Tom O'Dea

Playing career O'Dea began his senior career at Shamrock Rovers where he played for 5 seasons in the League of Ireland Premier Division between 1970 and 1974.

He played for New Jersey Schaefer Brewers in 1973, as well, due to the ASL playing a calendar season whilst the League of Ireland Premier Division played from August to May before the change in 2003. This allowed him to play during the summer whilst Shamrock Rovers did not have games.

After returning to the United States in 1975, O'Dea played for Hartford Bicentennials for one season where he appeared in 12 games in the NASL. At the club his shirt number was #13.

He later returned to the ASL in 1976, where he would remain until he retired, and played for Utah Golden Spikers (who were later re-branded to Utah Pioneers) where he appeared in 11 games for the club in the one season he was there. At the club his shirt number was #5.

O'Dea ended his playing career returning to New Jersey Americans. New Jersey Schaefer Brewers were renamed to New Jersey Americans before he rejoined. O'Dea's shirt numbers at the club were #17 (1977), #4 (1978) and #5 (1979).

Death O'Dea's death at the age of 76 was reported by the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association on 11 October 2025.