- Philip Morrissey
- Wed, Sep 18 2019
Philip Morrissey reports from Turners Cross
Recent, current and former stars from Cork City’s history came together to recognise the contribution by Alan Bennett. A last-minute goal from Ollie Cahill ensured that the game finished level and all went away happy.
The hero of the hour was of course Bennett. He formed a strong partnership with Dan Murray to provide the backbone of the title winning side of 2005.
Departing for England, Reading initially, he played for a number of English league sides in his time there. He gained his two international caps during this period.
The lure of his home-town club proved to be a major factor in returning back to Leeside. And he was a major factor in the club’s trophy success over the past few seasons.
And it was almost an early celebration for him. The ball was headed out towards him following a set-piece. His curling shot from about twenty yards out just went over the crossbar to the relief of Michael Devine.
Further chances came for the XI. Micky Greene’s chip went just over, and Achille Campion was released in space down the line. The FAI Cup final scorer was unable to make the most of it though.
Joe Gamble was eager to put himself about in the early stages with some meaty challenges. One of these lead to a free-kick that Billy Woods put just wide.
New City manager, Neale Fenn, was then blown for offside that seemed rather late. Alan Molloy had a succession of opportunities after decent build-up. Neither managed to trouble Devine, however.
The best chance fell to Ballincollig man, Richard O’ Regan, and he was left red-faced. The defender was un-marked with the goal at his mercy. He was only able to smack the post from about a yard out.
Molloy and Campion both aimed to test Dan Murray on a few occasions, but he was equal to it.
The end to end nature of the encounter continued as Woods and O’ Callaghan had opportunities at one end and Gamble at the other. Neal Horgan also had a bit of a tussle with Campion as both challenged for a long ball.
Just as we all thought that it would be goal-less at the break, the legends struck for the opener. A quick free-kick routine caught the defence napping and Neale Fenn slotted past Anthony Fennelly.
After the break it was the female contingent that helped double the lead. Christina Dring was played into space in the box by Saorise Noonan before being taken down by Fennelly.
She stepped up to convert the spot-kick neatly past the keeper at the shed end.
The ladies were showing some neat touches as Kate O’ Donovan and Dring set up a chance for Liam Kearney. He wasted that by blasting his shot over.
These misses were sandwiched by a goal for the XI. Former City defender and current underage coach, Paul Bowdren, was on hand to tap into the net after a decent move.
It did seem that the legends were more than likely to add to their advantage, however. Kearney played the ball down the line to Katie McCarthy but Fennelly was able to clear in time.
Noonan then hit the bar with a fierce shot from outside that area. Another shot was cleared off the line with a last gasp challenge.
Delaney and Bowdren were off-target for the XI while Colin O’ Brien was only able to chip into Fennelly’s arms after a neat bit of trickery.
And then the man of the moment was provided his opportunity to get the rousing applauds he deserved. Every fan to a person rose to express their gratitude for his contribution in major games for the club. He got high-fives and slaps on the back from all on the side-line.
A clipped cross from George O’ Callaghan into John O’ Flynn and he planted a header into the top corner. Two players who certainly had a great understanding of each other going back to their first game together in the debut of summer soccer. Both players looked as if they could still do a job.
Former midfielder and manager Dave Hill found himself in room but his shot was held by Devine. Bowdren then pulled another one back. He was not exactly known for his goalscoring in his playing days but tapped home his second on this occasion.
O’ Flynn combined well with O’ Callaghan yet again before having a shot cleared off the line. Behan was unable to replicate his touch from the 2007 Cup final when skying a shot over the bar.
The final word and action was afforded to Ollie Cahill. A great drive from around twenty yards into the bottom corner ensured that it all finished up level.
Cork City XI: Alan Bennett; Anthony Fennelly, Richard O’ Regan, Liam Murphy, Philip Long, Paul Bowdren, Damien Roddis, Dave Hill, Stephen Napier, Damien O’ Rourke, Fergus O’ Donoghue, Paddy Crowley, Stuart Ashton, Ollie Cahill, Tony Tynan, Kevin Flanaghan, Micky Greene, Alan Molloy, Timmy O’ Leary, Damien Delaney, Joe Gamble.
Cork City Legends: Alan Bennett; Mick Devine, Neal Horgan, Nathalie O’ Brien, Danielle Burke, Declan Daly, Greg O’ Halloran, Ciara McNamara, Derek Coughlan, Patsy Freyne, Dan Murray, Maggie Duncliffe, Dave Barry, Colin O’ Brien, Christina Dring, Neale Fenn, John O’ Flynn, Achille Campion, Katie McCarthy, George O’ Callaghan, Saorise Noonan, Billy Woods, Cillian Lordan, Denis Behan, Kate O’ Donovan.
Referee: Graham Kelly.
Attendance: 896.
ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: George O’ Callaghan.
