Cobh Ramblers end of season awards honour underage stars
Cobh Ramblers U19s with award winners Jane Finlay, Alice Ahmeti and Ciara O’Keeffe.
There was a warm sense of pride and community in the Cobh Ramblers clubhouse last week as players, coaches, families, and club officials gathered for the annual Cobh Ramblers Academy Awards.
The evening, superbly organised by the ever-reliable Mark Farrell, whose Trojan work behind the scenes continues to be a backbone of the academy, proved to be an enjoyable evening honouring the standout players.
The room was filled with excitement as players from every age group arrived with parents and teammates, many proudly wearing their club colours.
New men’s first-team manager Fran Rockett attended the event and took the honour of presenting awards throughout the evening. His presence was greatly appreciated, offering young players a chance to meet the man who will lead the senior squad into the next phase of its development.
The evening was expertly guided by Conor Meade, the club’s new Director of Football, who delivered an engaging and forward-thinking address to the academy players, coaches, and parents. Meade, a father of four and someone who understands both the demands and the joys of youth sport, spoke passionately about the exciting plans the club has for the future.
He outlined a vision that includes strengthening coaching structures, enhancing player development pathways, and deepening the connection between academy teams and senior squads. His message was one of ambition, unity, and long-term growth—principles that clearly resonated with everyone present.
A highlight of the night, as always, was the presentation of awards. Each age group honoured its player of the year recognising individuals who showed exceptional commitment, improvement, and influence on and off the pitch. While academy coaches often express a preference for team-oriented development rather than singling out individuals, they acknowledged that celebrating outstanding effort can be meaningful. As several coaches noted on the night, if an award encourages another young player to work that little bit harder, embrace a new skill, or remain committed during challenging moments, then the recognition serves an important purpose.
In addition to the age-group awards, accolades were presented for Overall Top Goalscorer and Academy Player of the year for both the boys’ and girls’ sections.
The event was further elevated by the presence of Handaome Bob O’Donovan, a true Cobh legend and one of Cork’s most beloved football figures. Donovan, known for his passion for the game and his unique ability to bring humour and heart to any room, delighted attendees as he helped present awards.
He spoke with great enthusiasm about the importance of having high-quality coaches at grassroots level, emphasising that strong coaching is the foundation upon which future senior players and well-rounded young people are built. His words carried the weight of experience and the warmth of someone deeply embedded in the fabric of local football.
Throughout the night, one theme was repeated often: the essential role of parents. Director of Football Conor Meade made a point to thank the families for their continued support, acknowledging the countless car journeys, early starts, late finishes, and sacrifices that allow young players to train, learn, and grow within the club. He praised the parents for being partners in the academy’s progress and expressed his hope that the club’s developing structures would give every child the best possible experience.
Between the enthusiasm of the new managerial team, the dedication of the academy staff, and the obvious pride of the families, it was clear that the club is entering a promising new era.
Thanks to the meticulous planning of Mark Farrell and the collective spirit of everyone involved, the 2024 Cobh Ramblers Academy Awards was a memorable evening for all.
Adam Ahern.
Ethan O'Donovan.
Alex Walsh.
Lucas Curtain
Alex O’Reilly.
Ciara O’Keeffe.
Ethan O'Donovan
Alice Ahmeti.
Faruq Adegboyega.
Jane Finlay.
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