Ian Mylod loving life playing with Rockmount

At 32, Ian Mylod is proving that experience, commitment and passion remain priceless assets in the modern game. 

The Rockmount left back is entering his fourth season with the club, and by his own admission, he is enjoying every minute of what has already been a memorable campaign.

For Rockmount, reaching the Munster Senior Cup final represents a significant achievement.

“It’s a huge honour to make the Munster Senior Cup final for the second year in a row," said Mylod. 

"As a club we have made the semi-finals now three years in a row, and on all three occasions we’ve played Waterford which is a bit mad!"

The final could carry an extra layer of intrigue depending on the outcome of the semi-final between Cork City and Kerry FC. 

Should Cork City prevail and set up a decider against Rockmount, it would create a special narrative for Mylod, both on and off the pitch.

Away from football, Mylod is a teacher at Glanmire Community College, and the prospect of facing Cork City would mean lining out against two of his own students, Luke Downey and Cian Daly. 

The unique twist has already sparked excitement within the school community.

“It would be incredible for the school,” Mylod admitted. 

"To potentially share a pitch with two students in a Munster Cup final is something you don’t see every day. 

"It would be a huge occasion for Glanmire Community College. Obviously, once the whistle blows, we’re all competitors, but it would be a proud moment.” 

Mylod has been a model of consistency since joining Rockmount. 

While he acknowledges that the club has lost some influential figures in recent times, he believes the current group has responded impressively to the changes.

“As a squad, we’ve lost some big names in Brendan O’Connell, Jason Sexton and Hughie Donovan, but there’s been a core group of about 10 or 11 players who have been with the club for the last number of years. 

"There are some huge names in the dressing room — Ken Hoey, probably the most decorated amateur player in the country brings a wealth of experience to the group. 

"We have Cian and Eoin Murphy as well as Adam Crowley, who have represented their country regularly over the last five years, we some great local lads like James O’Connell, who has been with the club since he was a schoolboy as well as Martin Connolly and Cian Leonard who have been ever present for the club the last number of years. 

"All these players have been massive for Rockmount and have won significant trophies over the last couple of years. 

"We won back-to-back Intermediate Cups and leagues, as well as the O’Connell Cup, the Keane Cup, the Tom Hand and the Beamish Cup. 

"So, there’s a lot of lads who have played in massive games and won a lot of medals for the club.

“This season, we’ve added a few new players. We signed Arminas Balevivcius from Mallow, he has been absolutely colossal for us in the centre of the park. 

"We’ve added Colin Lemass from Leeds, Josh Lombardi from St Mary’s, and just recently Luke Hurley from Cork City’s academy. 

"I think Luke is going to be a massive player for the club and has a huge future ahead of him.

“So, we’ve got a strong core of experienced players, complemented by a few new young lads who are really pushing the group.” 

A key factor in Rockmount’s strong start, according to Mylod, has been the influence of the new management team. 

He describes their arrival as a “breath of fresh air” and credits them with reinvigorating the squad’s approach.

“This season, Jason Purcell has come in from Limerick with Stewart Fitzgerald, and they’ve been an absolute breath of fresh air. 

"Everyone within the club has loved every second since they’ve come in. Hopefully, we can keep the lads at the club over the next few years and try to build on the successes of Eddie Kenny and Billy Cronin.” 

There is also a clear hunger to add silverware and club captain Mylod believes they have the side to do so.

“Reaching the Munster Senior Cup final is an achievement in itself, but we are determined to go one step further. 

"Whether the opponent turns out to be Cork City or Kerry FC, the focus will be on delivering a performance worthy of the occasion."

For the teacher from Glanmire, the coming weeks promise to be unforgettable. 

A cup final, the possibility of facing his own students, and the continued evolution of a squad embracing change — it all adds up to a season filled with narrative and opportunity.