90 years of Kinsale Soccer

By JJ Hurley

The Trident Hotel, Kinsale, played host to Kinsale AFC’s celebration of 90 years of football on Saturday night last.

Before the celebrations kicked off, The Carrigdhoun spoke with William McCarthy and Donie Searl – two surnames which, along with the Jones’s, Foran’s and Irwin’s, have long been associated with the club.

Now boasting one of the most spectacular clubhouse views, William and Donie reflected on far less illustrious playing facilities, which depended largely on the generosity of local farmers back in the day.

With one farmer’s only stipulation being that the Tricolour flew at each game, and with no flagstaff available, a branch was considered more than adequate.

William also recalled standing in a field at 10pm with a farmer, accepting his offer of a pitch in complete darkness as the club faced the prospect of elimination from the league because they had no grounds.

Despite the club’s challenges at the time, three players from that side in the ’70s – Ger Barry, Tadgh Curran and Brendan Spicer – went on to play League of Ireland football with Cork Celtic.

Later, Derek Varren and Derek McCarthy donned the green jersey at junior level.

In addition, Brian McCarthy, who played in the ’70s, later went on to do video and statistical analysis for Brian Kerr and Trapattoni.

The lads also recalled some of the team’s managers over the years, including Micheal Barry, Patrick Sheehan and Larry Juba, as they battled it out in the confines of the AUL leagues, which Donie considered to be far more competitive than today.

Of course, one name remains synonymous with Kinsale Soccer Club: the late Paddy Madden. His daughter Nora Desmond spoke at Saturday’s event, also recalling her late brother, Michael.

‘It is truly an honour to stand here today and mark what is remarkable milestone of 90 years of soccer in Kinsale,’ she said.

‘For nearly a century this is club as been more than a place to play football, it has been a home, a gathering point for families, friends and generation of people, who share a love of the game and a pride in our town.’

Reflecting on its most recent successes – including victories in the leagues, cups and a historic run in the FAI Junior Cup – Daniel Searls humorously recalled some of his idols as a child, including Stephen O’Donovan, Jeremy O’Donovan, David O’Donovan and Micheal O’Brien.

Recalling some other anecdotes was Donal Foran, who spoke about important figures off the pitch, including Frank Hill, Trion O’ Neill, William McCarthy, Brendan Fehily and Ben Ryan, among others who have contributed to the club’s continued success.

The club has been blessed with people dedicated to its progress, including Paula Carter and Gemma Long.

There has also been significant growth in the ladies’ and underage sections of the club, with John Hayes and Brendan Fehily outlining how the women’s game has expanded, and Brendan encouraging the establishment of an adult women’s team.

It is certainly a club that continues with the ambition of the founding fathers: Gerry Collins, James Gimblett, Fr Greaves and George Harrington.