Cork take title with stunning display

**dahamsta** · 20/11/2005, 2:31 AM

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

**lim abroad** · 20/11/2005, 2:45 AM

congratulations to cork city,finally the best supporters in the country have something to shout about

**A face** · 20/11/2005, 3:19 AM

Originally Posted by dahamsta

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.

Good post but i have to say ... City have played better .... Nantes at home was an unreal game .... crisp passing and movement was sublime, and we nearly did it too.

Has to be said though, with the cameras etc. both teams put in a great performance and its only good for the league. I have got texts from mates that confirm that it was a good game (ultimate barstoolers, guys that just wouldn't admit it unless it was true) .... all boads (sp?) well for us all anyway !!

**dahamsta** · 20/11/2005, 4:06 AM

Bodes.

Don't get me wrong, City played very well at the two European games I went to last summer (summer before actually, I think; yes, total fair-weather fan), and the game I watched on the telly recently, but the control I saw last night was just something else. I've seen games in the aforementioned commercial nightmare across the pond that didn't compare; I've seen major international games that didn't compare.

To be fair though, I don't think I saw the Nantes game.

adam

**lofty9** · 21/11/2005, 11:37 AM

Fair play to you guys in Cork. Worthy Champions. Cork City dominated from start to finish. We just didn't turn up and we badly missed Barry Molloy. Deery and Martyn were found out in the midfield being totally outfought and outplayed by Gamble and O Callaghan. I thought Kenny was going to surprise Rico by playing Eamon Doherty from the start to stop Cork from playing but Rico won the battle of minds beforehand doing his Mourinho impression. On TV, the cork fans were amazing and really got behind the team from the off. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there to join in the fun as I didn't get a ticket. Good luck in the Champions League - we'll settle for winning the Setanta (a little more at stake for us in that one!)