This is the story of Ollie Byrne.

We meet Ollie as he is about to depart this life. Ollie is dying of a brain tumour, and in his final moments, he reflects on his larger-than-life existence. He relives the helter-skelter madness of his often bizarre and turbulent life, driven by one overriding passion, one all-consuming love.

This love was a 24/7 devotion to a football club. It fueled extraordinary feats, ecstatic highs, and deep moments of despair. Ollie relentlessly pursued his obsession: making Shelbourne succeed in Europe like no other Irish football club had before. He came tantalizingly close—just 25 minutes away.

At the heart of Ollie's story is his determination to deliver for the ghost of his father, a constant presence forever just over his shoulder.

Ollie is a love story like no other. It is a football story like no other. A story of one love and one life, dedicated to a passion bigger than himself. Shelbourne was his everything, and no one could come between Ollie Byrne and Shelbourne.

About the Production

One Love, One Life tells the story of a truly unique character. It is insightful, funny, dynamic, and dark.

• Starring: Actor and comedian Gary Cooke (Ex Apres Match) as Ollie Byrne. Gary brings his unique comedic and acting skills to capture the mercurial, explosive, and often hilarious life of Ollie.
• Written by: Dublin playwright Gary Brown (Dockers, The Buttonmen, Back Live). Gary is a former Shelbourne footballer and club Chairman.
• Directed by: Joe O’Byrne (En Suite, Frank Pig Says Hello, The Woman Who Walked Into Doors, The Five Lamps, Dockers). Joe has written and directed for film, television, radio, and theatre.