John Paul Murphy hoping St Vincent's can find best form in time for championship

St Vincent’s GAA club has produced some fine footballers and in John Paul Murphy, who consistently played with incredible intensity for many years before calling it a day in 2021, they had quality player.

The father of the Blake, who played to a high level for Cork and won U17 All-Ireland hurling and U20 All-Ireland football medals, the Vincent’s ace produced some wonderful displays over his long career.

It is no secret that St Vincent’s are in transition and Murphy senior has been given the job of managing the intermediate team for the second consecutive season.

After a nail-biting 2024 season, the Saints kept their intermediate status after a play-off win over Na Piarsaigh, but Murphy is confident that his team will be competitive in the coming campaign.

ALL SYSTEMS GO

“Our league campaign has been poor, but because we have been missing so many players through injuries, holidays, and exams, I am not that concerned, but now it’s six weeks to the championship and it will be all systems go,” Murphy said.

Reflecting on last season Murphy believes Vincent’s were unlucky not to get out of the group.

“We lost to Mitchelstown after having a decent lead and then the games against Glanworth and Ballinora went to the wire before we were edged out at the death.”

The play-off game against Na Piarsaigh was a titanic battle; one Murphy believes they were lucky to survive.

“We got a great start and were coasting, but after leading by 10 points we failed to score in the second half and Na Piarsaigh almost brought it to extra-time after we were reduced to 14 men.”

After the game Murphy was very emotional knowing that a defeat would have almost killed football in his club.

“It was a crucial win as we are on a rebuilding mission, but if you had asked me last season would we have been involved in a relegation play-off I would have laughed at you.”

Vincent’s will face Kilmurry in their opening championship game, but Murphy is keeping his cards close to his chest on how he thinks this season will go.

“I have to be honest; in this grade you could be in a county final or in a relegation battle because there is little to choose between the teams, and with the new rules it will be a different game of ball.”

The Vincent’s team that experienced a turbulent season in 2024 will improve according to the manager.

“I think I had 10 U21 players last season and I would be hoping they can improve as they have a year under their belt in this grade.

“Kilmurry won the junior last year, so they will be hoping to make their mark, and Boherbue, last year’s finalists, along with relegated Ilen Rovers will definitely test our credentials.”

CHALLENGES

Once a formidable unit in the game, Murphy is realistic that his club will face huge challenges in the coming years.

“We basically couldn’t provide artillery over 10 to 15 years as we had nothing coming through and that’s down to no house building on the northside which has affected all clubs.

One instance is that we have no new players this season, and although our minor players can play junior hurling, the rules stop them from playing intermediate football.”

The work going on at the club is enormous and Murphy took the opportunity to thank all concerned.

“We have a tremendous chairman and leader in William McCarthy who wears his heart on his sleeve for our club, and with so many other great volunteers I will refrain from giving names in case I leave somebody out.”

Despite the trials and tribulations, Murphy is determined that his side will compete with the top teams in the intermediate grade.

“People might laugh, but if we have a full complement of players I wouldn’t fear any opposition because we have players capable of mixing it with the best.

When we were successful in the Premier Intermediate grade we had players who would die for the jersey and it’s that spirit that I am trying to instill into these players.”

Former coach Keith Ricken, who was manager of the Cork minor team this season, has been known to help his club in times of strife, and Murphy indicated that he will be back on the scene in the coming weeks.

“Keith is brilliant with the young players and hopefully we will see him sooner rather than later. His love for the game is incredible and he is loved by all associated with our club.

“It is important for our community that we are competitive and hopefully we will see the good times back again in the near future.”