Cork City FC means ‘more than just 90 minutes’ to supporters

Walking into Munster FA Turner’s Cross stadium at 11am on a Monday morning is somewhat quieter than 7.45pm on a Friday match night.

But for a group of Cork City Football Club supporters, visiting the famous League Of Ireland ground for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat is a regular routine to kickstart the week.

Monday Morning Memories is a weekly and community focused social group hosted by Cork City FC in the EZ Living Suite at the stadium.

From 11am to 12.30pm, the gathering provides a space for people to enjoy a chat about all things football and everything else in between.

As The Echo calls in, debates are had about the Cork City win over Bray Wanderers the previous Friday night, and looking ahead to the upcoming local derby contest against Cobh Ramblers.

The coffee morning also allows supporters to reflect about some of the great days from throughout the history of football in Cork.

Ray Hennessy, who first started attending League Of Ireland matches back in 1953, told The Echo how he enjoys coming to the Cork City FC coffee mornings, which have become a regular staple of his weekly schedule.

“It is a routine, but it is very enjoyable. I am sure a lot of other people would come here if they knew about it.”

John Daly from Passage said: “It is just a couple of lads coming together with the same interest as regards following Cork City

“I get up on a Monday morning, do my bit of litter picking in Passage, have my breakfast, and then at 10.30am head up with the president of Passage soccer club Jim Murphy.

“The Cork City FC coffee mornings are a great pastime. There could be some supporters that come here that basically are trying to fill in their days.

“It is an hour and a half of your Monday morning. It is enjoyable and you get on with your day when you go back home.”

Erika Ní Thuama, Cork City FC community and academy co-ordinator, said the Monday coffee mornings are a great and enjoyable way to start her working week.

“It is a great way to debrief after the weekend’s games in the League Of Ireland and everything else. But we talk about pretty much everything to be honest.

“It is not just for Cork City supporters, it is open to anyone who wants to come in and maybe has a passing interest in sport or just wants to get out of the house for a couple of hours.

“It is important for the club to be doing something that is not just based around the 90 minutes on a Friday night.

“The football club is more than just that 90 minutes.”