College Corinthians U18s target more success

More success for College Corinthians as their U18 squad have just completed a double, winning the premier division league and cup.

A possible five trophies are up for grabs and manager Barry McGrath believes his team have the talent to win all five.

A National Cup final and a Munster Youth Cup final to look forward to, as well as still in the Murphy Cup competition, it would be a phenomenal feat if they were able to capture all five and here is why McGrath believes they can.

“We challenged the players at the start of the season that we could win all five competitions and hopefully go undefeated and they are relishing the challenge, said McGrath. To be fair to them they also beat the FAI Intermediate champions in an in-house friendly, so that’s another feather in their cap,” laughs McGrath.

A team who have mainly been together for almost a decade had struggles along the way when losing players to League of Ireland football but they are certainly back on track and having won two titles already this season, the confidence is very high and the future is looking bright for this growing club.

I’ve been with this group for about eight years now, but it wasn’t always plain sailing.

“We lost two players to Cork City at U13 level and seven players to Cobh at U14. It was a struggle to keep the team going and we had to use younger players to help us finish the season. At U15, we had to bring in a few players from outside and I’m sure they are now delighted they decided to join Corinthians. We had one rejoin from City and four returned from Cobh.”

They definitely added a bit of quality to the squad and competition for places but the squad is so strong that it would be hard to differentiate between the players on the pitch.

They had 10 players on the Cork youth team squad and six on the Munster squad so it is a very strong panel of players.

“We have a squad of 20, plus two U17 players with us. 12 of these players have been with us since U6 which is great to have that many stay with the club.

LOCAL HEROES

“All our squad are local lads, except one from Dunmanway, one from Waterford, and two from Cobh. We have added four new members to our group this season. Two centre-backs and two midfielders. The centre-backs have strengthened us defensively and the midfielders have given us more options in attack and defence.

“As well as having a strong panel of players, I also have a strong backroom coaching staff. Our coaching staff includes Brian Newman, Lenny Forde, and Steve Kiss. Brian and Lenny have brought a wealth of knowledge to our training sessions and to the players.

“Brian has a National Cup already with Greenwood, so hopefully we can make it a double for him. Both himself and Lenny have also coached the Cork youth team and have led them to All-Ireland success. They have also coached and managed the Munster youth team.

“We are truly grateful to have them on board with us. Steve looks after our goalkeeping coaching and is also the owner of Millie, our mascot dog.

“A special mention also has to go to Sai Thaverajah from Norway, who coached the lads at U15/16 level.”

The league in Cork is hugely competitive.

On any given day any team can beat any other team. 

"We had three draws in the league and those games could have gone any way. The fact that we are in the National Cup final and were level with Douglas Hall after full time at home in the quater-final tells you how close the teams are and the strength of youth soccer in Cork.

“People ask what I would consider to be a successful season? Well look, already ours has been a success having lifted two trophies, however this bunch are hungry for more. But for me, the real success, is listening to some of your players say this was the first medal or league they won.

“This is what it’s all about. Giving these players memories that will last a lifetime. Long may it continue.”