Cork star Jake O’Brien is flying in France having recently been called up to interim manager John O’Shea’s Ireland squad for the first time.
The 22-year-old has spent time playing for Cork City, Crystal Palace, Swindon and a loan move to RWD Molenbeek in Brussels. His most recent move to Lyon last summer has shot the emerging Irish defender into the forefront of the watchful eyes of the soccer world.
He has been followed every step of the way by partner Sophie Lawlor. The pair have been together for over four years, and makeup artist and online influencer Sophie has been lucky enough to travel with him as he embarks on what is undoubtedly going to be a rollercoaster of success, reports Cork Beo.
Read More Jake O’Brien targeting Ireland breakthrough after rise to prominence in France
Makeup artist Sophie, too, is making moves in her own successful career. The 22-year-old Corkwoman is steadily growing her online platform as she shows off her new life in France and shares her top makeup and beauty tips to get the French-chic look.
After a major career move brought up-and-coming footballer Jake to the pitch for Olympique Lyonnais, we sat down with Sophie Lawlor as she opens up about the reality of leaving home, life with a professional athlete partner, and all things French fashion and beauty.
How did you and Jake meet and was it love at first sight?
Jake and I met through family friends. Our aunts are best friends so we would have known each other from a young age but then we went to secondary school together and that’s where our friendship started.
So definitely friends to lovers but I always had a secret crush on him since I was young!
Did it take some time to settle into the idea of moving country together?
We have been together almost five years so although we are young, nothing about our relationship has been normal since the get-go. Moving to France together was a breeze because I lived with him in Brussels the season before which was also another great experience.
What has been the biggest culture shock, if any, now that you’re in Lyon?
The biggest culture shock since living in Lyon is definitely the language barrier! It’s difficult at times for things like going to the vet with our dog or the dentist. But other than that, living abroad is great. Meeting new people from different life experiences is never boring.
Do you two make time to come back to visit Cork or is it always busy, busy, busy in France?
It’s very hard to come back home to Cork together as a couple as Jake rarely gets time off always busy with training, matches, and interviews. I visit home every 6-8 weeks which is great, but the next time we’ll be home together in Cork will be summer!
Did you always know how successful Jake would be as one of Ireland’s young sporting stars?
I’m proud of Jake beyond words and I never had a doubt in my mind that he would be where he is today and this is only the beginning. Jake is so grounded and works incredibly hard, everyone sees the highlights and the great times through social media but a lot of sacrifices and risks had to be made for Jake to be where he is!
How are you finding work as a social media influencer and makeup artist away from home?
I’ve always been into social media and posting life updates and being with Jake has given me amazing opportunities to travel and see the world which I’m so grateful for so I just like to document it and bring my followers along with me.
Showing the amazing things about being with an athlete but also the struggles of living away from family and friends, feeling lonely at times, but overall it’s amazing and I get great feedback from my followers!
What’s trending on the streets of Lyon –have you any top beauty tips to get the French-chic look?
Style in Lyon compared to Cork is quite similar but the makeup is very different in my opinion. The French like to go for that more natural look enhancing their natural beauty which I love!
I think from experience if you’re a young couple and planning on moving abroad the number one thing is to have an open mind! Everything will be different to home but embrace it because not everyone gets the chance to live abroad. Try have your own hobbies so you will have your own lives to chat about when it comes to the end of the day.
Jake is among fellow Corkmen Adam Idah and Caoimhín Kelleher as Ireland take on Belgium and Switzerland this month, will you be cheering him on in Dublin?
Yes, I will support Jake everywhere he goes. I was in Dublin at the weekend to watch the Belgium game and I am supporting him in the game against Switzerland. I love football, it’s a huge part of my life now so I really enjoy it and get into it!
Any plans for the future, what do you see next for you two as a couple?
Plans for us two is to just enjoy life! It’s hard to plan ahead in this career as anything can change very quickly but I know our future is exciting. We have a 9-month-old puppy so maybe another one in a year or two, who knows!
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