CWSSL: Hard work done as Cork aim to land Gaynor Cup trophy for first time since 2019

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026 - 09:00

Dylan O’ Connell

Barbara O’Connell is in charge of the squad made up of some of the best young players in the CWSSL, and they have been drawn into a group containing Waterford District, Cavan Monaghan, and Louth.

The tournament runs June 1-5 and O’Connell has been preparing for months with a team that includes Sarah Scanlon, Muireann Deasy and Sam Dowd as coaches, Daniel Moynihan as goalkeeping coach and Clare Deasy as co-ordinator.

The CWSSL Gaynor Cup coaching team led by Barbara O'Connell with assistant coaches Sarah Scanlon, Sam Dowd and Muireann Deasy.

O’Connell is now putting the finishing touches in place for a group that has given it their all in preparation for the 2026 Gaynor Cup.

“I feel great heading into the Gaynor Cup because I feel we have all the hard work done,” she told The Echo.

I’ve over 60 sessions done with this group of girls so they’ll be well prepared and whatever happens, I know we couldn’t have done any more as a group of coaches and players.

"The players have given us everything. Their commitment has been second to none and we’re all really looking forward to hopefully having a memorable and enjoyable week.”

The CWSSL Gaynor Cup squad with manager Barbara' O'Connell depart for Limerick from the Cork International Airport Hotel, who kindly sponsor their food for the week.

Spirits are high in the camp as they make the short journey to Limerick, with a squad that is experiencing the Gaynor Cup for the first time.

“It’s a first for all of them and they’re all really excited,” O’Connell explained.

“It’s a big occasion for them because for many it’s the first time being away from home staying in a strange bed but still it’s one they’re looking forward to. The group have a fab bond so I imagine they’ll have a fab week both on and off the pitch.”

The CWSSL Gaynor cup squad with their coaches and Ireland manager James Scott after a recent training session.

Cork have prepared meticulously for the tournament, which included a number of games against top opposition since the start of the year.

“We’ve played a lot of counties this year and there is serious talent out there with Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick county all strong teams, not to mention teams we haven’t met like DDSL Belfast,” O’Connell explained.

Cork will go into this tournament with a squad that includes 20 different players from 11 clubs following a careful selection process.

“These girls were chosen from trials and while I admit some talented girls missed out, that was due to the high number of talented players we have at this level,” O’Connell said.

OPTIONS

“I believe we found a great mix of talented players who will perform brilliantly on and off the pitch in how they portray themselves for their families and clubs.

“It will be difficult to keep everyone happy. However, I believe I’ve done a good job so far because every girl has got at least half a game in every game and that’s simply down to the fact I believe we have such a quality squad that no matter which players we rotate, we don’t weaken the team.

“However, the Gaynor Cup will be different because there’s a lot you have to take into account; so many games in a short period of time, girls being away from home and sleeping in different beds, that will affect them. So look, we’ll play it by ear and try be as fair as possible to the girls who have given me so much joy already.

“I will be treating the Gaynor Tournament like a cup final though, so the aim for both us as coaches and as players is to win it which hasn’t been done since my daughter Alix played in 2019.

Hopefully we can perform and I can give the girls plenty of game time because I want it to be a positive experience for every one of them, not just for the player who gets a Player of the Match performance or winning goal.

“I still listen to my girls Jesse and Alix say Gaynor was the best experience of their lives and I want these 20 players to say the same in 10 years. I played in it myself back in 1996 so I know how brilliant a week it can be for the kids.

"That’s my priority to make sure they all enjoy the entire week, playing ball, making friends and enjoying the freedom from home life.”