Conor Murray and the Cork Youth soccer team ready to go again and defend their All-Ireland title

The Cork Youth team will defend their FAI Inter-League and Munster Inter-League titles this Saturday evening when they play Limerick Desmond League at Knockgriffin Park at 5pm.

Conor Murray will be at the helm again for this year’s campaign and he and his coaching staff has been very busy by going to as many games as possible and then giving over 80 players a chance to make the team.

“We decided towards the end of last season that we wanted to return,” Conor said.

“While we were delighted with the success we achieved, it was really the experience of working with the players that convinced us. Watching young players from different clubs come together, build relationships and work towards a common goal was hugely rewarding.

As a coaching team Conor felt privileged to be part of that journey and they all agreed we wanted to experience it again this season.

Murray and his coach’s started watching games from the first day of the new season and between them they have watched teams from the all the different divisions to try give every young player a chance.

“Trial games can be a little misleading at times so watching players in their own environment provides a truer picture of a players ability so we were keen to take in as many games as possible.

“We engaged with clubs and coaches from across the league in player recommendations which we used in conjunction with our own experience from watching games in choosing players for trials. We trialled around 80 players across a number of sessions, but in reality we have watched and discussed several hundred players since the season began.

Conor will be joined again by Cian Ford, Shane Carry and his long time friend Don O'Mahony, but Cathal Kelly will joining the coaching staff for this campaign.

“I am delighted that the majority of last year's coaching staff have returned. Cian Ford of Cork City continues as Head Coach and brings a tremendous level of knowledge and experience. Shane Carry remains our Goalkeeping Coach and does excellent work with our keepers. We are also pleased to welcome Cathal Kelly, formerly of Cobh Ramblers, whose experience will further strengthen the group. My long-time assistant Don O'Mahony is once again by my side and provides invaluable support across all aspects of the team.

The format has returned to a round robin format this year as last season was on a knockout basis so that will give Murray a chance to bed his new team in.

“I am delighted with the format this year, because I think the return to a round robin structure is very positive for player development as it guarantees more games and more opportunities for players to represent their league.

“Our primary goal is to create an environment where players can develop, enjoy the experience and perform to the best of their ability.

“If we can create that culture and continue improving from game to game, then we will give ourselves every chance of being competitive. We certainly won't place any limits on what this group might achieve.

“Unlike last year we are not familiar with the player pool at this age group. This is why we committed to watching so many games and trialling so many players.

“The downside of this approach is that we will have less time available to us in advance of our first game with our final squad. However, given the round robin nature of the competition this year I think this was the right thing to do as it allowed us to give opportunities to as many players as possible.

“We would like to sincerely thank every player who participated in our trials. All players represented themselves and their clubs extremely well. The standard was exceptionally high right across each trial.

“We would also like to thank the Cork Youth League committee for all their support and willingness to provide us with anything we need and finally thank’s to Kieran and the Echo for the continued coverage they give Youth football.

“The players deserve that recognition and we appreciate the support,” Murray added.

Cork Youth Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Noel Cantwell Leeds,Issac Kenneally Douglas Hall.

Defenders:

Michael McCarthy, Harry Spratt Avondale United, Mark Keeshan, Jack McCarthy, Darragh O’Flaherty Douglas Hall, Ronan Makessey, Clayton Tait Midleton, Eddie Crowley Carraigaline United, Dominic Sadowski Leeside United.

Midfield:

Ryan Whelan Kilworth Celtic,Tom Collins Douglas Hall, Eli Murphy-McKeon College Corinthians, Oscar Verdonschot Leeside United, Liam Waters Midleton, Charlie Mccarthy, Cillian Mansworth-O’Connell Midleton.

Forwards:Diarmuid Kelly College Corinthians, Harry Sisk Carraigaline United, Elvis Alade Douglas Hall, Shane Barrett Leeds, Ryan Cremin Midleton, Dara Mckeon Avondale United.