Minnows Blarney thinking big as cup holders Derry come to town

As showtime fast approaches, O’Shea Park hums with activity.

The visit of Derry City represents a rarity for minnows such as Blarney United, but until then it’s on with the preparations. Not a second lost.

Every nook and cranny of the clubhouse is being cleaned out; Tom Murray, power hose in hand, attends to the steel fencing, while the phone of chairman Brian Murray has taken on a life of its own.

“The workload that comes with the fixture is incredible.”

Mind you, he’s not complaining.

“I jumped when I heard the draw. It’s a godsend. It’s like spinning the wheel and we’ve hit the jackpot.”

The evening’s work takes place against the backdrop of the U16 John Cooke Cup semi-final. Senior manager Dave Moynihan, cheering on his two son’s Alex and Niall, isn’t too eager to chat. Indeed, every time the crowd raises its collective voice, he peers back towards the action.

Moynihan first donned the blue and white of Blarney United in 1993, but after 20 years’ service he is stepping out of the fray following tomorrow’s game.

Unless victory is secured of course. God knows, stranger things have happened.

“It’s a big commitment,” he says. “There’s family, work and other little things that have to be looked after as well.”

First cousins Moynihan and Murray were central figures the last time Derry City ventured south, though in different capacities to that of which they now hold.

It was 2006, FAI Cup second round over 1,000 people turned out to support the local side. Murray was boss, Moynihan his playmaker.

Trailing 2-1, Blarney were presented with a guilt edge opportunity to equalise. To this day, the miss eats away at Murray.

“The ball came across the box and our centre-back lashed it into the side netting. It was agonisingly close.”

Chance wasted, Derry City subsequently added a third. Victory to Goliath.

That said, the windfall from the game more than cushioned the blow and Murray is hopeful today will be another good afternoon for the coffers. They could certainly do with it.

“All our efforts will come to fruition if we get a crowd, if we don’t get a crowd we will lose out,” says the chairman.

Since the step-up from junior in 2004, financially, it hasn’t been easy.

“We had to improve our facilities,” Murray explains. “A serious amount of money has been spent on the under surface of the pitch, drainage, and sand.”

“The synthetic pitch, opened in 2007, is almost our Achilles heel. Financially we’re struggling because of it.”

Before the clubhouse is locked for the night, the chairman is adamant we venture inside.

Hanging on the wall is a signed Derry City jersey from the 2006 fixture.

“Peter Hutton was keen to give his jersey to the club, but he broke his nose during the match and so the jersey was covered in blood. A couple of weeks later, a Derry City jersey arrived in the post, signed by the entire squad.”

If nothing else, it’s testament to what the club has achieved and a reminder that they still have some way to go.

With Murray at the helm, though no longer with Moynihan by his side, strides forward will continue to be made.

Oh and don’t forget today’s fixture. Derry are the reigning champions after all.