Kevin Murray: Winning a national title at senior level (with Cobh) was fantastic. That was the pinnacle of my career.'

Cobh Ramblers

Cobh Ramblers Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

It’s never easy for any young local player trying to establish themselves in a highly talented squad full of big personalities. Despite limited first-team appearances, just being amongst such an environment, as Kevin Murray testifies, can lead to valuable experience and future success.

“I was fortunate enough to progress into the Cork City first team under Liam Murphy briefly and then Pat Dolan, when he took over,” Murray told extratime.com.

“I was part of the squad, but didn’t play much. The players at that time were phenomenal leaders and League of Ireland legends: the likes of Michael Devine, Dan Murray, Alan Bennett, Joe Gamble, George O’Callaghan, John O’Flynn and Neal Horgan.

"My involvement continued under Damien Richardson. Even though I didn’t play a lot, the lessons I learned and training with those guys, improved me massively during those formative years at Cork City.”

Cobh Ramblers

Signing for Cobh Ramblers in 2006, the young central defender experienced the regular first-team football that he craved and more than played a role in pipping Finn Harps to the following year’s First Division title by a solitary point.

“That was the pinnacle of my career. Winning a national title at senior level was fantastic. That year we had a bit of an indifferent start, but we still had a belief. As a squad, we were great friends off the pitch and that showed during games, as we were willing to do anything for each other.

"Also, the intensity that Stephen Henderson and Martin Cambridge nurtured on the training pitch was excellent and almost more so than in matches. Once we started winning, confidence grew and the belief heightened. Going into the last match, the title was on a knife edge.

"Finn Harps were winning their game comfortably and it was probably the poorest we played all season, but there was almost an inevitably that we weren’t going to let that opportunity pass and eventually, we didn’t.

"Playing week in, week out and being part of that is my fondest memory, which culminated in a League of Ireland winner’s medal.”



Waterford

Regardless of supposed interest from former club Cork City, in 2009 Kevin opted to join his third Munster League of Ireland side, Waterford United instead.

“With Stephen Henderson going to Waterford, it made my decision easier, as he gave me my opportunity with Cobh Ramblers. From not featuring much to going to Cobh and playing regularly, there was some loyalty and fondness towards Stephen.

"Also, I had a nine-to-five job and Cork City were full-time at that stage. I did meet with Alan Mathews (then Cork City manager) before Paul Doolin came in. I was trying to navigate a system to potentially do both, but it wasn’t really feasible.

"Waterford on a part-time basis just complimented my job and was the right move for me at the time. Waterford is a fantastic club and I can’t speak highly enough about the people there behind the scenes and the fanbase. I really enjoyed my time there and didn’t regret that decision.”

As a proud Corkonian, the lure of returning to newly promoted Cork City ahead of the 2012 campaign proved too tempting. However, hampered by injuries, which in turn reduced availability for selection, made for a disheartening second spell.



“It was really frustrating. I’m a Cork man and the goal was always to get back to Cork City and be a regular part of that team. I thought I was in the prime of my career, but unfortunately, it never really worked out for me.

"I got on well with Tommy (Dunne, Cork City manager), I was made club captain, but for one reason or another, I just kept breaking down with injury after injury.

"After a period, I just decided to step away because the frustration got the better of me and I knew the body couldn’t take the level that was needed anymore.”

Midleton

These days Murray works in finance, but is still involved in football, as manager of Munster Senior League outfit Midleton FC.

“When I left Cork City, I took a break for a year. A friend of mine, Stephen Mulcahy, took over at Midleton and he asked me to go in with him as assistant manager, but I also played. I’ve been with that club ever since and I’m now manager of the senior team.

"Billy Woods is my assistant manager, who I obviously knew when I was breaking through at Cork City. This is my second season managing the team and it’s still early in the current campaign.

"I’m learning every day, we have a great group of players and I’m looking forward to what the rest of the season brings.”

About Dan Lucey

Dan Lucey is an interviewer for extraTime.com. He has penned articles for both Cork City and Luton Town’s official programmes.

Dan has written numerous interviews and was a regular attendee at League … View Full Profile