Eileen Ring on what it means to support Cork City
Former Cork City FC player Eileen Ring is a huge supporter of the club, and her family is stepped in League of Ireland. Picture:Des Barry
ANYONE involved in women’s soccer in Cork will be well aware of the name Eileen Ring.
As a player, supporter or administrator she has never been backward in coming forward. She knows the game inside and out and isn’t afraid to stand up and be counted when the need arises.
A great supporter of Cork City for years. This runs in the family with her mum and brother heavily involved in the club also. For the past few seasons, Eileen has been part of a weekly podcast that covered all things Cork City WFC.
Now this podcast has become a national podcast encompassing every team in the league and with the weekly audience growing every week Eileen explains how it all came about and her plans for the future of the podcast.
"The Three Amigos podcast started in February 2021 when Declan McCormack, Damien Sreenan and Wayne Mullins looked at everything Cork City FC," said Eileen. "In November the three lads drove a campaign to break the National League Women’s attendance record which they did and through that and other Cork city Women’s specials they saw there was an appetite for coverage and interest in the women’s side of the club.
"I sit with Wayne at City games for years and he asked me to come on board so was born. Since April 2022 we have covered all things Cork City Women. Weekly previews, reviews, interviews and general state of the Club.
"Las Damas while naturally more aimed at fans of the women’s game, it attracts City fans; TOTAP fans and this season's switch from Cork City to a general WLOI pod has seen a good increase after only one Episode. The women’s game is growing and this league is.
"So we made the switch for one main reason. Cork City pulled our access from the club. We would previously have ran interviews with management and players pre- and post-game and now that was totally stopped by the club so it’s difficult to cover a club in that scenario. Issues more from the pod that covers the men's team and unfortunately the women’s team have suffered.
But on a plus note, it’s an ever-growing league and always lots of good stories to cover so good being league-wide.
"For me I’ve been a fan of the league since its inception so I’d have a fairly in-depth knowledge and some great friends at other clubs.
"Ultimately we are football fans, with an opinion. Our opinion is just that, an opinion, not fact. We won’t please everyone. But also we are very aware the time and commitment every player and person involved puts in so we try to be as respectful as possibly. Inevitably we will upset a few people but it’s never personal and it’s always just football. I’ve nothing but respect for every player, manager, coach and volunteer in our league."
So while it's time-consuming, the mother of one living in Carrigaline, enjoys it immensely.
"The podcast is time-consuming and probably even more so now we are league-wide but it’s something I’ve such an interest in that it works out okay for me. Between myself, Decky and John O Sullivan we will watch all the games. We are all city fans so it’s just to sort out the rest of the games between us. But since the arrival of LOI TV I generally watch two or three games a weekend anyways.
"Football has always been a big part of my life, as long as I can remember. As a fan, player, coach, manager and now with the pod, I eat sleep and breathe Cork City. I’m a big Arsenal fan, and football in general the men’s and women's games. It’s given me a huge amount, and a lot of my friendships are through the game.
"I'm excited for the season ahead as a City fan. I think it’s difficult, we are the only club in the league where players don’t get a penny, not even an expense. But the commitment and effort is not lacking. They do it for the love of the game and the club.
"Danny has been great with his recruitment and there’s been some exciting additions. He has a brilliant vision for the club and he adores Cork City so it would be great to see him get the backing to make it happen. We have incredible younger players and I hope with the addition of a bit of experience we can move up the table."
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