Paul Hunt on getting involved with Cork City and his goalkeeping family 

It’s his second stint with the Cork City women’s coaching staff but Paul Hunt can see the massive strides since he was last involved.

Taking on the role of goalkeeping coach for Frank Kelleher’s side, he will share the duties with his wife Trish, who is expecting their second child. She just finished the season as U19 manager but will join the first team after the birth of her baby in March. 

While Hunt is stepping in for the meantime, I imagine it will be hard for him to walk away mid-season when she returns so I expect a joined effort from the footballing enthusiasts.

Both are former goalkeepers with the club so the passion will be very evident on their behalf and Hunt tells us about the excitement about the start of the season.

“I am really looking forward to what the season will bring.

"This is my second stint with the last time being there while Trish was a player. At that time, the club didn’t have a goalkeeping coach so I fell in to help coach Trish. The club was in a totally different place back then. The improvements on the women’s side of the club is massive.” 

When asked how his current role came about, Hunt in his usual relaxed and composed demeanour was honest saying he fell into the position.

“To be honest I don't know how it came about I was just added to WhatsApp groups and then hearing my name mentioned on phone calls that Trisha was having with Frank but I'm delighted to be involved. I've done a bit of coaching since I stepped away from playing League of Ireland and have enjoyed that side of it and I’m looking forward now to this role.

“My role is goalkeeping coach and because our baby is due in March Trisha can't fully commit so we'll share the role for the year but also we're all there as coaches to help the girls improve and move the club forward the best we can.

“I'm looking forward to being involved and just getting stuck into it and just helping the players wherever is needed.

“Trisha and I respect each other's opinions enough to work fine together. It was probably harder when she was playing because I am very picky on the small details in goalkeeping because I feel it is so important so there were definitely a few silent car journeys home from training," laughs Hunt. 

However, this time around it will be different. 

I learned a lot myself from that time coaching her, things I will take into my role with the club."

There has been many departures from last year's squad and while Hunt is still not familiar with the squad of players, he’s positive they will do well.

“Every club has departures that's just something in football. All we will be worrying about is the players in the squad that want to play for the badge. I don't know a lot of the players as I'm only getting to see them fully in the last couple of weeks but if they work hard for each and are willing to learn from all the coaches and each other they will go on to good things this year.

FAMILY FIRST

“All the coaches in the squad are parents and understand that kids and family come first. Me and Trisha will then just work around each other when it comes to Annabelle and the new arrival. We are very lucky that Trish's parents are very supportive and luckily Annabelle loves sleepovers with her nana.

“While we have hectic lifestyles when it comes to work and being parents, sport has and always will play a very important role in our lives. 

Sport is very important especially when you're coaching or playing at a high level you need to be able to switch off from the game, life is hard enough without football adding to it. 

"Put your full concentration on the game when you're there and then find something that takes your mind off it when you're on your downtime. That’s the advice I’ll be passing on to others. Looking forward to the season ahead.”