Mayfield United at Lotamore

In 1987 Mayfield United were granted permission by Cork Corporation to develop 6.5 acres of land at Lotamore. The club was granted permission for two pitches, dressing rooms, clubhouse, gymnasium, an all weather pitch and a stand for supporters. In December 1987 George Best (not the only world class soccer player to be associated with Mayfield United) turned the first sod of the development. The cost of the first phase of the football complex was £28K (€35.5K) which was initially funded by bank borrowing and was personally guaranteed by club members. Fund raising and Football Association of Ireland grants ultimately repaid the bank debt. That other world class player, Manchester United's Roy Keane, who was from Mayfield, laid the first the first brick of the clubhouse. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism officially opened the all weather soccer pitch in March 2006.

The Referee : By Eddie Mullins

The Referee : By Eddie Mullins

Eddie has been refereeing for thirty years, fifteen of those in the league of Ireland. He has officiated at international level in Iceland and Paris. Rotated locally on all the city leagues and is member of the Cork Referees Society since starting as a ref. In this day and age a great deal has been written about the referee. A lone figure in black, justice on the run, who’s sole job is to see justice done and fair play extended to the two teams on the day.

Is he appreciated for his efforts, I think not.

The ref is being constantly told to get a guide dog and a white stick. On other occasions he is told that he never had a mother and father and in most games he is advised to go and reproduce himself (a very difficult task indeed). I myself had been told to put the whistle in a certain part of my body which if I did it would most painful.

Are we popular? I think not.

On one occasion a player who dislikes refs, told me, “If a referee had an accident I’d dial 998”. If you want to know what players think of refs you might as well ask a lamp post what he thinks of dogs. An old rhythm sums it up.

When a player is hurt in the fray
The crowd cheer when he comes back in play.
But when the ref hurts and sprawls in the dirt
Its much the best laugh of the day.

I would like to tell you a story, though somewhat dated because it happened so long ago, it is perfectly true. When I was in my second season as referee, Roy Rodgers the King of the Cowboys was very popular in Cork. I was refereeing on the old Blackpool pitch when this young fellow kicked everything and everyone (except the ball) and I had to send him off. I called him up and asked him his name, like a flash he said “Roy Rodger”. This was greeted with a roar of laughter from the players who waited to see how I would take it. “Ok Roy”, I said, “Saddle up Trigger and ride to the choral”

I had occasion to ref a new country team, they could not manage the throw in no matter how I explained it to them. After about 20 foul throw in later they went into a bit of a huddle and their captain came over to me and said, “Hey Ref , we don’t seem to be able to manage them throw ins at all, so if you don’t mind don’t give us and more of them, give them to our opponents instead.

On another occasion I was refereeing a match between Garda v Co Council, the match was woeful , the day cold and only one spectator. This fellow, a skin head, stayed for the whole game. At the end as I passed him , he said, “I wish I could have played in that match” to which I replied “You must be joking that was a terrible game”. “I know “ he said, “ But it would be the only time I could kick a Garda without going to jail”.

A manager of a third team in a well known club was talking to his players after yet another defeat. he said, “Well yee did it again, 10 games lost on the trot, no goal scored, 50 against. 
What have yee to say”. One of the forward said smiling, “”Well you can’t win them all”. The manager withered this fellow and said, “The trouble with ye is that everybody is holding the ball except the keeper, and everything in our favor is against us”.

The names some players put on one and other never ceases to amuse me.

A forward who cannot connect quickly enough - Cinderella, because he’s always late for the ball.
A goalkeeper called Dracula, because he hates crosses.
A defender called Teach, because he stayed on so long at school everybody though he was 
one of the teachers. 
A winger called Speedy, because his speed is deceptive, he is slower that you think.

If I could suggest one rule which might increase the number of people coming into refereeing it would have to be rule 25.

Rule 25 : All referees must officiate in Official Dress. Official Dress shall mean:- Shirt, Blazer, and Knickers.

In conclusion may I,. on behalf of the Irish Soccer Referees Society (Cork Branch), extend our good wishes to all involved in that great Mayfield club. To founder members Ernest and Joe who love their football, to the men and women who worked so hard and can see the wonderful sports complex now the jewel in Mayfield’s crown, enjoy your football and here's to another 25 wonderful years.

The Pen Pictures: By Sean Lane

The Pen Pictures: By Sean Lane         

Ernest O’Mahony

Founder and lifelong member of Mayfield Utd. Along with Joe Kennedy, Ernest epitomizes all that is good about the club. Gave up the possibility of a career with Cork Hibs in the early 70’s to establish Mayfield Utd as a club. Has served the club in all facets, i.e. playing, committee and management. Ernest has played at every level, yes, even senior and has also managed at every level from senior to under 11. Still involved deeply with the club, Mayfield Utd without Ernest O’Mahony would be unthinkable. Thanks for the memories.

Joe Kennedy

Joe is the life and soul of Mayfield Utd. Over the past 25 years Joe’s input into the club has been unbelievable. The fact that Joe’s enthusiasm for Mayfield Utd can never be matched by any other member must be frustrating, but he does not show it. He just gets on with doing the job. A contemporary of Ernest at Cork Hibs, he is also a founder member of the club. An excellent player in his day, Joe has been involved at committee level since he hung up his boots. The fabulous complex at Lotamore will always stand as testament to Joe’s great work.

Tadgh O’Neill

Another marvelous servant of the club, Tadgh was a member of the first team to represent Mayfield Utd. A solid full-back, no winger went past Tadgh easily. In later years, Tadgh went on to become one of the club’s most successful managers. Still very active in all aspects of the club.

Ger O’Mahony

A younger brother of Ernest, he enjoyed many seasons with Mayfield Utd. A tricky winger with a sharp eye for a goal, Ger was foremost an entertainer on the field. Not too many of those around now.

Kevin O’Mahony

The youngest of the O’Mahony clan, Kevin had both the trickery of Ger and the guile of Ernest. But for an unfortunate knee injury which curtailed his career somewhat, Kevin could have become one of the best. Was still a fine player and great servant to Mayfield Utd.

Kevin Crowley

A fine defender with great pace, Kevin was equally at home at center-half or full back. A nice guy on and off the field. He played for many seasons with the club.

John Lonergan

A dapper little player, John was very versatile and could play practically anywhere, except in goal! Played at youth and Junior level for the club.

John Mulcahy

Played all his career for Mayfield Utd. John was a fine goalkeeper and in particular an excellent shot stopper. Represented Cork A.U.L. at youths level.

Jim Nodwell (Blonde)

Jim’s first love was hurling and many people believe he was good enough to represent Cork at senior level over a prolonged period. Won an Enterprise Cup medal with Mayfield Utd and served the club with distinction

Donny Twomey

“Run Ring” is a shout that will always be associated with Donny. It was his way of telling a fellow forward, Liam Ring, that he was about to pass the ball to him. Played at youth and Junior level with Mayfield Utd.

Tom Murphy

Though he came from the Dillions Cross area and played for some time with Rockmount, Tom was a loyal servant to the club. This was epitomized in the Enterprise Cup final when Tom went in goal and played a blinder after John Mulcahy was injured.

Paschal McDonnell

Paschal’s wit and great sense of humor is well known to all the older members of the club. He was a member of the team that brought the first trophy to the club, and in his time as a player he was never found wanting.

Danny Sullivan

A tough, hard tackling full back, Danny is the son of former chairman Tommy and has given great service to Mayfield Utd. Losing was not a part of Danny’s vocabulary. A great man to have in your side when the chips were down.

Brendan O’Keefe

Probably the best orthodox center-forward to play for the club. His direct style and electrifying pace made him practically impossible to mark. Scorer of countless goals, he could and should have carried on playing with Mayfield Utd longer than he did.

Dave Kenny

Came to the club in the twilight of his career after many years with Wembley. A stylish midfielder who was also very strong in the tackle. A true gentleman, Dave always had words of encouragement for the younger lads in the side.

Billy O’Flynn

All of Billy’s soccer career was spent with Mayfield Utd. Although he played in lots of positions he was at his best as a center-forward where he had skill to burn. Scored the winner in the Enterprise Cup final against Castleview in 1985.

Mick Kenefick

Came to Mayfield Utd as a youth having previously played with Wembley. An uncompromising center-half of the old school, Mick took no prisoners on the football field. Hard but fair would best describe Mick. Claims to have played at center-forward and scored some goals but nobody at the club seems to remember.

Tommy Martin

Joined the club late in his career. Tommy played for many years with Rockmount and was a very cultured full-back. A good passer of the ball and a great reader of the game.

Richard Keating

Richard has the unique distinction of being the first Mayfield Utd player to be capped by his country. He won that honor in 197?? as a schoolboy international. A prolific scorer, Richard was also a fine playmaker. Apart from a brief spell with Avondale he has given loyal service to the club, both as a player and a manager.

The Odyssey Ends : By Joe Kennedy

The Odyssey Ends: By Joe Kennedy