Josh Honohan has quietly become one of Ireland’s most intriguing defensive prospects, and his rise from local Cork youth football to one of the Premier Division’s standout performers has been as steady as it has been compelling.
Born in Carrigaline, County Cork, on 28 March 2001, Honohan cut his teeth with Carrigaline United before graduating through the Cork City youth ranks and breaking into their senior side in 2019, just as the Rebel Army were navigating life in the League of Ireland’s top flights.
Over four seasons with Cork City, he developed his defensive craft and versatility, helping them to the First Division title in 2022 and establishing himself as a reliable presence on the left side of the back line. In the winter of 2023, he committed his future to Shamrock Rovers, a move that has since transformed his career trajectory.
Since his arrival at Tallaght Stadium, Honohan has become a key component of Stephen Bradley’s side, embracing life at Ireland’s most successful club with confidence and consistency. Comfortable at left-back but capable of filling in across the defensive line, he combines defensive solidity with the kind of attacking impetus modern full-backs are expected to offer. That blend of attributes has seen him play a significant role in Rovers’ domestic success, contributing to league and cup honours while also featuring in the club’s European campaigns.
News: Josh Honohan set to join Lincoln (third in League One) in a January deal worth in the region of €500k plus add-ons
Rovers rejected August bid but deal was never dead and Honohan keen to try his luck in UK at a club where he’ll get chanceshttps://t.co/kyKncbWaIW
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) December 15, 2025
Off the pitch, Honohan’s performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team setup. After featuring in Republic of Ireland under-21 squads early in his career, he earned his first senior call-up in May 2025 for friendlies under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, a testament to his growing reputation at club level. Although he did not make his senior debut in those fixtures, his inclusion marked a significant milestone for a League of Ireland player aspiring to make the step up on the international stage. Later in 2025, he was again named in Ireland squads for competitive fixtures, underscoring that he remains firmly in the national team picture.
What sets Honohan apart is not just his technical ability but his adaptability and work ethic. He reads the game intelligently, contributes in build-up play, and defends with tenacity, traits that have endeared him to supporters and managers alike. At 24, he is entering the prime years of his career and, with both domestic honours and international recognition now under his belt, the next chapters of his story could see him push for a regular Ireland role.
Per @McDonnellDan Josh Honohan looks set to for Lincoln City in January.
Deal is expected to be in region of €500k plus add-ons.
Shamrock Rovers supporters, who would you like to see come into replace him?
Stevens is signed but expect him to be more an option at LCB… pic.twitter.com/u9YZseeOzG
— IFB Media (@IFBMedia) December 15, 2025
2025
He started the recent LOI season with a big billing. Named in the PFAI Team of the Season in 2024, he started the season with two assists in three Europa Conference League matches against Rapid Wien and Borac Banja Luka. Operating as a wing-back, he has the engine to get up and down, the profile we like, even when a flat back four. Adam Reach’s ability to overlap and deliver in attacking areas is effective in both 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1, a trait Honohan has.
His flexibility is not the reason we want him. I’m sure we’re after an out-and-out left back, but over the course of the season, he has proven himself to be adept in a number of those positions. He’s appeared at right back, left back and left wing back, as well as playing, at times, as a centre back. Mostly. he’s left full back in whatever configuration Shamrock play, but there is scope there for covering other positions.
His output in terms of goals and assists is impressive, seven goals and eight assists in 4449 minutes of competitive football, according to Wyscout. He’s at 3.94 dribbles per match, 2.35 crosses, and averaged 1.94 touches in the penalty area. Comparing that to Reach this season, with 1.11 dribbles, 3.18 crosses, and 0.9 touches in the penalty area tells a story. Of course, Reach is from fewer minutes, and in some cases, the level of opposition and pace of the game is very different, but both have a set of numbers reflecting a high-intensity attacking full back.
Fitting Lincoln
Finally, how does he fit with us, if he were to sign? Well, we’ve already outlined some very basic numbers that show a similarity in attacking intent to Adam Reach, and with Reach looking comfortable, there wouldn’t be pressure on Honohan to drop straight in. The intention would obviously be for him to impact quickly, but remember the Irish season runs from February, so there is no summer break. He finished his campaign in November, but also suffered an injury at the end of the season. That might slow any immediate integration.
At 24, he’s not one for the future; he’s one for now. He’s on the cusp of international recognition, and it’s an area that we patched up in the summer, rather than solved. The rumours around him coming to us have not stopped, and if indeed we have surged ahead in the hunt, it’s a top signing for the club.
There will be questions about players from Ireland settling. Dylan Duffy never really broke through, and Danny Mandroiu was effective, but problematic for some. However, Jack Moylan is a fan favourite, and I see no issue with League of Ireland players making a big impact over here. If we’ve got this deal close, it is one to be applauded.
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