Billy Murphy enjoying new role with Beara GAA

Billy Murphy is four months into his new position as Beara GAA Schools Coach.

The Bere Island man is a well-known figure down in the division. He plays football for Castletownbere’s Premier Intermediate Football team and graduated from MTU Cork with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in Sport and Exercise.

When there was a vacancy for this particular GAA position, the 25-year-old was the ideal candidate.

“I am loving the new job, it’s great,” he says.

“There are nine schools that I am covering in Beara and they have all been very welcoming. There are some talented footballers in the division. The interest in football of the younger age groups has been massive.

“The role popped up and I just decided to go for it because I love football and I am passionate about Beara football. It also helped that I am from the area. I was over the moon when I got the role and the last four months or so have flown by altogether. The start couldn’t have gone any better to be honest. I was a bit nervous at the start but I am well settled now and I know the kids abilities and they know me.

“My role really is to develop the kids footballing skills and keep them interested from Junior Infants all the way to 6th class at primary school level. It’s all about having fun too and making sure the kids enjoy it. If a few don’t enjoy it, make sure you keep them entertained and hope the following week that they will get a grá for football.” 

It’s an important gig that Murphy has now, waking up every morning determined to improve Beara football. It’s something that doesn’t faze him.

“It’s a big responsibility in this job but I am loving it and not putting myself under pressure,” the Castletownbere player said.

“I am still learning and this is my first coaching role. Every day is a learning day, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the progress that has been made already by the kids even in this short time frame. I have been walking around Castletownbere recently and on different occasions, a kid would come up to me and say 'hello Billy'. That’s nice in the way that all the kids know me now and we have that bond.” 

Murphy does feel Beara football has a bright future despite all the challenges that they are facing. 

“In the past, there were a couple of people coming into schools, but it wasn’t a full-time job,” he says.

“Sadly, both Dave Fenton and Aidan Cremin have passed away. Beara GAA were looking for someone to go into the schools the whole time. The main goal is keeping football to the forefront of everyone’s minds down here. You want to improve Beara football and it would be even better if some of them did go on and represent Cork in the future. But it’s all about developing the player as a person first of all. 

“Beara GAA did have a very positive 2024. The U21 team got to the county final at A level. I know they were beaten by Bishopstown, but there’s serious talent down here. Everyone has football at heart and wants to keep it alive and drive it on. The Beara U15s also had a great year, they got to the business end of their Premier 2 championship.

“The division is definitely heading in the right direction. The standards are improving and hopefully this new role will help Beara GAA even more. The next aim would be to try and get the Premier Senior team up and running again.” Murphy concluded.