Conor Hourihane

Early career

Hourihane came through the youth team of Sunderland, and stayed with the Black Cats until 2010 when his contract expired. He was offered a new deal by Sunderland but chose to sign for his idol Roy Keane's Football League Championship side Ipswich Town, who had to offer compensation for the deal. Hourihane failed to make an appearance for Ipswich in the 2010–11 season.

Plymouth Argyle

He signed for Football League Two side Plymouth Argyle on 30 July 2011 on a free transfer after being released by Ipswich and impressing on trial. He made his professional debut on 6 August 2011, in the opening day draw with Shrewsbury Town at the New Meadow. On 15 October, Hourihane scored his first goal for Plymouth in a 3–2 win over Dagenham & Redbridge. He became the club's captain during the 2012–13 season following the departure of Darren Purse to Port Vale and signed a new two-year contract in May 2013. Hourihane impressed for Plymouth in the 2013–14 season, starting 53 games and missing only one match all season because of suspension, scoring nine goals in the process.

Barnsley

Hourihane joined Barnsley on 23 June 2014 for a fee of £250,000, signing a three-year contract with the Tykes. He earned the League One Player of the Month award for August 2014, after making an impressive start to his Barnsley career. Hourihane became captain of the club in December 2015. Hourihane and his teammates won two trophies at Wembley Stadium in London, during the…

On 28 March 2017, Hourihane made his senior international debut, starting in a 1–0 friendly defeat against Iceland at the Aviva Stadium. Hourihane won his second cap in a friendly against Mexico on 2 June 2017. On 26 March 2019, Hourihane scored his first senior international goal in a 1–0 win over Georgia at the Aviva Stadium. The Republic of Ireland's first home match in Euro 2020 qualifying received additional coverage due to a protest against the former CEO of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), John Delaney. A portion of the Republic of Ireland supporters threw tennis balls on the pitch during the 33rd minute to express their discontent at Delaney remaining part of the FAI hierarchy.

In 2020, Hourihane started working towards his coaching qualifications. In June 2023, he announced that he would be joining the Aston Villa Academy in September as a coach for the Under-16s team, alongside playing for Derby.

Barnsley

In June 2024, it was announced on his return to Barnsley that he would combine his playing role with that of first team coach, linking up with head coach Darrell Clarke and existing first team coach Martin Devaney. On 12 March 2025, following the sacking of Clarke, Hourihane was appointed interim head coach until the end of the season. On 18 April, he was appointed on a permanent two-year deal. Hourihane was named EFL League One Manager of the Month for November 2025 after seven points from three unbeaten matches. On 18 April 2026, the club announced that Hourihane would mutually part ways with the club following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.

Leicester City

On 30 June 2026, Hourihane joined League One club Leicester City as assistant to new manager Russell Martin.

Hourihane is the second cousin of Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Marie Hourihan.