Playing at a World Cup, sharing a pitch with Lamine Yamal now with Bournemouth - Portarlington's Ade Solanke

After a one week sabbatical, the Laois Soccer Podcast is back and we have an absolutely massive guest. Alan is delighted to be joined on this week's episode by a Laois man who has just signed for a Premier League club. Ade Solanke recently transferred to AFC Bournemouth and has been registered with their U-21 side. Originally from Sli na Mona in Portarlington, Ade shot to prominence late last year as he starred for the Republic of Ireland at the U-17 World Cup.Playing from left back or left wing back, he provided a number of assists as Ireland reached the last 16 stage of the competition.While the Solanke family now live in Newcastle in Dublin, Ade was brought up in Portarlington to Nigerian parents Busola and Michael.Solanke attended primary school in St Patrick’s BNS Portarlington and his talent was evident from a very early age.Solanke began his club soccer career at Arthur Griffith Park who are from Lucan in Dublin.He then played for Monasterevin AFC and Newbridge Town before transferring to Shamrock Rovers.Solanke spent several years there before moving to FC Lorient at the start of 2025 where he featured for the reserves before making the switch to Bournemouth in the Premier League. Ade speaks to Alan Hartnett about his incredible journey to date, the importance of sacrifice, his hopes for the future and much more.