Blackstone Rovers: 25 years and stronger than ever

As we enter 2026, players, committee members and supporters are reflecting on what was an amazing year for Blackstone Rovers FC.

Last April, their senior team secured the City Challenge Cup after an exhilarating day in St Colman’s Park. The team were rewarded by the Cork AUL with the Team of the Month prize a few weeks later. 

Then in May, their U13 side secured their second league title in a row to top off an amazing season. In June, they held a huge celebration at the home of their neighbours Na Piarsaigh GAA to mark 25 years of the club.

The year was topped off when their President, Mr Blackstone Rovers, Tony Bevan, was honoured by the Cork AUL in November. In typical fashion, he celebrated by lining the pitch the following morning.

Ivan Bevan explained what an amazing journey it has been for the club and its continuing growth in recent years, especially after adding a girls section. With John McNamara at the helm, they are in great hands going forward. 

They have entered at senior ladies team for the first time and have hit the ground running on the training ground.

“The key to our growth over the last 25 years has been our desire to never stand still and always continue to aim for the stars,” Ivan said."The club plans for 2026 will be no different as they have big plans on and off the field.

“We have been so lucky to have the pleasure of John McNamara joining our club. One of the leading icons in female football in Cork has kindly agreed to drive our ambition to grow the female side of our club. 

"Our new chairperson and vice chair, Lorraine Sloane and Aine O Shea, have set out this as one of the cornerstones of their reigns. John has already begun training with more than 20 young girls receiving expert coaching on a weekly basis. 

"The plan is to put a U11/U12 team into the CWSSL leagues in 2026 and the league has been very supportive. The girls will hope to follow in the successes of our previous female players Jane Gabriel O'Brien and Ruby O'Brien, who are having huge success on both the soccer and GAA fields. 

"Leanna Reen is playing two ages with a very successful Wilton United side and Faye McCarthy secured her place on the Gaynor Cup Squad for 2026. 

POSITIVE

"Last December, we held the first meeting with our proposed senior female squad, and everyone left the meeting with a positive desire to take it forward into 2026. Our first training session will be held before the Christmas break with everyone ready to hit the ground running this month under the tutelage of Ciaran McCarthy and Steph Murphy."

The schoolboys and senior sections are also pushing for the same success as the last few seasons. Their U15 side is pushing for the third promotion in a row and their men’s side is also doing well in the Cork AUL Division 2.

“The U15 boys finished their year with a 3-3 on the new Corinthians all weather facility and go into 2026 with ambition to secure their third promotion in a row and will play a big part in the title race.

“The club is led by the senior team, playing in Cork AUL Division 2. Alan, Niall and Denis lead a group of young men eager to build on the successes of 2025. In their final game of the year, Blackstone Rovers dug in to beat a determined St John Bosco’s side 2-1. These three points keep the seniors well in the promotion hunt in what is a hotly contested division."

The club are also planning to attend all primary and secondary schools in the local area to provide an introduction to skills and fun.

“In the final committee meeting last year, the club put plans in place to provide coaching to all primary and secondary schools in the area in early 2026. The hope is that this will help spread the word of the good work the club are doing, as well as providing an introduction of development, football skills and fun for children in the community.

“ Onwards and upwards for Blackstone Rovers in 2026 and here is to next 25 years."