Glen Rovers Liam Martin working hard day and night to keep his club to the fore in Cork

When you are chairman one of the biggest clubs in this city and county there is bound to be added pressure in keeping the show on the road.

For the Glen Rovers chairman Liam Martin is a man that has given his life to his club but in his own words it’s all in a day’s work as he reflected on a season with mixed fortunes.

In the recent Cork Senior hurling championship quarter- final the Glen lost out to Midleton in game they led for long periods.

“It was hugely disappointing but on the other side of the coin coming into the championship we didn’t how far we would go this season after getting promoted.

“In regard to the loss against Midleton we were gutted because that little bit of inexperience cost us in the closing minutes as we conceded some soft frees but I am sure the lads will learn from that,” said Liam.

The Midleton subs made a huge impact according to Liam.

“Look I don’t want to take anything from Midleton as they dug deep, and their subs made a significant impact as I think of David Cremin and Luke O’Farrell were crucial in getting crucial points.

“We didn’t get similar impact from our bench on this occasion and although disappointed the turbulence of the previous two years as coming straight back from relegation and consolidating our position will keep the lads in good stead going forward.” 

The Glen have some good talent coming through and Liam believes they will continue to blood them.

“The lads did a bring few more through this season and we have some nice players with a bright future that will hopefully keep us competitive for the coming years.

“With the best intentions in the world there is a massive step from Minor to the top tier and it takes a few years to get players up the required standard with the intensity and physicality.” 

On Friday last the Glen defeated Cloughduv in the Premier Junior hurling championship semi- final and Liam was pleasantly surprised in how they performed.

“The lads did great and it keeps us in the mix for silverware and I have no doubt they will give their all in the final.” 

The recent retirement of Patrick Horgan brought huge media attention and his chairman believes the man will be remembered for all the right reasons.

“Patrick has been a huge role model for the younger players coming through in our club for many years as he set such high standards and expected so much from himself.

“We all know you can get talented young people in all sports but how many have the drive and commitment that Patrick showed over many years.

“He probably denied himself a normal lifestyle as he dedicated himself solely to hurling because he wanted to be the very best, he could be and that’s a rear feat and the accolades he recieved all over this county and country befits the man.

“We are lucky in Glen Rovers that he is continuing to play with us for another few years and I know we are very much looking forward to that and on a final note I think he proved in recent games against Sars and Midleton that he is still up there with the very best.” 

The Glen were going for three in row county Minor hurling championships but bowed out at the group stage and Martin believes expectations were not high.

“We knew that only two players were of the age as the crop of 18 year old’s were sparse but the lads gave their all and I am sure they will be back competing hard again next season.” 

The problem of having young players continues to hamper clubs on the northside.

“We are one of many where lack of house building restricted numbers joining but thankfully that’s beginning to change slowly and hopefully we will be one of the clubs to reap the benefits.” 

When you have a full flow of youngsters joining a club it has its pressures that clubs like the Glen rely on some very dedicated volunteers.

“The bottom line is that when you have young children coming through your gates you need able people to look after them and thankfully we have some outstanding people in that department and many thanks to all of them.” 

Last week the Glen stalwart Jimmy Lynam celebrated his 100th birthday and chairman Martin took the opportunity to pass on his best wishes.

“Jimmy has been a stalwart to both Glen Rovers and St Nick’s for decades as up to two years ago he came to visit us at the club for various functions and to reach the century is a remarkable achievement.”