Football for All: Celebration of sport and inclusion on a special evening at St Colman’s Park

Saturday evening under the lights at St Colman’s Park will live long in the memory of everyone who attended. 

A celebration of football, community, inclusion and pure joy, saw Springfield Ramblers’ Football For All team welcome St Columba’s Girls National School FFA team, featuring the All-Ireland Deaf Unit champions. With siblings, cousins, friends and former teammates filling the sidelines, it was a fantastic event from the very first whistle.

This fixture held a special significance. Not only was it the first time either group played on a full-size pitch under lights, but it also doubled as a celebration of Cian Higgins’ 15th birthday. Cian, who spent three wonderful years in the St Columba’s Deaf Unit and went on to play in the Aviva Stadium in May as part of St Columba’s All-Ireland victory, was surrounded by friends from both teams. The sense of unity was unmistakable.

From the moment play began, the atmosphere was electric.

Much of that energy came courtesy of Cobh Ramblers’ own Mark Farrell, who controlled the PA system with style, announcing scorers, blasting out tunes, and responding to every request at a moment’s notice.

The football itself did not disappoint. St Columba’s edged a 5-4 win in normal time after a breathtaking contest. Their goals came from debutant Liam Davies, two from the sharp-shooting Keelan Noonan, a superb late strike from Evan Drake, and a truly unforgettable solo effort from Emile Palmer, who ran the pitch to finish what was described as a 'worldie'. 

Springfield Ramblers responded brilliantly with goals from Reggie Browne, Ryan Collins, Lucas Sheridan and Callum O’Reilly. But the standout moment came right at the death, when birthday boy Cian Higgins nearly forced the equaliser, clipping the crossbar with seconds remaining before referee Brian Drake blew for full-time.

With both teams level on spirit, effort and excitement, the match moved to a penalty shootout. Springfield Ramblers edged it, triggering huge cheers from players and supporters. Every child walked off the pitch beaming though.

After the final whistle, everyone gathered in the lounge to celebrate Cian’s birthday. Players from both sides, along with siblings, cousins and old classmates from St Columba’s, filled the room with excitement, laughter and pride. It was a perfect reflection of what the Football For All ethos is all about: giving every child the opportunity to belong, to compete, and to shine.

SUPERB

Special thanks were extended to St Columba’s coaches Mary Hennessy and Chris 'Jürgen Klopp' White, who joined their team on the night and helped guide the girls through a superb performance. Mary McDonnell, a respected Springfield Ramblers coach working with U12 boys and senior ladies, was also present. 

Her uncle, the late Mick McDonnell, a beloved supporter of both Springfield Ramblers and FFA programmes, was warmly remembered. His wish before passing earlier this year was to donate generously to Springfield Ramblers FFA and St James Place Mental Health Services in London.

Events like this don’t just happen, they are built by passionate volunteers and community leaders. 

Huge gratitude was extended to those who helped establish the Springfield Ramblers FFA programme, now proudly entering its third season: Ger Cronin and Gavin Higgins drive the older age group, Caitlin Mulcahy, Niall and Alison Abbott, Veronica Foley, Dave Fleming, Brooke Kinary, Claire Meade and Maeve Mcilwraith all volunteer with the younger age with many of those names being involved in the set up of this group. 

From the beginning there was exceptional help from anyone that was asked to get involved in getting this off the ground such as Sarah Abbott, Aine Griffin, Mary and Ber McDonnell, Kay Corrigan, Honor Cronin, Avril and Katelyn Griffin plus a few of the Springfield Ramblers senior women team. 

Thanks were also given to Mark Farrell for hosting the event, Derek Corcoran of the Merch Maker, Stryker for refreshments, referee Brian Drake, DJ Nick Clarke, Ita and the clubhouse staff and the many parents who provided constant support.

With only three active Football For All teams currently in East Cork and the city, Springfield Ramblers, Midleton and Pearse Celtic, opportunities for matches are rare. That made this full-pitch, under-lights game even more special.