Manager of the Month award for Cork’s Brian Barry Murphy 

Cork’s Brian Barry Murphy has picked up the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month Award for August after recording an unbeaten start to life in the Welsh capital.

The Bishopstown native has overseen five wins and two draws, in addition to a run to the third round of the EFL Cup following victories over Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town.

This has set up a meeting with Premier League side Burnley at Turf Moor, with that game set to be played next week.

This run of form has put Cardiff City on top of League One midway through September, as the club plots an immediate return to the Championship under a coach that most recently worked as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s assistant at Leicester City.

Barry Murphy, son of Cork GAA legend Jimmy, accepted the award and praised his squad when speaking to the media.

"It's a significant moment to appreciate and give gratitude to the players, who have given us such amazing support since we came into the club, the supporters - from day one, the energy and the affection that they've shown towards me, my family and the rest of my staff since relocating to this city is incredible - and to the owner, Mehmet and Ken, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this Club at a time where it's so exciting to be here,” he said.

Barry Murphy is now competing on multiple fronts with Cardiff City, as the Welsh side are also involved in the EFL Trophy.

The Blue Birds have been drawn into the same group as Exeter City, Newport County, and Arsenal’s U21s.

Barry Murphy is used to these developmental competitions following his spell with Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.

The coach worked directly with Pep Guardiola by making sure there was a direct line between the academy and the first team at The Etihad.

This involved nurturing players like Liam Delap, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb, Carlos Borges and Shea Charles.

Barry Murphy spent three years working with Manchester City and he won two Premier League 2 titles before departing in 2024.

The coach is now in charge of rebuilding Cardiff City following their first relegation to the third tier of English football in 22-years.

Before that, the club had two spells in the Premier League and they reached the 2012 EFL Cup final.

Barry Murphy is now working with a young squad that includes Youghal native Charlie O’Brien, who came through at the Cork City academy before moving to Cobh Ramblers.

The defender, who’s bother Jake lines out for Everton, has played for Cardiff City U21s in the Welsh League Cup so far this season.

O’Brien featured in two games in the competition, against Ammanford and a 2-0 defeat to Cambrian United.