Extratime with John Creedon

John Creedon is one of the most popular yet down-to-earth individuals associated with the media in his home city of Cork. Another of John's qualities (in this writers opinion) and the one that concerns us in this particular interview, is his avid love for his local football team Cork City.

While Irish celebrities are well noted for their expensive trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and various other British football hotbeds, Creedon's footballing preferences lie a lot closer to home. The RTE Radio 1 DJ was a supporter of Cork football before City were even founded in 1984.

" I used to be a big Cork Hibs fan back in the 70's, when I was a mini boot boy. Then I discovered girls, marriages and mortgages and drifted away for a number of years. However, in 1987 I found myself living in Dublin and rediscovered the league, partly as a way of staying in touch with home through my hometown team, Cork City FC"

Whilst travelling to the UK to watch football was not as accessible as today, crowds instead flocked to Flower Lodge to watch their local heroes perform and John was in the heart of it all at the time, even travelling home from boarding school in Kerry at weekends to catch a game.

"My earliest memory would have been Flower Lodge (Now Pairc Ui Rinn) in the early 1970's. I would have been in Kerry at boarding school, but every second Sunday I got home to Cork to stand at the Blackrock end and be dazzled by the silken skills of Miah (Dennehy), Wiggy (Dave Wiggington), and John Lawson. I can still recall the heady mix of cigarette smoke, fresh cut grass and Cork accents. There was a real sense of being amongst my own tribe, albeit for a couple of hours every fortnight before returning to Kerry."

The players he admired the most throughout the years all had one thing in common, other than being Cork players obviously, they were all players from as John says 'the engine room'. Not one player in particular stands out but Creedon does provide a shortlist of great quality Cork City players from past and present.

"Over the years I have marvelled at the balance and poise of Dave Barry, the deft little touches of Patsy Freyne, the talent of Joe Gamble, and the vision of Colin Healy. But in truth, I don't think I can say that there was ever a Cork City player that I disliked."

Looking back on his memories throughout the years games such as the Cup semi-final game in Athlone in '98 because we had such a 'comprehensive victory and there was also a huge travelling support'. One moment in particular stands out on its own though and it was the replay of the '98 final. After drawing 0-0 with Shelbourne in the original game the two teams met 6 days later at Dalymount Park and despite the league win in 2005 it still remains John's favourite memory

"It wasn't the prettiest of goals, but Derek Coughlan's cup winning header of '98 was so special as I was standing in the same spot 25 years previously when Miah Dennehy did the same. Also, my Dad was with us that day and sadly he passed away a few months later."

Despite being a very busy person, the Fáilte Towers contestant still manages to get to a sizeable amount of games per season.

Since returning to Cork, I rarely miss a home game, however, this year, because of Fáilte Towers, and its aftermath, I have missed a few. As for away games? Most years I would get to three of four, and I've seen City play away in Europe about 8 times.

Creedon remains positive that despite the recent turmoil at Cork City that the club can come out of it stronger than ever. Especially now since they are officially out of Examinership.

"Things are changing so quickly at the club, that it's hard to know what to think from one day to another, However, I personally, would have great faith in Sonya and Kev and the gang at FORAS. I have already supported the fundraising and have offered my services, for what they're worth, to some future benefit night."

If they do manage to get past the financial problems, an All-Ireland league would be something the Radio 1 night-time presenter wouldn't mind seeing.

" The League of Ireland used to live in the shadow of the Northern League, but we seem to have passed them out in the last decade or so. So I would love to see an all Ireland league, but suspect that no more than three northern clubs would make the premier grade. However, I still think that the domestic product has to make huge strides to compete for the crowds and sponsorship money that are currently drawn to other sports."

In a time where the league and not just Cork City struggle it's completely refreshing to see that the hardcore supporters are still able to show their un-dying love for their local teams. We may be in a minority but John Creedon's summation of what Cork City Fc means to him, explains to the begrudgers of Irish football why several thousand hardy-souls up and down the country are so passionate about their team.

"In truth, it's like an extension of the family. Because just like my own family it fills my life with highs, and lows, worry and pride… and is always tapping me for money!!!"

You can catch John Creedon with Lilian Smith on Late Date on RTE Radio 1, Friday's at 11pm, and Saturday to Thursday at 12:05am.