Ex-St Pat's star basking in unplanned spell in America but jokes ‘I won't complain about bus back from Finn Harps again'

The Irish Sun

27-07-2025

LEE DESMOND has already done double the time and been to Folsom Prison.
But he is not
singing
the blues nor pining for life back home — much.
3
Lee Desmond plays for Sacramento Republic in California
3
He previously won the FAI Cup with St Patrick's Athletic
Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Dubliner Desmond swapped Premier Division St Pat's for USL outfit Sacramento Republic in
But now in his fourth season and with the Republic having an option for a fifth, he has taken to life in the California state capital.
So much so that the defender, who moved to the States with his girlfriend, acknowledged that he is not sure if or when he will be seen in the League of
Desmond — who made 188 appearances for Saints between 2015 and 2021 — told SunSport: 'I knew you'd ask! But I don't know.
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'I change my mind quite often. Ideally, I'll finish up back home. All I can tell you is I'm very happy here.
'The plan was never to stay in America for four years, the plan was two and go back home. We are enjoying it.
'But it's tough with the eight-hour time difference and such a long flight and being home two months a year.'
Sacramento Republic have taken to him too, as he has been co-captain since his first season at the club and has played a big part of their community
work
.
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And that includes regular visits to Folsom
Prison
— the jail made famous by the Johnny Cash song and the Man in Black's subsequent live show there in 1968.
But Desmond admitted: 'I know the story but I wouldn't be his biggest fan.
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'It started when the club went there to train last year — just to kick the ball around — and now we go once a month.
'The staff go in and play against the prisoners and we can go and watch and talk to the lads.
'So I've gone in four or five times and it's brilliant.
'It's full access, through the cells, where they shower, where they eat and then out into the courtyard where they have organised
football
.
'We don't go everywhere. I think there are four levels — level four being the most dangerous prisoners and we don't go to their area.
'It all becomes very real, I suppose, when you're there.
'You have to be careful what you say and we're told not to ask why they're in but sometimes the lads open up themselves.
'Some of the stories are really sad and humbling. It's an unbelievable experience and makes you grateful for your life, I suppose.'
'NO REGRETS'
Desmond is also thankful for how things have worked out in Sacramento where he helped the club to the US Open Cup final — which they lost to
He said: 'I have no regrets about coming here. I'm 30 and in the best physical condition I've ever been and the stats back it up.
'That first year when we reached the cup final, I was struggling with injuries and was being put together and rolled out on the pitch.
'I came over with an Achilles problem that I'd had for a few years, off and on, with St Pat's. When I came over, I didn't have a
pre-season
because my visa was delayed and my Achilles didn't like going straight into games.
'I needed an operation, which I got a week after that final, and then I had more niggles because of it.
'There were so many imbalances in how I walked and ran because of how I compensated for it. But the last while, it's all been good.'
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Stephen Mallon of Bohemians in action against Lee Desmond of St Patrick's Athletic during the 2021 FAI Cup final
Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
A new manager — former Wolves and
He said: 'Neill worked with
'The club here went all-out to get him out of his contract with Raith and he has been brilliant for us.
'Everything about the club is so professional. The offices downtown have 45 staff, which shows how big the club is, we get anything between 6,000 and 11,000 at games.
'San Jose are nearby in the MLS but they have nothing like the fanbase we have here.
'You do get recognised a bit — a little more than home, so not much! It's
nice
, it's awkward too but most just want a picture.
'Our new owners want to go to the MLS but it's not easy. It's not like you can go in any year and it's expensive. The focus is on a new stadium before going to the MLS.
'I know I probably won't be here when that happens but they're not taking their foot off the pedal that we're in the USL. It's win, win, win. That's it.'
"I'm 30 and in the best physical condition I've ever been and the stats back it up."
Lee Desmond
After an indifferent start as gaffer, Collins put his stamp on the squad, the Republic have hit form and are well placed in the play-off spots.
But Desmond knows there is more work to be done and even more
travel
.
He said: 'The one thing I'll never get used to is the travel as we fly everywhere.
'If we're going to the east coast, we go on a Thursday, but it's the day before games if it's a west coast game.
'But there are not many direct flights from Sacramento to most of the venues so it's often two flights.
'It doesn't take much out of you but they can be long trips.
'Fortunately, it's a good squad. It's not just good players but good people, and you need that when you spend so much time with people.
'But, if I go back to the