Passage pay tribute to beloved club member and expert coach Kieran Dunlea

The local soccer community in Cork gathered recently at Passage FC for the fourth annual Kieran Dunlea Memorial Game. This fixture honors a man who was a huge figure in grassroots soccer.

Always smiling and so enthusiastic is how I remember him from my playing days at Cork City. He would be the first coach to greet you as you arrived at the dressing rooms, the last coach you’d see as you finished training and certainly the last coach you would hear. 

He was always so full of life and certainly made my training sessions more enjoyable knowing he was there to encourage, point out the mistakes, but always there to help, make you a better player in any way he could. 

What I enjoyed most about Kieran was his wit. He always made me laugh and sometimes we underestimate the importance of this in such a competitive level of sport.

Kieran was a dedicated coach and a beloved character who devoted his life to mentoring players and his loss affected all those who had the pleasure of his company during their footballing journeys.

This year’s match brought together two sides led by his former coaching partners: the Niall O’Regan XI against the Ivan Bevan XI. The trio of Dunlea, O’Regan, and Bevan shared a long history across multiple levels of Cork soccer. 

Together, they enjoyed success with Cork Schoolboys League inter-provincial teams, UCC, Bandon AFC, and Cork City Women’s FC. Kieran also worked independently with numerous clubs, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he coached.

The annual memorial game uses soccer to fund meaningful community causes. The first edition raised funds for Alzheimer’s research, a cause close to Kieran’s heart. The second and third years supported youth development through the Cork Schoolboys League Kennedy Cup and Cork Gaynor Cup teams. This year, the organizers selected Bandon AFC as the beneficiary. 

Breakthrough

The funds support Bandon’s drive to build a new, full-sized astroturf pitch. This choice holds deep significance. Kieran coached at Bandon alongside Niall O'Regan, guiding the club to the Munster Senior League Premier Division for the first time. Bandon AFC chairman Jim McCarthy spoke warmly of Kieran’s contribution to the club’s historic rise. 

"Kieran was a great support to Niall during his tenure as manager. He was an infectious football character, with a love for the game, and a real passion for helping others. He was a great coach and it's fabulous for this year's memorial game to be recognised to support the ongoing fundraising we have at the club." 

The game delivered the type of excitement Kieran would have loved. The Niall O’Regan XI took control early on, building a 4-1 lead. The Ivan Bevan XI mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to level the score at 4-4 by the final whistle. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Bevan’s side secured the victory.

Ivan Bevan reflected on the dramatic turnaround and the meaning of the annual gathering. “We got away with that one," laughed Bevan. "But after taking them back from 4-1, and getting to penalties, it was great to see us turn it around and win. It's always a special occasion for the family and friends and it's also great to have the bragging rights over Niall for the next 12 months. 

Kieran was an amazing, passionate football-mad friend and the game is a highlight for those of us who knew him each year.” 

Niall O’Regan emphasized the importance of maintaining this connection for Kieran’s family and the wider community. 

"The fact we can raise funds to support football in Cork in Kieran's memory is an additional bonus and keeps his name alive in the football realm of Cork. I want to thank Passage for always making their facilities available to use, Kieran’s family and friends for continuing to make this happen, and a special mention to Ivan. We had to let him win one I suppose, but we look forward to next years re-match already.”