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Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Nash backs squad's 'passion and belief' as Cork City look to go back-to-back
Josh Fitzpatrick's early long-range strike gave Cork City something to hold onto last Friday night at home to Galway United. Goalkeeper Conor Brann - along with an all-round defensive effort - gave them what the club had pined for since Ger Nash's arrival. A win was in the bag, their first since the manager's arrival, and the club's first since April. The gap to Sligo Rovers in ninth was now down to eight after it was stretched to 11 in cruel circumstances a week earlier. Sligo's loss away to Shelbourne ensured it remained at eight. A forward step secured for Nash and Co. It's sure to have given all at Bishopstown a much-needed boost. "Training has been really good for a number of weeks," City boss Nash insisted. "There's a core group of players that are giving me absolutely everything. "So, you know, I think it's just a better feeling because we've won a game... I think we've had three clean sheets now in six. "There's definitely something improving in that respect that we need to look at and need to keep improving, but there are signs that there's more resilience in that respect. "That should give the players confidence, definitely." There's been much change and upheaval in the short few months Nash has been around, too. The latest of which were the departures of Milan Mbeng and Malik Dijksteel last week. As well, another ACL injury for Cathal O'Sullivan has robbed Nash of the Republic of Ireland under-21 international's services. "It's a new group that's forming," he said. "I think there was maybe eight differences in the team from my first game against Galway. "So, that's a new team in a really short amount of time. So, we're forming at a really crucial time in the season. "We know that we're under pressure, huge pressure. But look, the group are giving me everything at the moment." This ongoing survival mission will afford City another 10 games. 30 points on offer, with the first three up for grabs away to Derry City on Friday night. The momentum now garnered will undoubtedly help a young team, something the City boss did not shy away from. "I think momentum is huge," the 38-year-old said. "I think it gives us a chance to breathe a little bit. The players should take confidence from a number of the performances, not just from last Friday. "But I think that the win changes things, changes the mindset of how people talk about it, because we have played better and not won. "The way we won, in terms of the clean sheet, and in a really tough game against a team that really threw everything at us. "A team of men, really experienced players and the challenges they brought. We had a lot of young players who really stood up to us and were led by the senior players... We want to build on that feeling we had last week." On the youth that exists in the setup and the fearlessness that can accompany the same, Nash added: "I think it can bring a fearlessness, but I just think the group that I've got, it's passion. "They're desperate to do well for this club. The majority of them are from Cork. They're Cork kids, a lot have come through the academy or, you know, they certainly care about the club.... A bit of fearlessness, but lots of passion." So, onto that aforementioned survival mission. Can they do it? Nash is sure the necessary belief is present. "We have to have that confidence, we have to have that belief," he said. "I think there's definitely more of that because of the game last week, because we got the win. "We're human beings. That winning feeling gives people confidence, especially because of the clean sheet. "We absolutely think we can do it. We know it's going to be tough, but we're giving everything." That belief will be needed come 7.45pm on Friday night at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, where City might just smell blood against a Derry side who have lost two of their last three league fixtures. "It's going to be a tough game, it's a tough place to go. They're a really strong team, a strong squad... We have to have the confidence and the belief in what we're trying to do," concluded the City boss.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ger Nash not thinking about points but hoping for Cork City 'turning point'
Having snapped a winless run that surpassed the 100-day mark, the hope for Cork City is that weekend results can engineer the great escape. City's 1-0 win over Galway on Friday, followed by Sligo Rovers losing at home to Shelbourne 24 hours later, combined to reduce the gap at the bottom to eight points. Ten games remain for the club to avoid a third relegation in six years. Next up are trips to title contenders Derry City and Bohemians, either side of hosting Waterford in the FAI Cup. Josh Fitzpatrick's first goal handed manager Ger Nash his first since being appointed by owner Dermot Usher in May. He was reluctant to quantify a points target, only highlighting belief among the squad and staff that the tally can finally rise to ensure the run-in doesn't become a formality of preparing for the dreaded drop. 'I can't be thinking about points,' said the relieved manager, admitting the win could mark a turning point of the season. 'We just have to win our next game. 'I hope it is (the turning point). The turning point comes from how we work and finally getting some luck. 'We'd played better in matches this season and lost but we weren't hanging on against Galway. 'Galway had a lot of set pieces and all that but we weren't crumbling. We stood up to it. There haven't been many clean sheets but this second one is progress. 'The win was huge for us. It gives everybody a chance to breathe because it's relentless. We've got a real unity among the group and everybody is fighting for this football club. That's the most important thing." Nash could be without his new captain Fiacre Kelleher for the Brandywell trip after an ankle injury forced him off 20 minutes into Friday's contest. Fellow centre-back Charlie Lyons is back from suspension but not injury. Members of Cork City FC's title winning squad of 2005 at their reunion, along with MC Ruairi O'Hagen and then chairman Brian Lennox. Meanwhile, Cork City's league-winning squad of 2005 reunited on Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary. The vast majority of players were joined by the owner at the time, Brian Lennox, at Coughlan's Bar in Cork to mingle with fans and reminisce about the golden era. 'We weren't just teammates, we were great friends,' noted Joe Gamble, in conversation on stage with Ruairí O'Hagan. 'I could hardly remember the names of players in my teams at other clubs but this group had a special bond. We had great times, brilliant banter and top-class players.' After a montage of the season began proceedings, the full match was played on the screen as groups of players took turns to recall their highpoints. Bank holiday Monday sees a full series of First Division matches kicking off simultaneously at 5pm. Leaders Dundalk hold a six-point cushion over both Cobh Ramblers and Bray Wanderers with 11 games remaining. Cobh welcome Wexford to St Colman's Park while Longford Town travel to Dundalk. Bray make the long trip to Finn Harps, there's a Munster derby at Markets Field between Treaty United and Kerry, while basement side Athlone Town host UCD.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Josh Fitzpatrick stunner ends Cork City's winless run as Ger Nash lands first league victory at 10th attempt
IT'S been a long time coming, but Ger Nash finally gained his first league win as Cork City manager at the 10th attempt. Josh Fitzpatrick's first goal for his hometown club, combined with City's second clean sheet of the season, was enough to break their duck against John Caulfield's 2 Josh Fitzpatrick scored a cracker for Cork City as they earned their first win in 14 games 2 Cork City manager Ger Nash hopes the win can boost his side but they are only slim hopes as relegation looks likely In all, Their slim hopes of avoiding relegation require much more of the same as they remain eight points behind If the Bit 'o Red win their game in hand against Shelbourne, Galway could be dragged into the relegation play-off berth before the weekend is out. After coughing up a two-goal lead against Sligo, City's tailspin appeared to continue during the week as they lost Milan Mbeng to Shelbourne, Malik Dijksteel to St Mirren, and Cathal O'Sullivan to a serious knee injury. read more on football Ger Nash kept changes to a minimum with Alex Nolan replacing O'Sullivan. Caulfield overhauled more than half his team following their 4-2 defeat to Waterford. Brendan Clarke returned between the posts, joined by former City players Jimmy Keohane, Garry Buckley, and Colm Horgan, ex-Cobh stalwart David Hurley, plus Dara McGuinness. Another former Leesider, Stephen Dooley, signed midweek, but didn't feature here. City replicated their rapid start against Sligo Rovers by netting their fastest goal of the season in little over four minutes. Most read in Uncategorized After Harry Nevin's good work down the right, they switched the ball via Matthew Kiernan to Fitzpatrick on the other flank. He took two touches to tee up a 25-yard rocket, which roared into the far bottom corner. Fears Pep Guardiola's 'imminent' divorce could hurt Man City as boss' relationship with wife continues to deteriorate The young winger's first professional goal will rank high on the club's goal of the season shortlist. But captain Fiacre Kelleher limped off injured after a penalty appeal as Galway upped the ante. They almost caught their hosts cold with a training-ground corner-kick routine. However, Keohane's fierce effort was deflected over by his teammate Edward McCarthy. More pressure down the flanks led to a Stephen Walsh header, which drew a sharp reaction save from Conor Brann. The keeper later denied a glancing Horgan header from another set piece, while Keohane couldn't connect with a through ball. Caulfield called on returning midfielder Patrick Hickey at half-time, but City started stronger by feeding off Galway errors. Kitt Nelson dragged a shot wide before sliding in Evan McLaughlin, who was denied by Hurley's block. The Tribesmen were struggling to come up with any response, although nerves were bound to set in for City. It all unravelled from the hour mark against Sligo, and they had a scare here in the same minute. However, Hickey was flagged offside before finishing to the net. Before long, the American forged a point-blank chance under a long ball. It whizzed wide, although a corner was awarded for an apparent nick off of Rory Feely. The centre-back also got in the way of a Hurley blast. Despite some anxious moments under Galway's aerial bombardment, five yellow cards, and nine minutes of added time, City held out with last-gasp goalline blocks from Walsh and Hurley. Cork City 1 (Fitzpatrick 5) Galway United 0 SUN STAR MAN: Josh Fitzpatrick (Cork City). CORK CITY: Brann 7; Nevin 7, Feely 8, Kelleher 6 (Anderson 28, 7), Kiernan 8; Crowley 7, McLaughlin 7; Nolan 6 (Lutz 63, 6), Nelson 7 (Kamara 63, 6), Fitzpatrick 8 (Couto 90+2); Maguire 7. GALWAY UNITED: Clarke 6; Esua 6, Buckley 6, Slevin 7, Burns 6 (Piesold 81, 6); Keohane 6 (Borden 71, 6), Horgan 6 (Hickey 46, 6), Hurley 7, McCarthy 6 (Bolger 57, 6); Walsh 6, McGuinness 5 (Brouder 71, 6). Referee: A O'Dowd (Dublin) 5.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Josh Fitzpatrick rocket earns spirited Cork City victory
It's been a long time coming, but Ger Nash finally gained his first SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division win as Cork City manager at the 10th attempt. Josh Fitzpatrick's first goal for his hometown club, combined with City's second clean sheet of the season, was enough to break their duck against John Caulfield's Galway United. In all, City had gone 14 games dating back to April without a league victory. Their slim hopes of avoiding relegation require much more of the same as they remain eight points behind Sligo Rovers. If the Bit O'Red win their game in hand against Shelbourne, Galway could be dragged into the relegation play-off berth before the weekend is out. After coughing up a two-goal lead against Sligo, City's tailspin appeared to continue during the week as they lost Milan Mbeng to Shelbourne, Malik Dijksteel to St Mirren, and Cathal O'Sullivan to a serious knee injury. Nash kept changes to a minimum with Alex Nolan replacing O'Sullivan. Caulfield overhauled more than half his team following their 4-2 defeat to Waterford. Brendan Clarke returned between the posts, joined by former City players Jimmy Keohane, Garry Buckley, and Colm Horgan, ex-Cobh stalwart David Hurley, plus Dara McGuinness. Another former Leesider, Stephen Dooley, signed midweek, but didn't feature here. City replicated their rapid start against Sligo Rovers by netting their fastest goal of the season in little over four minutes. After Harry Nevin's good work down the right, they switched the ball via Matthew Kiernan to Fitzpatrick on the other flank. He took two touches to tee up a 25-yard rocket, which roared into the far bottom corner. Josh Fitzpatrick fires Cork City in front from 25 yards out!🚀 — League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) August 1, 2025 The young winger's first professional goal will rank high on the club's goal of the season shortlist. But captain Fiacre Kelleher limped off injured after a penalty appeal as Galway upped the ante. They almost caught their hosts cold with a training-ground corner-kick routine. However, Keohane's fierce effort was deflected over by his teammate Edward McCarthy. More pressure down the flanks led to a Stephen Walsh header, which drew a sharp reaction save from Conor Brann. The keeper later denied a glancing Horgan header from another set piece, while Keohane couldn't connect with a through ball. Caulfield called on returning midfielder Patrick Hickey at half-time, but City started stronger by feeding off Galway errors. Kitt Nelson dragged a shot wide before sliding in Evan McLaughlin, who was denied by Hurley's block. The Tribesmen were struggling to come up with any response, although nerves were bound to set in for City. It all unravelled from the hour mark against Sligo, and they had a scare here in the same minute. However, Hickey was flagged offside before finishing to the net. Before long, the American forged a point-blank chance under a long ball. It whizzed wide, although a corner was awarded for an apparent nick off of Rory Feely. The centre-back also got in the way of a Hurley blast. Despite some anxious moments under Galway's aerial bombardment, five yellow cards, and nine minutes of added time, City held out with last-gasp goalline blocks from Walsh and Hurley. Cork City: Conor Brann; Harry Nevin, Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher (Freddie Anderson 28), Matthew Kiernan; Darragh Crowley, Evan McLaughlin; Alex Nolan (Charlie Lutz 63), Kitt Nelson (Kaedyn Kamara 63), Josh Fitzpatrick (Benny Couto 90+2); Seani Maguire. Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Jeannot Esua, Garry Buckley, Rob Slevin, Bobby Burns (Axel Piesold 81); Jimmy Keohane (Vincent Borden 71), Colm Horgan (Patrick Hickey 46), David Hurley, Edward McCarthy (Aaron Bolger 57); Stephen Walsh, Dara McGuinness (Killian Brouder 71).
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Josh Fitzpatrick's stunner sees Cork City end long winless run
CORK CITY 1 (Josh Fitzpatrick '5) GALWAY UNITED 0 A first league of the Ger Nash era – earned by Josh Fitzpatrick's first goal of the season - presents a sliver of hope for Cork City in their relegation battle. Facing a Galway side suffering their fourth defeat on the spin must be factored into confidence levels, particularly as Sligo Rovers can re-establish the 11-point buffer if they beat Shelbourne on Saturday. At least, however, it ends a 15-match wait since April 21 for a City league win. All three this season have been home. It also lifted the mood around the venue that wasn't subject to protests that had been floated in midweek. A crowd of 2,092 is disappointing and might have been bloated by stay-away season ticket-holders. Cathal O'Sullivan's devastating ACL injury forced Nash into at least one change and that was the extent of it, as Alex Nolan came onto the wing. He'd gone within inches of snatching victory against Sligo with a shot that crashed off the underside of the crossbar at 2-2. That woe was compounded by Sligo counterattacking to grab the winner, 60 seconds resulting in a potential five point gap expanding to 11. Sligo are looking upwards at Galway rather than behind them but City's sole direction was ending their miserable winless sequence. All it required was upgrading last week's powerful first hour into a 90-minute performance, an art they'd failed to sniff, never mind perfect, in almost five months of the season. Clearly, the form of demonstration being mooted in midweek manifested in a boycott of some sections and anyone proposing to make their feelings known by entering the stadium late would have missed an early opener. In their parlous state, City don't mind how goals are sourced but more pleasing was the it stemming from a flowing move. Two experienced campaigners, Seáni Maguire and Evan McLaughlin, were involved in the build-up towards a younger pair. Matty Kiernan resumed his place in the team after completing his Leaving Cert and deserved an A-Plus for breaking from left-back to support to attack. His layoff to Fitzpatrick was neat but more effective was his run to take Galway full-back Jeannot Esua with him. That created a gap for Fitzpatrick to furrow into from the left and unleash a 25-yarder which arrowed beyond Brendan Clarke into the far corner. City were on top and Fiacre Kelleher appealed for a penalty on 10 minutes when he was shoved in the box attempting to connect with a free-kick. Concerns accompanied him getting back on his feet clutching his stomach and the captain lasted only another 18 minutes before making way for Freddie Anderson. Galway had four ex-City players, as well as Corkman David Hurley in their team, and one of those on a Turner's Cross homecoming, Jimmy Keohane, spurned their first chance on 17 minutes by firing over from a rehearsed short-corner. David Odumosu's injury meant a second game on the spin in goal for Conor Brann and he denied Esua's header five minutes later. Galway are unapologetic about their penchant for set-piece artillery and it almost worked five minutes before the break. Keohane's lofted free-kick was connected with by Horgan but Brann again repelled the glanced header. Patrick Hickey's interval introduction offered a new dimension for the visitors and he caused havoc with his physical threat. He'd strayed marginally offside when finishing on the hour and was fractionally inaccurate with a shot 10 minutes later that whistled past the far post. Seven minutes of stoppage-time, including a goalmouth scramble beyond it, caused anxiety but it soon gave way to relief. CORK CITY: C Brann; H Nevin, F Kelleher (F Anderson 28), R Feely, M Kiernan; D Crowley, E McLaughlin; A Nolan (C Lutz 62), K Nelson (K Kamara 62), J Fitzpatrick (B Couto 90+2); S Maguire. GALWAY UNITED: B Clarke; J Esua, G Buckley, R Slevin, B Burns (A Piesold 86); C Horgan (P Hickey 46); J Keohane (V Border 73), D Hurley, E McCarthy (A Bolger 57); S Walsh, D McGuinness (K Brouder 72). Referee: Aaron O'Dowd (Dublin). Attendance: 2,092.
