AUL awards night a huge success with six worthy winners honoured on the night

The local football community gathered at Heineken Ireland’s Kiln hospitality room recently for the annual Cork Soccer Awards, opened with a warm welcome from Cork AUL chairman Martin Conlon.

As one of the most anticipated events on the local sporting calendar, the evening brings together stalwarts who have dedicated decades of passion and excellence to the sport they loved.

Since its inception in 1994, the awards have etched the names of countless local football legends into the history books, honouring their remarkable achievements in the game.

Beyond the presentations, the occasion offers a fantastic opportunity for former players, referees, administrators, and enthusiasts to reconnect and share classic stories from their time in the game.

The room was filled with lively banter and laughter as attendees exchanged nostalgic stories.

This year’s recipients have all made massive contributions to local football, as detailed in the citations.

Before master of ceremonies John McHale officially began the presentations, I had the chance to catch up with some of the attendees and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

With everyone in such a jovial mood on the night, it was no surprise once again to hear all the banter coming from every side of the function room as the stories and funny tales started to present themselves from many of the attendees.

The event was filled with fond reminiscences as guests paid homage to past greats like Miah Dennehy, Jackey Morley, and Paddy Short. Voices echoed around the room, trading stories of the glorious early '70s when Cork football ruled supreme and the terraces of Flower Lodge and Turner’s Cross were alive with magic.

Referee Tony Thompson was in attendance and had this to say – "I look forward to this event every single year.

Beyond being a fantastic awards night, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane and the perfect excuse to catch up with old friends once again”.

Blackstone Rovers’ Tony Bevan always sees this event as a great chance to catch up with familiar faces from the football world whom he wouldn’t have seen in a while.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to see so many great players and characters from the game's past.

Without even realizing it, they played a huge role in promoting football and paving the way for the generations who followed in their footsteps."

For Cork City legend Patsy Freyne, the event always brings about a sense of deep reflection.

"I love this night because it gives me a great chance to catch up with old buddies and teammates, and reminisce about the fantastic times we shared during our days in football."

There was plenty of banter and storytelling all night, with one large group in particular reminiscing about that unforgettable 1972 clash at Flower Lodge—when Waterford came from 2-0 down to beat Cork Hibs 3-2, thanks to an Alfie Hale winner in front of around 25,000 spectators.

But some of the people lucky enough to have watched football in those days were quick to remind us all that the following week, Hibs clinched the cup after beating Waterford 3-0, with all the goals coming from Miah Dennehy.

The stories, banter and craic continued unabated across the room and we could go on forever naming the legends of the game, but these wonderful nights are truly special.

Setting aside time to honor Cork’s finest sportsmen creates a memorable occasion filled with nostalgia and proud reminiscence.

I have no doubt that we can look forward to many more joyous gatherings at the Heineken Ireland hospitality suite, as we continue to celebrate the greats of this beautiful game for years to come.