Cobh Ramblers announce signing of Cork City academy graduate Cian Murphy

Cobh Ramblers have started life under new owners FC32 by recruiting former Cork City player Cian Murphy.

The Echo can also reveal that the club are also fighting with Wexford for Jack Doherty’s signature. The winger spent last year at Turner’s Cross and had a key part in Cork City’s run to the First Division title.

Doherty was with Cobh for the 2023 season and he was an important component in the team that reached the promotion play-off final and narrowly lost to Waterford.

Two players who will be back at St Colman’s Park in the new year are Jason Abbott and Brendán Frahill.

These signings officially mark the start of Mick McDermott’s tenure as manager, with the former Iran national team coach after moving to St Colman’s Park from Glentoran in the Irish League. The Belfast native took over from Gary Hunt earlier this month, and he is aiming to build a team that pushes for promotion.

Murphy’s name stole the headlines as the striker moves to East Cork after winning his second First Division winners medal with the Rebel Army. The forward has spent three seasons in the division and acked up 20 goals and 10 assists during that period.

The Tipperary native is a product of Cork City’s academy, with his story starting with a victory over Bohemians in the U17 Underage National Leagues final at Turner’s Cross in 2017.

The forward slowly broke into the first team and has worked under a number of different coaches including Colin Healy and Tim Clancy. That meant experience in the Premier Division, with Murphy’s goals including a winner against Dundalk at Turner’s Cross in 2023.

EXCITED

The striker told the club’s media team that Cobh is an exciting prospect and he is excited to work with McDermott.

“I’m excited to join Cobh Ramblers and really looking forward to getting started, it’s a fresh start for me and an exciting time for the club,” he said.

“When Mick explained the plans to me it made my decision easy. I look forward to working hard for the Club and the community of Cobh!"

McDermott added: "I’m delighted to get Cian on board; I’ve no doubt that his ability, character and work ethic mirror the qualities we need in our team and mirrors the commitment and desire the Cobh community expects every week.” 

 Abbott and Frahill return to St Colman’s Park after a year that saw a play-off push fizzle out as summer turned into autumn.

The pair played schoolboy football with Springfield Ramblers and moved to Cobh Ramblers, where they combined to make over 300 appearances in claret in blue.

Abbott and Frahill also won two Munster Senior Cups with the club, and they beat Cork City on both occasions in the final.