Coffey part of Tipp takeover of Cobh
When you walk into a new job, it helps to see a few familiar faces. For Barry Coffey, there was almost an entire team’s worth after switching from Cork City to Cobh Ramblers.
By Stephen Barry
In terms of Tipperary involvement in the League of Ireland, there was a major shift during the off-season as Nenagh-native Coffey, Cian Bargary from Golden, Cian Murphy from Cahir, and Jack Doherty from Carrick-on-Suir all traded Cork for Cobh.
The exodus wasn’t limited to that quartet as captain Cian Coleman, John O’Donovan, Jonas Häkkinen, and assistant manager Richie Holland have all flocked from the Premier Division club to Cobh.
Given that Cork City lifted the First Division trophy in 2022 and ’24, it’s no surprise that Cobh have been installed as second favourites for glory behind Dundalk this season.
The investment has been facilitated by new American owners, the FC32 group, who also run Austrian second division side SKN St Pölten.
They have installed a new manager in Michael McDermott, a Belfast native best known for his spells as assistant coach to Carlos Queiroz with Iran, during the 2018 World Cup, and Qatar.
The League of Ireland is on the crest of a wave and few places are feeling the upward momentum as much as the Rams.
“That’s exactly what you want as a club is expectation,” says 23-year-old Coffey, who started out at Nenagh AFC before moving to Glasgow Celtic.
“The new owner and the group that have taken over have been absolutely immense in what they’ve done in the few weeks they’ve had.
“They were part-time and trying to make that step and close the gap to full-time, you can see that with the character of player that’s been brought in.
“But also, with the off-field habits, the progression has been top class and the owners have really showed their hand.
“It’s up to us as players to keep growing with that and hopefully the results will do that.
“If we can keep winning, it makes everything on and off the field gel together a lot quicker.”
With seven First Division champions added to the squad, Coffey feels that expectation but is equally aware that nothing is guaranteed.
“It’s nice when you’re coming into a new building, and you see some familiar faces but just because we had success at one club doesn’t automatically mean we think we can have success at another.
“We have got to work as hard as everyone to bring success down here and that goes for every new player that’s been brought in.
“It has been nice but it’s important that we’re all starting from a clean slate as well.”
Coffey made 104 appearances for Cork City across three-and-a-half seasons after joining from Glasgow Celtic.
He finished both of those First Division-winning campaigns as the club’s top scorer, netting 28 times in total for the Rebel Army. Despite starting 19 of his 29 appearances last season, he found game time reduced as the year progressed and spoke with manager Tim Clancy during the off-season.
“I still have a decent relationship with Tim, no hard feelings there. It was just the right time for everyone,” reflects Coffey.
“I had great success there in certain moments and also went through relegation as well, so I had a fairly up and down time.
“I’ve got nothing but really good time for a lot of people in that club and especially the players there this year so I wouldn’t begrudge the club doing well. There’s a lot of great people that I’d like to see Cork have success for.
“So, no hard feelings on my term, I have good respect for the manager and players, and look, that’s the game we’re in. There’s no point in thinking it’s not going to happen at some stage.
“It’s more so nice to be down here and starting a new exciting journey with a clean slate. I’m lucky for my time and grateful for it, absolutely.
“There’s way too many good moments for me that outweigh the down ones. When the dust has settled, I’d good memories and good times.”
The first league title was a high point as the club emerged from a period of financial turmoil and he remains good friends with the likes of Cork City striker Ruairí Keating and Aaron Bolger, now at Ebbsfleet United, among others.
Ramblers have existed in City’s shadow for much of their existence so any victory over their near neighbours will be cherished. The season began on a high so with a 2-1 Munster Senior Cup derby success at St Colman’s Park.
“I wasn’t going out there to prove anyone right or anyone wrong. I was going out to do what I do,” says the Rams’ number eight.
“It doesn’t really matter who it’s against or what it is I’m doing; I was just focused on having a good game. Having trained hard in pre-season, I wanted to put my best foot forward for Cobh.
“So no, there was no added tension or anything like that. Moreso, seeing a few familiar faces brings a smile rather than anything else.
“It was an enjoyable game, I loved it, and it was nice to compete against them having competed with them for quite a long time. It was unfamiliar but enjoyable and it’s still nice to get a win for sure.”
They opened the league campaign in dramatic fashion, coming from 2-0 down to win with three goals in the final 10 minutes against Treaty United and have maintained that unbeaten streak. Coffey chipped with a headed brace in the 5-0 win over Longford Town and another goal in the 2-1 victory away to Finn Harps. Life off the field is equally good in the seaside town.
“The club has looked after me. There’s a couple of us living in a house down here in Cobh so we don’t need to travel too far to or from training,” says Coffey.
“It’s a good insight into what the club’s trying to do and it’s enjoyable living down here.
“I joined a bit later with everything that went on but I’m up to speed now and fitness is great. I’m really enjoying it.
“It’s obviously early days with a whole new team, new staff and a new squad. We’re trying to bring together a project here to do well. It’s been quite pleasing and hopefully we can keep going with it.”