Michael O'Sullivan leads Douglas Hall to the CWSSL treble mixing youth with experience to great affect

Mick O’Sullivan has been one of the most successful soccer coaches in both the men’s and women’s games in Cork for the past 25 years, having worked as a manager with various clubs over this period of time.

Mick started out coaching with Novartis and then had spells with Ballinhassig and Riverstown. 

He also coached with UCC, Cork City and within both of their academies.

Mick then decided to take a break from the game, however, when he got a call from Noreen Martin from Douglas Hall to see if he was interested in taking over their senior women’s side, he felt the opportunity was too good to turn down and O'Sullivan led them to the domestic treble this season.

“I've been involved in coaching for about 25 years now,” Mick said.

“It all started when I was asked to coach the team in the company Novartis in Ringaskiddy where I worked at the time, and I got the bug from there.

“I was very fortunate to be asked to be involved with some good clubs and teams over the years, most notably Ballinhassig and Riverstown.

“I was also asked to help out in UCC with their development teams and also had spells with Cork City and their academy teams.

“I really enjoyed it over the years as you're working with some great people along the way, on and off the pitch.

“I got the call to help out in Douglas Hall early in 2025 from Noreen Martin, as I had taken a break from coaching at the time. 

"Normally, I would be involved with some team, but I was free at the time, we had a brief chat and we went from there."

Although the Hall had great success this season, it didn’t come without its challenges. 

Besides dominating in the local CWSSL competitions, they also got to the semi final of the FAI Intermediate Cup and were narrowly beaten by League of Ireland side Cork City in the quarter final of the FAI Cup one nil.

Douglas Hall had already beaten Bohemians in the previous round. 

Having success can bring it’s own difficulties, as some times Douglas were playing three games a week, in the very hot summer we just had.

“There were many challenges for us during the season, but the group were amazing throughout the year. 

"We had a very strong squad at our disposal and every one of them played their part in our success.

“The most difficult task as a manager / coach is trying to keep all the players happy, which I know is impossible.

“I know that naturally all the players want to play every minute of every game, so we had a few tough calls and a few difficult conversations needed to be had especially when you’re dealing with top players.

“I think the most difficult, yet the most memorable moments last season was our schedule.

"Due to the team progressing deep into all of the competitions, both locally and nationally we were playing three games a week, which included trips around Munster and Dublin and this was throughout the really hot weather we had in the summer, so there is huge credit to all of the players, as just kept their head down and kept going.

“We integrated a lot of the underage talent into the senior ranks last season, and they did very well, as they gave us great energy and they blended in very well with our senior players.

“To win any trophy in Cork or beyond it is very difficult, as there are a lot of very good teams out there, so we can't stand still.

“We're currently having a well-earned break, but I know the players will be keen to get moving again in the next couple of weeks, so we will probably start just before Christmas to keep things ticking over, before we start knuckling down again in pre-season in the new year."

O’Sullivan is very mindful of everyone who has helped his side to have such a successful season. 

He was quick to point out all the coaches and volunteers who did such an amazing job, however, he game a special mention to Noreen Martin for all her hard work she does in the club.

“I would just like to say a huge thanks to Noreen (the real boss) for all her help, also a big thank you to coaches Chris Fahy and Adam Cambridge and of course, I am very grateful to Irene and Alfie McCarthy, our goalkeeping coaches.

“I would also like to thank all the volunteers up in the club who are always helping out behind the scenes making our jobs easier and most of all to the players, they've are great women and great players," O’Sullivan added.