Cork U14 soccer team land prestigious All-Ireland title

THERE were huge celebrations after the Cork U14 girls captured the SFAI Inter-league Cup with a 4-1 win over North Eastern Underage Regional League.

Liam Henry's Cork side certainly didn't disappoint as favourites heading into the final as they produced a superb team performance and deservedly lifted the cup in front of family and friends.

Representing 13 clubs across Cork, there was an abundance of talent, that included former Cork City goalkeeper Mark McNulty's twin daughters Tess and Faye. Having overcome tough opposition in South Belfast and Kilkenny en route to the final, Henry believes an overall brilliant squad effort was key to their success.

At the final whistle, I was just glad that the girls' hard work had paid off. They deserve it so much for the way they have approached the year.

"North Eastern Underage Regional League had a lot of attacking talent and came out to play which made for a good game. The girls started well and settled into their passing game quickly. We created a few chances, including their keeper tipping an Anna Cronin shot onto the post." 

The deadlock was broken five minutes before half-time when a surging 40-metre run by Aimee Kearney ended with a cross to Shania West who turned the ball into the net. 

They added a second when Ella McCarthy was on hand to poke the ball home from close range and within two minutes she ran on to an assist from Anna Madden to get her second. 

An amazing hat-trick in five minutes was completed after a smart pass from Tess McNulty. 

"To their credit, NEURL kept playing football and grabbed a late consolation goal.

"When we started our journey 18 months ago with the U13s. We made a commitment to the players that we would create a development environment where everyone got a chance to shine. We are one squad and everyone has a role. 

That’s our philosophy and the trust we give the players is repaid many times over by their ownership on the pitch. Such is the talent in the squad, it is very difficult to pick a starting 11. 

"Whenever we looked at the bench, we had loads of options and we had total confidence that every girl would contribute when they get on the pitch. When I think of each player I can recall every one of contributing a crucial tackle, save, goal, assist or goal line clearance throughout the competition.

"It was great to win, but to be able to say that every single one of the 20 girls played in every single match is our real success."

They started the U14 trials with about 80 players from every club in the league. The standard was extremely high and there were very difficult decisions to be made. 

"Squad balance and ensuring we had different options meant that some very talented girls missed out. Fortunately, opportunities for girls are increasing the whole time and not being selected this time should not be the end for these girls. Many will play for the CWSSL or at League of Ireland underage level in the next few years."

So while celebrations were in full flow in UL, Henry had to race back to Cork to pursue a new role he began recently as manager of the Cobh U17s, who that evening played Waterford.

"I have a fantastic assistant in Colin Gurhy and together we’ve been drafting a strategic plan for the team. There is a great opportunity to build on the wonderful work done by Aoife O’Brien over the past few years. 

PATHWAY

"We strongly believe we can build something important and different in Cobh with a pathway that is extremely attractive to many girls. It will take time but we are convinced we have the right plan and will give great opportunities to girls in Cork to play at League of Ireland level."

So while life is pretty hectic, Henry wouldn't have it any other way.

"Our lives are like air traffic control at Heathrow. As a family, we have eight different training sessions a week, four of them where I coach, along with three matches and maybe some scouting. It’s pretty full on but most of it means spending time with my kids so it’s worth it. 

"My inspirational wife, Melanie, is very supportive and we do as much as possible together as a family. Balancing everything is difficult as Melanie is very hard-working and has a lot of projects too. 

"I get up very early, work hard, try to create time later in the day for football and put great thought into organising and structure. Creating a positive environment with the teams means that it never feels like work."