Cork and Midleton soccer club lost a true great in legendary Denise McArdle Moore
Denise McArdle Moore with her husband Charlie, daughter Charley and son Alex.
The passing of Denise McArdle Moore has left a deep and lasting sadness across Midleton and the wider Cork sporting community.
After a courageous battle with illness that spanned more than five years, Denise passed away peacefully in Marymount, surrounded by family.
Her loss is felt not just by her family and close friends, but by the countless people whose lives she touched through sport, friendship, and quiet acts of kindness.
Denise was a woman whose presence made a difference.
For years, she was a constant and passionate supporter of sport in the Midleton area, giving her time, energy, and heart to the clubs and communities she loved. Nowhere was that more evident than in her beloved Midleton Football Club.
Denise’s commitment to the club, particularly to nurturing young players, was such that the club’s academy proudly bears her name — a rare and fitting honour that speaks volumes about the esteem in which she was held.
It was especially poignant that Denise was able to witness this recognition herself.
A few years ago, when she first became ill, the decision was made to name the academy after her. It was a powerful moment for Denise, her family, and the club — a celebration of a life devoted to giving others a chance, especially children taking their first steps in sport.
That legacy will live on every time a young player pulls on a Midleton jersey and dreams of what might be possible.
Denise’s engagement with sport did not end with football. Alongside her husband Charlie, and her children Charley and Alex she was also deeply involved with Midleton Rugby Club.
Together, they formed a partnership built on community spirit and shared values. Whether it was helping behind the scenes, supporting teams, or simply being there when needed, Denise and her family were fixtures in the life of both clubs.
The depth of affection for Denise was clear in the remarkable turnout at her funeral. A huge crowd gathered to pay their respects, a powerful testament to how widely she was loved and admired.
One of the most moving moments was the guard of honour formed by more than 80 children. Young players lined the way, standing proudly and respectfully, symbolising the generations Denise had inspired.
It was a simple yet profoundly emotional tribute, reflecting the impact she had on young lives through sport.
The funeral mass itself was described by many as beautiful and deeply personal. Charley’s eulogy, delivered with grace, honesty, and love, captured Denise’s spirit perfectly. He spoke not only of her strength during illness, but of her warmth, humour, and unwavering dedication to family and community.
His words resonated with all in attendance, bringing both tears and smiles as memories were shared of a woman who gave so much of herself to others.
Adding to the sense of respect and recognition was the presence of so many leaders from Cork’s sporting world. Figures from across both the men’s and women’s games attended, underlining Denise’s influence beyond any single club.
Among those present were Stephen Mulcahy, Seán O’Sullivan, Barry Cotter, and John Lyne, to name just a few.
What stood out throughout the day was the sense of unity. Clubs, codes, and generations came together, united by a shared appreciation for a woman who embodied what community sport is meant to be about — inclusion, encouragement, and generosity. Denise did not seek recognition, yet she earned it through years of quiet dedication and genuine care for others.
While her passing leaves an undeniable void, Denise McArdle Moore’s legacy is firmly secured.
It lives on in the Midleton academy that bears her name, in the rugby club she supported so faithfully, and in the schools she gave so much time to and in the memories of the many people she helped along the way.
Most importantly, it lives on in the young players she inspired — children who may not yet fully understand the impact she had, but who will benefit from it for years to come.
Denise’s life was a reminder that sport is about far more than results or trophies.
It is about people, community, and giving back. Cork has lost a remarkable woman, but her spirit will continue to be felt every weekend on sidelines, pitches, and training grounds across Midleton and beyond.
A lovely tribute was paid from a friend Ian, who summed Denise up well:
“She gave her time, her heart, her cheer, Helping children find joy, year after year.
"Every laugh, every kick, every muddy shoe, Carried her magic, steady and true.”
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