College Corinthians heading in right direction after historic Munster Youth Cup success

COLLEGE Corinthians created history when they captured the Munster Youth Cup for the first time with a 2-0 win over Carrigaline at Turner's Cross.

Manager John O'Brien was thrilled with the success and was quick to praise many coaches who have played their part throughout the years.

"It felt absolutely fantastic to win the Munster Youth Cup final as it was the first time the club had won the trophy," said O'Brien.

"The competition has a fabulous history and has been running since 1925! There had been a very close rivalry between Carrigaline and us heading into the final. They had beaten us 1-0 in the league two weeks ago, yet we have beaten them 4-2 in the league a month ago in Castletreasure. 

"In addition, we had beaten them 2-1 in the league play-off final last year so there was nothing between the two teams heading into the final."

The game itself was very entertaining and was end-to-end throughout.

"Thankfully our second-half performance was probably the best of the season as our intensity increased and our passing was excellent. It was great to be able to bring on five sets of fresh legs over the last 15 minutes to see out the game. We always place huge emphasis on the squad and not just the starting 11." 

They have won numerous games this season by using the bench to freshen things up.

"Our main aim at the start of the season was to win both the National and the Munster Youth Cups. Unfortunately, we bowed out of the National Cup in Dublin losing on penalties to Cabinteely following a cracking 4-4 draw. To be honest we were absolutely gutted after that and our performances in games after that suffered for a while. 

"Thankfully, we regrouped, and our main priority became the Munster Youth Cup. We defeated Mayfield Utd, Fermoy, Douglas Hall U17s, Douglas Hall U18s, Two Mile Borris and Aisling Annacotty on the road to the final. The semi-final was especially pleasing as we won it in another penalty shoot in Jackman Park. Two players, Samuel O’Brien and Jamie O’Brien, who had missed their penalties in the National Cup showed unbelievable character by stepping up once again and this time scoring in the semi-final."

SERVICE

He has been involved with College Corinthians since he left UCC way back in 1994. 

"I played with a fantastic bunch of lads back in college and lots of them are still my best friends to this day. I was even best man to one of them, Andrew 'Mousey' Monaghan, two weeks ago! 

"I played junior mostly in Corinthians and thoroughly enjoyed my playing years there. Following my retirement from the Over 35 team and the arrival of my sons Robbie and Jamie, I took up coaching with the U5s. 

"I have been manager of the U18 team since U12s and I was also assistant manager with the year-older age group until last season. I have been blessed to have had the support of terrific coaches over the past number of years. Peter Healy, Aidan Quilligan, Ben Quilligan with the older age and Ken O’Brien, Declan Ryan, Shane Moloney, Paul Deasy with this group." 

He has experienced the highs and lows of the game over the past few seasons. 

"We won the U17 National Cup in 2022 defeating Corduff in Home Farm but then suffered the heartbreak last season of losing the National Youth Cup Final to Joeys in the Carlisle Grounds following a goal directly from a kick-out!

"I would just like to acknowledge some inspiring and courageous people who I have encountered along my football journey. Edwin Delaney who tragically passed away recently had such an enthusiasm and passion for football.

"Peter 'Golly' Connolly, chairman of the Cork Schoolboys League, has devoted his life to helping young schoolboys to enjoy the beautiful game. Neil Day and Terry O’Donovan of College Corinthians have been a terrific support to me and my sons over the years. Last and by no means is my fellow coach and great friend Ken O’Brien. 

Ken has been battling a very serious health issue over the past six years. Despite this, his attitude to life and his love for football has been an inspiration to me. 

"Sometimes we lose sight of what is important in life and sometimes losing a match isn’t the worst thing in the world."