Winning the FAI Intermediate Cup was one of the biggest moments in the life of George Keating

For George Keating, winning the FAI Intermediate Cup with Cobh Wanderers was more than just the biggest moment of his football career. 

It was the fulfilment of a childhood dream and the continuation of a remarkable family football story that stretches back 43 years.

The 26-year-old midfielder helped Cobh Wanderers secure the club’s first-ever Intermediate Cup triumph, creating a piece of history for the club and the town. 

And perhaps fittingly, he did it following in the footsteps of his father Paul, who won the same competition with Cobh Ramblers in 1983.

Paul was just 18 at the time, a goalkeeper in his first season with Cobh Ramblers, when they defeated Bluebell United to lift the cup. 

More than four decades later, his son George would experience the same unforgettable feeling.

For George, the significance of the achievement has been there since childhood.

“Winning the intermediate cup was a dream come true,” said George. 

"Winning this title has always been my biggest ambition after winning the Youth National Cup with Leeside.” 

The journey to the final was far from easy, with George admitting that the previous season had been difficult. 

But belief, togetherness and an unwavering team spirit ultimately carried Wanderers through.

“It was tough going last season but yeah, you always have to believe in yourself and your team and that’s what got us through it — the team spirit.” 

That spirit was tested right to the final whistle. Despite the importance of the occasion, George revealed that there was never a moment when the Wanderers players felt they could relax.

“At no time did we feel comfortable. St Mary’s are a brilliant team but we all stuck to our jobs and in the end we got there.

It was only when the referee blew the final whistle that the celebrations could begin.

“Once the full-time whistle went, that’s when we could enjoy ourselves. Up until then it was nerve-wrecking.” 

For Cobh Wanderers, the victory represented years of ambition finally becoming reality. George, who joined the club at the age of 17, has spent eight years with the club and says the connection he has developed with the people around him made the triumph even more special.

“For the club it was always an ambition to win the title and it created an amazing feeling around the club and the whole town were delighted.” George has experienced both the highs and lows of football during his time with Wanderers, but nothing compares to this moment.

“I joined the club when I was 17 and have been there eight years. Since day one they’ve embraced me and the team feel like a family. 

"We’ve had highs and lows but this is the biggest high and I’m so proud of every single one of my teammates. 

"To a man they were unbelievable and they can all hold their heads high.” 

Yet behind George’s achievement lies perhaps the most special part of the story.

Growing up, he was regularly reminded of his father’s own Intermediate Cup triumph. 

Paul’s 1983 medal became something George associated with from a young age — and eventually, it became a source of inspiration.

“My dad used to show me his medal when I was growing up. Ever since he first showed me the medal as a boy, it gave me a special drive to try and win one for myself.” 

George has always heard stories about his father’s football career and the respect he commands in Cobh.

“People have always told me what an amazing man and player he was. Many people around Cobh would stop me and tell me he’s a legend.” 

But to George, Paul was always more than a footballing legend.

“To me he was more than that. He’s my biggest hero and the best dad I could have ever asked for.” 

The emotional significance of the moment was captured perfectly when father and son embraced after George had finally achieved what he had dreamed about since childhood.

“The hug he gave to me when we won it made all the sacrifices he made taking me to matches up and down the country worth it.” 

Then came the words George will surely never forget.

“He then said to me, ‘You’re a legend now.’” 

Forty-three years after Paul Keating lifted the Intermediate Cup with Cobh Ramblers, his son George has now written his own name into Cobh football history with Cobh Wanderers.

For Paul, it was another proud moment in a footballing family. For George, it was the realisation of a dream that began with a medal shown to him by his father as a boy.

And for Cobh Wanderers, it was the first Intermediate Cup in the club’s history.

A father’s medal became a son’s motivation. Now, George has one of his own.