Daniel Moynihan enjoying his time as a goalkeeper and as a goalkeeping coach

At just 21 years of age, Daniel Moynihan has already lived a footballing journey that many would take a lifetime to experience. 

From the thrill of a League of Ireland debut with Cork City to the pride of coaching young goalkeepers across Cork, Moynihan’s story is one of maturity, selflessness, and love for the game — both as a player and as a mentor.

Hailing from Passage West, Daniel grew up in a footballing family, with the game always at the centre of his life.

“I’ve played football my whole life,” Moynihan said. 

"It all started with Passage where I won a local cup there before moving to Douglas Hall, where we went on to win the National Cup during the centenary year, and also lifted the Munster Cup.” 

Those early successes with Douglas Hall cemented his love for the sport, but it was the move to Cork City that truly tested and shaped him as a goalkeeper. After a short stint back at Passage Juniors, Moynihan joined Cork City and made an immediate impression.

“I made my senior debut just two months after joining the club,” he recalls. 

"That’s still my proudest moment in football.” 

But as many young players discover, the pathway in Irish football isn’t always straightforward. 

After a spell in the League of Ireland U20s setup, Moynihan made the brave decision to step away from that environment in search of something different — senior men’s football. It wasn’t a step down, but a step forward.

“If I stayed with City I would have been playing 20s again. 

"I wanted to play men’s football and play week in, week out so I felt I’d gain more experience playing local soccer at senior level— real experience that would help me go back into the League of Ireland better prepared than I left it.” 

Now turning out for Douglas Hall’s first team in the Munster Senior League First Division, as well as representing MTU’s men’s first team, Moynihan is finding the balance he was looking for — both on and off the pitch. 

Playing senior football has given him not only valuable minutes but also the time and flexibility to give back to the game in a way that few players his age do.

Over the last two years, Daniel has become a dedicated goalkeeper coach, working with a range of young keepers — male and female — across Cork. 

He currently coaches a group of local goalkeepers and is involved again this season with the U14 Gaynor team, one of the key development pathways in the women’s game. 

His coaching journey began humbly, helping out with the Cork U13 side and lending a hand to a Passage U18 team. From there, the passion grew naturally.

“I started goalkeeper coaching just over two years ago. Growing up, there were very few goalkeeper coaches around. 

"I didn’t have much specialized training in that area myself, so I wanted to help the younger lads — and girls — in ways that I didn’t get when I was their age.” 

Despite having no formal coaching badges yet, Moynihan’s approach is rooted in empathy and understanding. 

His philosophy goes beyond technique — it’s about building confidence and creating a positive environment.

“As a goalkeeper coach, I just want to make people better. I don’t want to put any more pressure on them than they already have with school or at home. 

"I want to provide a safe space for my goalkeepers and make sure they enjoy themselves. That’s the most important thing.” 

His awareness of the mental side of goalkeeping is striking for someone so young.

“I think it’s crucial for teams to have dedicated goalkeeper coaches. Too often, outfield players who become coaches overlook the position and how much preparation is needed — physically and mentally. 

"My own goalkeeper coach has given me so much help with the mental side of the game. I’d say it’s equally important to be mentally resilient as it is to make a save.” 

That mindset has become the foundation of his coaching sessions. For Daniel, every young goalkeeper he works with deserves the kind of attention and support that was missing when he was coming through. 

Whether it’s working with Gaynor Cup hopefuls, local underage sides, or grassroots players just starting out, he’s determined to make a difference.

Looking ahead, Daniel plans to begin his formal coaching badges soon, continuing to develop as both a player and a mentor.

“It’s definitely something I need to start. 

“I’ve learned so much from just being involved and watching other coaches, but I know getting those qualifications will help me bring my coaching to another level.” 

For now, though, Moynihan is focused on the present — balancing college life, club commitments with Douglas Hall and MTU, and his growing role as a coach in the community. 

His story shows that success in football isn’t only about the level you play at, but also about the impact you have on others.