CLUBS in the AUL were ecstatic and relieved upon hearing the news from Ted O’Mahoney (Chairman of the Cork AUL) and his committee that the new season will be scheduled to commence on August, 28, 29 and 30 – pending the continuing positive progress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This elation was expressed by a number of club members and managers that I caught up with shortly after the announcement.
Blarney Street Athletic went out of football in 2015-16, but will return to the AUL once again this coming season under the stewardship of Derek Daniels who will be assisted by David Cronin.
Recently I spoke to Derek.
“As you know, recently Vincent Thompson, who was the inspiration for many years behind Blarney Street Athletic FC, passed away suddenly.
“It was one of Vincent’s vision and dream to see the return of the club – back into football once again.
“Through the enormous help of Anthony Peelo and others, we have got together now to ensure Vincent’s dream will come through.
“I am delighted to say that all plans are in place to make that happen and we are all so much looking forward to getting going by playing competitive football again,” said Derek.
Derek also informed me that Anthony Coughlan (Heating and Plumbing Contractors) will be the Sponsors behind the re-launch of the club once again.
Everyone associated with the renaissance of the club are extremely grateful for Anthony’s generosity.
I later caught up with Blackpool Celtic’s stalwart keeper Willie Matthews who also expressed a huge level of relief and delight that a date was now nailed for the season to commence.
“We are all so delighted at the club to hear the news and have been training one night a week for starters to get the wheels in motion.
“Of course, the club has taken the relevant precautions to ensure that all the activity surrounding the sessions is compliant and in keeping with the advice set out by the Medical Authorities.
“We are hoping to pick up where we left off from the season gone by as we were really starting to come into our own by challenging for a couple of cups while at the same time – looking good for a shot of the title.
“But, that’s all in the past now so, hopefully, with the addition of a few quality players to our already decent squad, we will be looking forward to a very good 20-21 season,” said Willie.
Unfortunately, I don’t have enough room on this slot to give other club representative’s points of view, but it is very clear to see from all their responses that a Cead Mile Failte was certainly the very strong message expressed.
