We are pleased to confirm the that defender James McSweeney has committed to the club for the 2018 season. The Irish u18 international stepped up to senior level for the first time in 2017 and made 27 appearances throughout the season as Ramblers finished as league runners-up.

James joined Cobh’s u17 setup in 2016 from Cork City and helped the Young Rams to secure the U17 Shield that year, scoring the winner in the 1-0 final win over Bray Wanderers. McSweeney picked up our u17 Player of the Year award that season. His performances that year caught the eye of senior boss Stephen Henderson and he was included in the senior squad towards the end of that year to get experience of the step-up involved. It wasn’t until 2017 however that the former Carrigaline defender made his senior debut. He scored two goals in 2017, both coming against Wexford FC.

His fine form was rewarded with a call-up to the Irish u18 team that took part in April’s Slovakia Cup, scoring in the game with Turkey. He continued to impress as 2017 progressed and became a firm fixture at the heart of the Cobh defence. This saw him pick up the club’s Young Player of the Year Award for 2017.

James’ family are rooted in Cobh football and have a proud history in the town’s sporting heritage. His uncle Peter McSweeney played with Ramblers in the early 80’s before joining James’ father Paul at Cobh Wanderers in 1986. They had a successful time there and it’s fitting that James is keeping the tradition going.

James had this to say about re-signing for 2018, “I’m delighted to be back for 2018. I’m enjoying the challenge playing against senior players every week. Being only 18, it is a bit of a challenge playing against older players but it is all helping me to develop as a player. I’m ready for the challenge and I hope that we can push on next year after a good season just gone.”