Cork minor footballers open championship campaign on Monday against Clare

Cork minor football manager Keith Ricken says his young side enter Monday evening’s Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 2 Round 1 clash with Clare in Clarecastle “in a good place”, but insists the real measure of their progress will only become clear when the ball is thrown-in at 7pm.

Cork begin their championship campaign against a Clare outfit already battle-hardened after three Phase 1 games, and Ricken is fully aware of the challenge that awaits. But he is equally encouraged by the Rebels’ preparation, including their recent success in the Leinster Development League.

The St Vincent’s clubman is satisfied that Cork have banked the right type of work over the past number of months.

“There’s a good buzz in the camp,” he says.

“We have played about 10 matches in total. It’s easier for young lads when they come in and they have two training sessions a week and then a match. I suppose we won’t know where we truly are at until the championship starts, but we feel we are in a great position.

“Preparation has been very thorough. Billy O’Connor and Maurice Moore have done a great job in the coaching, they’re really great guys. The lads have bought into it.

“Last year, we were looking for challenge matches up and down the country, whereas our preparation this time around has been much more structured. It replicates how the players see football… you finish a league, you play your championship.” 

Clare’s three championship games give them a rhythm Cork do not yet have, and Ricken is under no illusions about the size of the task, especially with the long journey to Clare.

“Clare have played three championship matches so far and they’re a really strong side,” Ricken said.

“I have been impressed by their commitment to the breaking ball, they’re really good at it. They’re committed to tackling, trying to turn you over, and putting you under pressure.

“It’s a big ask when you go away from home. It will be a two, three or four-hour journey depending on where you’re living in Cork. We did play a challenge match recently midweek up the country just to get the lads used to what it will be like.

“Young lads have no hang-ups about playing anybody. We’ll be cautiously optimistic, but still cautious. We know that we need to hit the ground running with Kerry after this, also away from home.” 

Ricken repeatedly returns to the idea that minor football is about far more than results. He is acutely aware of the pressures these players face as they juggle school, travel, training, and the emotional weight of representing their county.

“They’re still young men,” he states.

“This minor age, it’s a special time in a young fella’s life. Ultimately, we want a rounded man coming out of this and a better citizen.

“They’re really diligent boys, what they’re eating, how they’re preparing. My hope always is that the players get something out of this. Not just to play for Cork, but to play football for Cork and to get the love of Cork football.

“If you went out Monday and five fellas didn’t tog out the following year, it beats the whole purpose of it.

“You’re around young people and they want to give you their heart and soul. You couldn’t ask for anything else. We’re all looking forward to getting going.”