Sean Maguire: 'I know it was an in-house game, but those games can be more intense'

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Turner’s Cross, Cork 14/2/2025

With Cork City facing the prospect of enduring a two-week period without a match just as their return to the Premier Division had begun, the club resorted to drastic measures.

Last Monday, anyone driving or walking past their training ground in Bishopstown may have caught a glimpse of a Cork City XI in their home kit and a Cork City XI in their away kit going head-to-head with former winger Liam Kearney officiating.

“There were a few iffy decisions that went elsewhere but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt this time,” joked Sean Maguire, who is claiming a goal from the 3-3 draw.

“I think I scored one, yeah. I think so. It was good. If we didn’t do that, we would’ve went into Friday’s game two weeks without a game so it was good to get minutes into the legs.

“I know it was an in-house game, but those games can be more intense because everyone is fighting for each position so the intensity and the physicality of the game on Monday was quite good.”

City were due to take on Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium last Sunday evening but after three pitch inspections at 11.15am, 4pm, and 5pm, the 6pm kick-off was cancelled at short notice due to pitch being deemed unplayable.

The Rebel Army’s in-house clash at least means the players will have some degree of sharpness marching into a week which sees them play three games, starting with Bohemians at Turner’s Cross on Friday night before travelling to Waterford on Monday and finishing at home to Sligo Rovers next Friday.

“It was very frustrating because we were told the game was on at three different scenarios,” added Maguire.

“Everyone was togged off, boots on and then half an hour before the game you’re told the game has been called off.

“It’s a frustration for us because it’s a weekend wasted, preparing for such a big game then literally being told last second that it was off.

“To be fair when we walked out the pitch looked pretty bad but we were told it was the same at 11 o’clock that day so it could have been dealt with hours before, especially for the supporters who travelled in their numbers, spending their hard-earned money to go up.

“But we have got a tough week now, three games in a week so everyone needs to be at it.

“Bohs have some really nice players, especially in the middle of the park. They have a couple of players at the top end of the pitch that can hurt you as well.

“We have had a look at their weaknesses, and their strengths, but I think it will be more down to what we can do on the pitch come Friday night.”