Patrick Murphy a busy man on the soccer and athletics front but he wouldn't have it any other way

ATHLETICS is the foundation for all sports and having great stamina or speed can separate you from your team mates in terms of quality.

Recently, I caught up with Patrick Murphy who coaches both football and athletics and here he tells of the importance of athletics in team sports.

"I believe athletics is the fundamental base for all sports and correct movement is so important," said Murphy. 

"The quickness of thought and actual speed of the game goes up as you go up the levels so to be quick and to be able to repeat those runs late on in games is what separates really fit players from good players. 

"Also the time from 7-11 years of age is when to do that - as when they get older they're less likely to try new things and take it on board."

Murphy has had a hectic week where he spent a few days in Blackpool, England with his Ringmahon U12 team before returning to travel to Athlone for the Athletics indoor championships. 

Both events were successful and for Murphy it was great to see hard work come to fruition.

"It has been a hectic 10 days but great in terms of success. It started off with a trip to Blackpool with the Ringmahon football team. 

"Just over 100 of us travelled by boat to Holyhead and then a bus to Blackpool. It was an amazing trip for all involved with memories made for life. 

"We first got to attend the Preston and Rotherham game to see our former player Alan Browne produce a MOTM performance and to honour him having reached 400 appearances for the club. 

"A huge achievement for a great lad, whom we're all very proud of. Watching the game and seeing great football being played by a former club member really set the tone for the weekend as the players played superb football and were thrilled to return home with two cups.

"I coach the U12 team alongside Paul Higgins, Johnny Delaney and Conor Mullane. 

"We won seven games and drew one which resulted in us winning the overall tournament. 

"It was a great achievement as the standard was very high. The kids created memories they will have for life and for us that's what it's all about really. 

"Through my Athletics background I've brought in different running specific drills, reaction sprints and conditioning exercises which I believe have helped the team. 

"Fitness plays a huge role in sport and speed is an added bonus. There are a lot of lads from the club involved in our running club which is great and from the team, Jamie Mullane who won the East Cork Schools Cross Country Championships is with both Ringmahon and Cork City AC and you can see that both sports have helped him."

While some needed a break after a hectic weekend in Blackpool, Murphy was back on the road again, this time as he travelled to Athlone to watch his athletes including his son Ben, compete in the Indoor All-Ireland championships.

"This week we had the All-Ireland Indoor Championships in Athlone International Arena. 

"My own son (County XC Champion) Ben O'Reilly Murphy came third in his U17 1,500m heat but unfortunately the time wasn't good enough for a placing. 

"Faye Carroll in her first All-Ireland appearance was fifth in the U16 1,500m racewalk following in the tradition of Racewalking in Cork. 

"Young Robert O'Connor became our club's first All-Ireland individual champion, winning the boys U12 60m title in a blistering 8.30 (only 0.06 off the Irish record). 

"He is an exceptional talent and one to watch out for in the future.

"I coach with Rob Heffernan, Marian Heffernan, Alan Carroll, Frank Doherty, Shane Marshall and Kieran O'Mahony. 

"Our Club Cork City AC was formed in September 2022 and we now cater for over 200 kids, 95% of whom had never competed before in athletics. 

"We cater for all levels and capabilities, throws, jumps, walks, sprints, middle distance, relays, cross country and road running. 

"The Track season is just getting started and although it's a disaster with no track in Cork after the Mardyke closed for track repairs and MTU new track still not laid, we are blessed to have use of Kinsale Community College track on Saturday mornings.

"So, while life is hectic coaching both football and athletics, I'm really enjoying feeling I am making a difference to the kids progress and long may it continue."