2024 Season Preview: Cobh Ramblers

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Manager: Gary Hunt.

Stadium: St Colman’s Park.

Players in: Jack Larkin, Dean Larkin (Waterford - loan), David Bosnjak, Cathal O'Hanlon (Midleton), Alessandro De Sanctis (Waterford U19), Beineon O'Brien-Whitmarsh (Longford Town), Dan McKay (Wellington Phoenix).

Players out: Lee Steacy (Shamrock Rovers), Dean Larkin (Waterford - end of loan), Mikie Rowe (Galway United - end of loan), Jack Doherty (Cork City), Charlie Lyons (Cork City), Alec Byrne (Treaty United), Charlie Cummins (Exeter City)..

extratime.com Key Player: Pierce Phillips.

The former Cork City midfielder has established himself as a bit of a club stalwart at St Colman’s Park over the years.

And last season was arguably his best campaign yet for the Rams. 

Phillips, 25, starred in the heart of Cobh’s midfield and made 29 appearances in all competitions. Injury aside, he played almost every minute of each game he was available for.

And with Charlie Lyons, Jack Doherty and Lee Steacy leaving Cobh during the winter, Phillips’ influence in the Rams side is set to grow as an experienced head in a young dressing room.

extratime.com One to Watch: Cian Browne. 



Cian Browne got a taste of the success last season with Cobh Ramblers in the First Division - and will be keen for more.

The Waterford native - who lined out for his native Blues at underage level - caught the eye for Ramblers under former boss Shane Keegan.

And while he may have been earmarked for a move away from St Colman’s Park during the off-season, he opted to stay at the club.

Browne, 21, played 28 times last season in the league last season - which was no mean feat in his first year of senior football.

And if he manages to have the same impact this term, he will likely earn himself a move to the Premier Division sooner rather than later.

What to expect this year: 



As is often the case in the First Division, Cobh Ramblers have been forced to contend with a number of high-profile player departures. 

Lee Steacy has exited the club to join Shamrock Rovers, Jack Doherty has moved to Cork City while Charlie Lyons has also moved to Tim Clancy’s Leesiders. 

Striker Wilson Waweru joined Sligo Rovers after his loan in East Cork ended from Galway United.

Ramblers have also lost their boss Shane Keegan, with Gary Hunt taking over the reins.

While in charge of Ramblers, Keegan led the Rams to the play-offs last season and also won the Munster Senior Cup.

But new boss Hunt has been able to retain the services of key players like Browne, Phillips and defender Breandan Frahill - who were key to their unlikely play-off chase last season.

And he has been able to bring some new faces into the club, with Jack Larkin, Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh and Alessandro De Sanctis joining.

Saying that, it is difficult to see Cobh replicate their success of last season again. 

They will, however, give it a good go but it remains to be seen if they have the quality to do so. 

First game: Treaty United away, February 17th at 7.45pm.

 

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