never do.
Quick-Fire Q&A
Best player you played with (Pro):
Andy Reid
Best player you played with (Amateur):
Darragh Donnelly (Sheriff YC)
Best player you played against (Pro):
Thomas Hitzlsperger / Jermaine Jenas
Best player you played against (Amateur):
Seán Barcoe (Evergreen)
Best manager you played for:
Alan Reilly
Best manager you played against:
Pat Dolan
One thing you’d change about your career:
Nothing — no regrets.
Best advice you ever received:
Don’t give managers a reason to leave you out.
Advice to young players going abroad:
Stay at home as long as possible. Get educated. Play men’s football first.
U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U21 (every level except senior)
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