We’re not all doom and gloom you know!

THERE was a moment in Cyprus a few weeks back when Eoin Hand pulled up a seat at a table of journalists in a Limassol hotel.

Under discussion at the time was the enigma that is John O'Shea, an obviously talented footballer who hasn't managed to consistently hit the heights expected of him at either club or country. Various theories and opinions were bandied about but it wasn't so much the debate itself as its subject matter which struck Hand. "Do you know something," the former Irish manager asked. "This is the first time since I got here that I've heard a bunch of football journalists actually talking about football."

Which was hardly too much of an exaggeration, such was the extent of the media focus in the run-up to the game on Brian Kerr, his contract, his agent, his relationship with the FAI and whatever else helped to generate headlines. Indeed, at one point that week among the Irish press corps there seemed to be more anticipation of the eve of match press conference than of the match itself. (Which, considering how the latter panned out, may not have been a bad thing).

Kerr might be forgiven for thinking otherwise, but the truth is that scratch even the most cynical football reporter and you'll find a football fan not too far beneath the surface. At least half the time the modern football writer seems to be preoccupied with economics, politics and industrial relations anything, indeed, but the business of ball and boot. But given the choice, there are few of us who wouldn't rather be raving about a staggering new talent, a brilliantly taken goal or a stirring comeback, than staring into the void in search of just one person who hasn't yet been linked with the Ireland job new Kettering gaffer, Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne, anyone? or pondering the butterfly existence of a lovely stadium which hasn't even received planning permission yet.

So it's with all that in mind, that I come to today to pay tribute to Cork City and Derry City, two clubs who are currently doing their best to relieve the air of gloom pervading Irish football.

They've shown how entertaining the domestic game can be when good managers and players find their thirst for success mirrored in a passionate support. That Shels, virtually unbackable as favourites at the start of the season, have been eclipsed reflects nothing but credit on Derry and Cork. If anything Derry's is the more noteworthy achievement, manager Stephen Kenny having worked a minor miracle in turning a team of struggling underachievers into strong, super-fit title contenders.

In Cork Damien Richardson inherited a fine, upwardly mobile side from Pat Dolan. That sudden change could easily have unsettled the side but not even the subsequent departure of Kevin Doyle upset the rhythm of a team which has played some of the best football to be seen in the country this year.

Whatever happens over the remaining games, it's been a pleasure to watch football at The Brandywell and Turner's Cross this season, an inspiring reminder that so many back page headlines about other issues notwithstanding it's the opportunity to see footballers like O' Callaghan, Gamble, Farren and McCourt being encouraged to do what comes naturally to them, which will always keep us coming back for more.