Stepping up to League of Ireland a real sacrifice

I first joined Cork City FC in 1998 as a fresh and fit 18-year-old. Having come from a strong local Wilton United youths team in the city, I fancied my chances of making it into Cork City’s first-team squad.

Unfortunately I was not on the radar of manager Dave Barry. So I would have to make an impression through City’s reserve team in the Munster Senior League. That year, we had a talented reserve team and finished second to a strong Rockmount side in the league.

At some stage along the way, Barry offered me a chance to play in the first team in the Munster Senior Cup. In the dressing room surrounded by experienced players he threw a jersey at me and said, “Try that on as you’re starting tonight.” It felt like a big step, and it was.