Avondale's Peter Mullins on his passion for coaching and providing a pathway for young players

Almost 30 years as a coach, he's still enjoying what he does, even if that means being out of the house seven nights a week.

Peter Mullins, a 44-year-old father of two, has contributed so much of his time over almost three decades to football and doesn’t regret a single minute of it. 

While life is busy juggling family life and work, sport plays a huge part and having managed his Avondale juniors to Donal Linehan Cup victory last week, he is confident as he steps into his new role as assistant manager to Anthony Wolfe with the clubs senior squad.

Here he tells us about his passion for the game and how lucky he is to have such a supportive wife.

“I began coaching 28 years ago with Riverstown U8s as that was my club for many years while living in Glanmire,” said Mullins. 

"I progressed into women's football, coaching the Cork women's team. And then progressed into men's football. For a few years with Bandon after moving there and then more recently with Avondale. 

I’ve always had a huge passion for the game and coaching is something I thoroughly enjoy.

“I came on board with Avondale three years ago and worked the first year with Eoin Kelly. The last two seasons I have been in sole charge and we have made good progress each year. Two trophies, three cup finals and third and second place finishes in a very competitive Junior Premier League. 

"The squad has been rebuilt over last couple of seasons with a big emphasis on bringing the average age of the squad down and obviously trying to improve the quality. Easier said than done as the squad was very good. Lots of players in the squad have been Avondale all their life, our captain Dane Murphy being one."

Ten of the squad are from the Ballintemple area. 

"We brought some of the better players up from the second junior team in the summer and they brought through 19s to give them playing time. It’s great being involved in a club where you can see a clear pathway for youngsters and being a key figure in these players' progress is very important to me. Equally important is me getting the opportunity for me to develop and progress also. 

"I am very happy with my contribution to the team and the club because I feel we have a real identity in the way we play. I demand a lot from the players in terms of double training sessions and fitness work outside of training but they are happy to do. They can see the benefits to the team. Five or six lads were involved in the Oscar Traynor team in February which shows the quality of players we have. 

AMAZING

"Over the three years with the club we have made progress and for the last 18 months, I have also been assisting the senior manager. Out nearly every night with two teams training, my family have been amazing and very understanding. But I want to keep progressing through the levels. 

"So last week I told my players it was my last season as I move fully into my new role, assisting Anthony Wolfe with the senior team. It’s always difficult to walk away from a team but knowing I’ve left them in a good place, makes things easier.

“We won the Donal Linehan trophy which is the junior equivalent of the O’Connell Cup in seniors. It was brought in last year and we won it, so have now retained it. We beat Ringmahon in the final 1-0, it’s always a great battle with them. 

"We finished second in the league to them and lost on penalties the week before in the Super Cup. 

So it was always going to a be a tight affair but thankfully we came out on the right end.

“I’ll enjoy a little break but first I’ll continue my role with the seniors tonight. We have the Beamish Cup final against Ringmahon to look forward to. It’s being a strong year for the seniors and hopefully that can continue tonight.”