Cork City determined to keep memory of Leeside Legend Liam Miller to the fore

CORK City will honour the memory of Liam Miller again this July in a fundraising 5k run for Marymount.

While it will be a virtual event, as the country adjusts post-Covid-19, the club is confident supporters will get behind the great cause.

Miller, an Irish international from underage to senior, had a hugely successful professional career and carried himself with a touch of class on and off the field.

The Ovens native was a fine GAA player in his youth but once he joined Ballincollig AFC, at the relatively late age of 13 have never played organised soccer before, his crisp playmaking and incredible engine marked him down as one to watch.

That led him to Celtic, where he hit the net in the Champions League, before stints with Man United, Sunderland, Leeds and Cork City among others.

Tragically, Miller died from cancer in 2018, leaving behind his wife and three children, and his devastated parents, siblings, and extended family and friends.

He received a suitable tribute with a Man United 11 and an Irish selection clashed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, in a historic sell-out, and the 5K run was started by City in ‘18.

Entry on July 26 is €10 for adults, €5 for U16s and €20 for a family of two adults and two U16s.

You can purchase your entry on https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/liam-miller-5k-2020-tickets-103450665726

Details of how to submit your time will be emailed to every entrant in advance of the event.

Interestingly, Miller’s first medal of note was with Killumney AC, a gold medal in an U10 race. He also secured first place with the Cork U13 relay team.

His GAA prowess with evident with Éire Óg, whose U12s played an exhibition match at half-time of the Man United-Ireland game two years ago, but also in Sciath na Scol with Ovens NS and at secondary school with Coachford, where he helped their U16s to a Munster football final.

Of course, soccer was his priority at that juncture, and he was coached in Ballincollig by Mick McNulty, the father of Cork City keeper Mark who remained one of Miller’s best friends until his passing.

Along the way, he lined out for the Cork Schoolboys League representative team in the Kennedy Cup and powered the club to a league title at U15.

As with another Ballincollig AFC graduate Colin Healy, Miller benefited from the guidance of Mick Conroy and Paul Bannon on the FÁS scheme, with both recruited by Celtic on the back of full-time training from the former Cork City players.

Commenting on behalf of the Miller family, Mrs Bridie Miller, Liam’s mother encouraged the public to take part in the event.

“We are very pleased that Cork City FC and Marymount are working together to remember Liam and to raise money for very worthwhile causes.

“We would encourage people to participate or contribute if they are able to do so.”