Cork football family lost some of its greatest characters and personalities in 2025

2025 will forever be remembered as one of the darkest years in the history of Cork soccer. 

It was a year that took far too many good people from our football community — people who gave their lives, their time, their hearts and their energy to the game. 

Legends, Distinguished Award recipients, managers, coaches, players, volunteers and lifelong supporters all left us during the year. 

Each loss was felt deeply, and together they left a void that may never truly be filled. 

Apologies to anyone I may have unintentionally left out — every contribution mattered and this list is just my recollection from the past 12 months.

Of all the losses, two hit me harder than I could ever have imagined. 

One was one of my best friends and former Irish international, Amanda Parkes. 

The other was Willie Walsh, the long-time chairman of Carrigaline United — a man who had a huge impact on my children’s football journey and who somehow found positivity in almost everything he saw.

Amanda’s passing at the young age of just 35 left me heartbroken. Twenty years ago, Amanda emerged as a true superstar of Irish soccer. 

She was regarded as one of the best footballers in the country and was an underage international at a time when opportunities were far more limited than they are today. 

There was nothing Amanda couldn’t do with a ball at her feet — it was like the ball was drawn to her, as if by a magnet.

She began her football journey with Wilton United and enjoyed many successful years under the guidance of manager Pat Bowdren, a man she thought so fondly of throughout her life. 

During her time at Wilton, Amanda won numerous league titles along with local and national cup honours, always operating as a dominant presence in the middle of the park.

Amanda achieved so much in her short life. 

She played at the highest level with her club, won national honours, represented her country, played in the Champions League and, incredibly, also played inter-county Gaelic football. 

She was phenomenal. 

While she may not have played as much football in recent years as she would have liked, her performances, ability and legacy should never be forgotten by anyone involved in the game.

DEVASTATED

The other loss that devastated me was the passing of Willie Walsh. I heard the news while I was coaching at a football camp. 

I was instantly deflated — heartbroken. The final half hour of the session passed in a blur, and all I could picture was Willie’s smiling face. 

I couldn’t believe it. This was the man I passed on the road almost daily, saluting me from his white van, always looking fresh, always on the go.

I first met Willie back in 2004 when I introduced my daughters to football at our local club, Carrigaline United. 

From that moment on, Willie was the face of the club. Even long after my girls finished playing there, he never changed. 

He always had a good word for them, always made them feel ten feet tall, no matter how well or badly they played. He always found the positives.

That’s when I knew Willie was a complete gentleman — a true people person who understood how to get the best out of everyone.

As a player myself, Willie once told me that “those who do the extra bit of training will always go far.” 

I never forgot that advice. Even something as simple as ten minutes kicking a ball in the garden with the kids felt like doing that extra bit. 

It gave me belief — belief that I could be better on match day — and it’s something I passed on to my girls. I owe that mindset to Willie.

Although my own club is Wilton United, living in Carrigaline meant Ballea Park felt like a back garden. 

During Covid especially, we spent countless days training there. When others weren’t happy about kids using the pitch — especially non-members — Willie never turned us away.

That was Willie all over.

He wasn’t a chairman who sat behind a desk. He was hands-on, the first face you saw when you arrived and the last when you left. 

He gave his life to Carrigaline United and to football in the community.

To everyone who lost someone special in Cork football during 2025, I hope you find comfort in knowing how valued your loved ones were. 

Their impact, their kindness and their love for the game will never be forgotten.

When you have a minute - think of these great people and the impact they had on those who passed their way over their lifetime of involvement in football.

Tony Chambers (Cork AUL), Willie Singleton (Castleview), Willie Walsh (Carrigaline), Michael White, (Rockmount), Amanda Parkes (Wilton), Kieran O'Dowd (UCC), Pat Goggin, (Cork Hibs), Tommy Hamilton, (Cork Hibs), John Herrick, (Cork Hibs), Mick O'Keeffe, (Cork Celtic), Dave "Dawser" Delea, Barry O’Leary, Pat Cahill (Greenmount), Bobby Buckley, (Crosshaven), Kieran Grainger, (College Corinthians), Martin O'Leary, (Nufarm), Freddie Ricken, (Temple Utd), Denny Higgins, (Crusaders), Paddy Kidney, (Cobh Ramblers), young Rory Coady, (Buttevant), Barry Stanton (Tramore Ath), Johnny Wade, (Ringmahon), John Langton Fitgerald, (Ringmahon), Niall Sheehan (Castleview) and Vincent Drum (Ballincollig).