This Sunday is a momentous day for the club’s u17 side as they host Bohemians in the Mark Farren Memorial Cup semi-final at St Colman’s Park.
Ethan McCarthy’s Young Rams have had had an excellent season so far, sitting in fifth place in the league having just been pipped by Shamrock Rovers to the final play-off spot. Cobh’s path to the semi-final started with a bye in the first round before meeting Waterford United in the second round. Goals from Gordon Walker and Cameron Hendry secured Ramblers’ passage into the third round where they met Shamrock Rovers. A 3-2 win at St Colman’s Park courtesy of strikes from Peter Callanan and Ryan O’Regan (2), put Cobh into the final four.
Cobh come into the game on the back of an entertaining 6-3 victory over Wexford Youths. Eoin Davis (2), Alex Smith, James McSweeney, Stephen O’Leary and Rueben Henry all getting on the scoresheet.
There are plenty of names to look out for in this young Ramblers side. Centre back James McSweeney has featured in Stephen Henderson’s senior squad on numerous occasions this year, and while yet to make his senior debut, he is sure to be a player to keep tabs on. Eoin Davis only signed for the club in the summer transfer window but has made a solid impact since arriving. A son of Cork Gaelic Football legend Tony, he warmed up for the semi-final with a brace last time out against Wexford. The West Cork duo of Rueben Henry and Peter Callanan are two more to watch out for in what is a side of real quality.
As for Bohs, the young Dubliners occupy second place in the Northern Division, securing them a play-off spot. They come into the game on the back of a 3-3 draw away to Monaghan/Cavan. Meanwhile, the other semi-final of the tournament sees St Patrick’s Athletic entertain Sligo Rovers.
Manager Ethan McCarthy is looking forward to the clash in what is his first year at the club, “We’re all really looking forward to the game. For me as a manager, these are the type of games that you want to be involved in. For the players, it’s the same. Every team left in the competition is strong and Bohemians are no exception to that. National semi-finals don’t come along too often and all involved with Ramblers do everything in their power to get the final.”
Kick-off on Sunday is at 3pm in St Colman’s Park.
Preview by Thomas Stafford
