AUL Distinguished Service Soccer award for Billy Cronin very well deserved 

The acclaimed local soccer manager Billy Cronin first came to prominence in 1983 when he appeared for Division one League champions Central Rovers, who came from off the radar to win the AOH Cup, defeating Ringmahon at Turner's Cross. 

Teammates included Declan Courtney and Jamesie Corcoran who were almost ever-present throughout his football career.

It was a phase of his life which nurtured dreams and created friendships that have lasted for more than four decades. 

Billy along with Declan moved a to Castleview in 1985. The View were promoted to the Premier Division after being defeated in a play-off by Coachford.

The trio subsequently moved to Rockmount and, although they won little of note during the journey towards their annus mirabilis of 1999, they established a reputation as great cup fighters. 

By advancing regularly to the latter stages of the Intermediate Cup, Rockmount earned the right to enter the FAI Senior Cup on seven occasions.

In 1987, they defeated Monaghan United and Mervue United to earn a quarter-final meeting with Dundalk. 

In an incident-packed encounter, Dundalk had to battle furiously to advance 2-0. Billy opted for a change of scenery in 1991 when he signed for Munster Senior League champions Midleton along with Rockmount teammate Kieran O’Sullivan..

Earlier in his career he was a clever ball-playing left full but a switch to midfield paid rich dividends for the Magpies. 

Billy’s scoring contribution reached double figures, many being netted from Kieran O’Sullivan crosses. 

With Billy in the form of his life Midleton retained the MSL title, Billy’s first as a player. Midleton, though, received a helping hand from his former club Rockmount who shocked nearest challengers Avondale in the penultimate tie. 

Even though he captained Midleton the following season, his stay in East Cork ended when he returned to Rockmount in 94-95 before ending his playing career with Tramore.

After his retirement he was appointed joint manager of Rockmount with Noel Burke. Their regular encounters with League of Ireland clubs had provided a valuable learning curve and given Billy plenty of ideas for the future. 

They learned more from a heavy defeat by Derry City in the FAI Cup defeat than they would from many victories — and the following season would prove it.

They defeated Garda 2-0 to win the FAI Intermediate Cup for the first time in 99, and the icing on the cake was their first-ever Munster Senior League Championship pennant. 

The celebrations had barely died down when they embarked on an Eircom League Cup roller coaster.

First, they knocked the full-strength holders Cork City out in the opening round. Then Cobh Ramblers were sent through the exit door. 

And it became almost unbelievable when Rockmount travelled to Kilcohan and knocked Waterford United out in the quarter-final. 

It was still only October of the new season when they faced Athlone Town away in the semi-final, with Derry City awaiting the winners. Rockmount deserved at least a draw, but Athlone nervously advanced 2-0, with the second goal arriving in injury time.

Noel Burke subsequently took a break, but Billy continued regardless. He guided Rockmount to three Intermediate Cup finals between 2003 and 2005. 

It was a case of agony and ecstasy, with victory over Bluebell sandwiched between defeats by Belgrove and Wayside. Rockmount won their third Intermediate Cup in 2008, defeating Douglas Hall.

During Billy's reign they were beaten in four Munster Senior Cup finals by League of Ireland opposition. 

That changed in 2020 when they defeated holders Cork City. I wonder was that the cue for one of the great Munster Senior League managers to finally ride into the sunset? Yes, it was!

After more than four adventure filled decades, Billy Cronin announced his retirement. 

Following his successes, Billy was usually at pains to direct the credit away from himself and towards his players. 

The players, in turn, always acknowledged his exceptional man-management skills. 

They knew that, regardless of the opposition or the competition, Billy always wanted to win — and demanded their very best.

He was one of the most successful and motivated managers in the country. And I can just imagine him saying. “I don't drop players — I just make changes.” 

No UEFA A or B coaching licence in his back pocket — but never required here.

Tonight, Billy Cronin takes his rightful place among those honoured with the Distinguished Service Award for an outstanding contribution to Cork soccer.