🇮🇪 Cork United (Rep of Ireland)
Cork, a county that we have visited many a times for the purpose of this blog. Could there be an actual blog of it’s own for Cork football? Probably. The number of clubs and stories could make for a very entertaining book. However, we are only going to concentrate on one Cork club here for this post. In fact, it is the most successful out of all the Cork clubs in regards league titles. A dominant force back in the 40’s in the League of Ireland, this club won the league title no less than five times. Some people, even Cork people don’t even know that. If you weren’t aware of that then sit back and take in the rest of their story and one legend of the game who played for them, Here is there story.
Cork United F.C. was founded in 1940 and played in the League of Ireland until 1948. During its time in the league, Cork United won the league title five times and the FAI Cup once.
The club's first league title came in the 1940-41 season, when they finished four points ahead of second-place Shamrock Rovers. Cork United’s squad included several notable players, including goalkeeper Billy Hayes, who would go on to play for the Republic of Ireland national team, and Jackie Carey, who would later captain Manchester United. (More on him later)
Cork United successfully defended their league title in the 1941-42 season, finishing three points ahead of Shamrock Rovers. The club also reached the final of the FAI Cup but lost to Shelbourne in a replay. Cork United beat St. James’s Gate, 6-0 on, October 12, 1941 that season. This was one of Cork United’s biggest wins in the 1941-42 season, and it helped them secure the League of Ireland title.
The 1942-43 season saw Cork United win their third league title in a row, finishing seven points ahead of Dundalk. The club also won the FAI Cup, defeating St. James’s Gate in the final, a club that they had beaten 6—0 the season before. On route to that cup triumph they beat Bohemians 4-2 on November 21st, 1943.
Cork United won their fourth league title in the 1943-44 season, finishing five points ahead of Shelbourne. The club also reached the final of the FAI Cup, but lost to St. James Gate, who had finally got one over the Munster side.
The 1944-45 season saw Cork United win their fifth and final league title, finishing three points ahead of Shelbourne. The club also reached the semi-finals of the FAI Cup but lost to Shamrock Rovers. That season saw the club defeat Dublin side Drumcondra, 5-0 in what would be one of many dominant performances. The next season saw the club beating another Dublin side, Shelbourne FC, 6-1, on September 23rd, 1945.
The following season saw Cork United beat Waterford, 8-1 on November 3rd , 1946: This was a memorable win for Cork United in the 1946-47 season, and many thought it wouldn’t be long before they added to their five league title. However, that was not to be the case.
Cork United’s success on the field was matched by their popularity off the field, as the club drew large crowds to their home matches at the Mardyke in the height of their success, However, like previous Cork based clubs, the same story unfolded. Financial difficulties, disputes with the League of Ireland and a dwindling home support led to the club’s demise in 1948 The club’s place in the league was taken by Cork Athletic.
It would be a sham to write a piece about Cork United and not include the story of their most notable player, Jackie Carey, one of Ireland’s best ever players. He is probably never included in the bet Irish Eleven simply because of the era he played in, but he is definitely one player who should be included in the conversation. Here is his story.
Jackie Carey was an Irish footballer who played for Cork United and Manchester United, among other clubs. Carey was born in Dublin in 1919 and began his career with St. James’s Gate before joining Manchester United in 1936.
Carey quickly established himself as one of the best full-backs in the English game, and he was named the club’s captain in 1946. Carey led Manchester United to the FA Cup final in 1948, but the team lost to Blackpool in a thrilling match that is still remembered as one of the greatest finals in the history of the competition.
After leaving Manchester United in 1953, Carey returned to Ireland and played for Cork United, where he helped the team win two League of Ireland titles. Carey also played for the Republic of Ireland national team, earning 29 caps and scoring one goal during his international career.
In addition to his playing career, Carey was also a successful manager, leading Blackburn Rovers to the First Division title in 1959-60. Carey passed away in 1995 at the age of 75.
So, there is the story of Cork United, Co. Corks most successful club, and one of twelve sides to represent Cork in the League of Ireland. (The 12th being Cobh Ramblers who are a separate club). Often asked, should Cork have more than two clubs in the county? Is there enough support there? The answer is sadly, no, as evidence and history would suggest they would just end up with the same faith as previous clubs. Indeed, even the current clubs has had it’s fair share of financial troubles, but thankfully they seem to have turned a corner and are still competing and in the top tier (At the time of writing this). Maybe the current Cork City can drop the ‘City’ and add the ‘United’ back to their name and see if they can emulate their success. Although in the current world of football, maybe the City name is a better omen for success.