From teacher to coach, Allen's Uibh Laoire connection has come full circle

Niall Allen knew Chris Óg Jones as a fourth-class primary student before anyone in Cork knew him as a clinical inside finisher.

Ballincollig's Niall Allen with his dad John and brother Brian. Allen was half-forward on the club’s history-making team that delivered a maiden Cork football title in 2014. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Before Niall Allen ever stood on the Inchigeelagh field to coach the Uibh Laoire footballers, he stood in the local classroom educating the kids he now trains.

Niall, son of All-Ireland winning Cork manager John, is a native of Ballincollig. He was half-forward on the club’s history-making team that delivered a maiden Cork football title in 2014.