I meant to post this last night but I ended up sucking down a few beers in quiet celebration:
We all know I don't watch a whole lot of football, and although when it comes to City matches I've probably run out of fingers to count on at this stage, it's doubtful I've moved past the toes. So I'm not the best qualified person to comment, and I've probably missed some absolutely brilliant football over the years. However that was definitely, definitively, the best I've ever seen Cork City play, and (though my experience is even more limited in this regard) definitely, definitively the best I've ever seen an eL side play.
This was always my big problem with Irish football, that anytime I've actually taken my finger out and gone to a match, the football has been decidely average. Even to an untrained eye like mine, the frequency with which the ball was hoofed a mile in the air, or possession literally handed to the other team on a silver platter, was frankly embarassing. Apart from occasional moments of brilliance that demonstrated that there was magic somewhere, it felt like I was watching amateur teams play.
And of course a lot of the time I was. Irish football didn't have the financial investment to pay good wages, but more importantly the people behind it didn't have the heart to make it look appreciably more than a weekend kickabout. The changes in the League in the last few years have been very much appreciable, I've noticed it both here and on my occasional visits to Turner's Cross. But last night was a revelation. The play was of a level I'd genuinely expect from clubs in that horrendous marketplace across the pond.
I may not be a regular next season, but I'll definitely be there. If they keep that level of play up, I can see a season ticket in my future. So again, well done Cork City, the football ye played last night was astounding for an Irish club. For god's sake keep the pressure on, and do it again next year. There's a season ticket and loads of merch in it for ye... :)
adam