David Moore embraces new challenge as UCC step up to National League level

Four days out from UCC’s historic opening fixture in the new FAI National League, manager Dave Moore is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead.

But if the 45-year-old Carrigaline man’s first few weeks in charge are anything to go by, he and his young squad are embracing the opportunity.

UCC will make their National League debut this Saturday, September 5, when they travel to face Killarney Celtic, as the inaugural third tier of Irish football gets underway.

While the competition is not officially part of the League of Ireland, it represents the highest level of men’s football directly below the professional and semi-professional divisions. It is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots football and the LOI, with promotion and relegation to the First Division set to be introduced from the 2027 season.

For UCC, it is the beginning of a new chapter.

Moore was appointed manager after the position was advertised, and the opportunity to take charge of a club with UCC’s history and traditions immediately appealed to him.

“The role was advertised and it was a role I was extremely interested in given the club’s history and tradition,” said Moore. "Pre-season has been enjoyable. We haven’t had much time, but the players’ application has been very impressive. Still work to do, but we are looking forward to the challenge.” 

That limited preparation time is one of the biggest challenges facing every club entering the inaugural competition. The National League season is deliberately truncated, with the 15 participating clubs divided into three groups. UCC find themselves in Group 3 alongside CK United, Killarney Celtic, Newbridge Town and Villa FC.

Over 10 consecutive weekends, teams will play each other home and away, with the three group winners and the best runner-up progressing to the semi-finals. The eventual final will take place in November.

New dawn

For UCC, the first test comes in Killarney on Saturday.

“It’s all very new to all the teams in the league so we feel it’s a matter of learning as we play. We hope to be organised and ready.” 

The UCC squad will be made up entirely of students, bringing its own particular difficulties.

“It was a bit challenging with regards putting a squad together when students aren’t back in college but once I was appointed and I made the calls to players, they were chomping at the bit to come in and train.” 

Moore is supported by a backroom team consisting of Kevin O’Brien, who will work with both goalkeepers and outfield players, strength and conditioning coach Damien Coleman, kitman and logistics coordinator Ross Broekhuizen, and video analyst Eric Montgomery.

The manager brings considerable experience to the role, having worked across the Cork football scene for well over a decade.

His managerial and coaching career has included senior roles with Douglas Hall and Carrigaline United, while he has also held a succession of coaching positions within the Cork City academy. In 2020, he stepped into the Cork City first-team role on an interim basis.

More recently, Moore spent two seasons with Cobh Ramblers’ first team, working as assistant manager before moving into a coaching role.

Now, UCC represents a fresh challenge. “Our aim is to be competitive in every game. I’d expect all the teams in the group to be competitive, so it’s hard to single out a toughest opponent.” 

The shortened 2026 campaign has been designed as an introduction to the new structure, giving clubs the chance to experience the demands of national competition before a full season begins in spring 2027.

“The third tier is a great opportunity for players and coaches to test themselves on a national stage. 

It will be beneficial to Irish football as it will bridge that gap between amateur football and League of Ireland football.” 

And UCC’s football programme will extend beyond its National League side this season. The club will also have a team competing in the MSL First Division, alongside third and fourth teams playing in the MSL junior leagues.

For now, though, all eyes are on Killarney. Saturday’s meeting with Killarney Celtic will mark the start of a new era for UCC and for Irish football more broadly.

Four days before the whistle blows, Moore knows there is still plenty to learn and plenty of work to do. But after a positive pre-season and an encouraging response from his players, the UCC manager is ready to find out what his team can do on the national stage.