Excitement in Mahon
The small community of Mahon, located on the southside of Cork, is buzzing with excitement as local football club Ringmahon Rangers prepares to compete in another cup final against their rivals, Avondale United. Should their team triumph tonight, they will secure their impressive 10th trophy of the season. Founded in 1951, Ringmahon Rangers has developed a strong sense of community and spirit, boasting a rich history in local sports.
Financial Windfall
Tonight is significant not only because of the potential cup victory, but also for another reason that has captured the attention of players and fans alike. The club is about to reap a monumental financial benefit from the recent transfer of former youth player Caoimhin Kelleher, who has just joined Brentford from last year’s Premier League champions, Liverpool. This deal is set to earn Ringmahon its largest-ever sell-on payment, a remarkable achievement for such a grassroots establishment.
Kelleher’s transfer fee is an initial £12.5 million, which could rise to £18 million, and with a 20% sell-on clause negotiated by club secretary Sean Fitzgerald when Kelleher first moved to Liverpool for just a modest five-figure sum in 2015, it positions Ringmahon to receive a transformative windfall. Previously, the record for an Irish club’s sell-on fee was around €2 million, earned by Shamrock Rovers from the sale of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. However, this impending revenue far surpasses that mark.
Vision for the Future
Fitzgerald shared his vision for the future, emphasizing how this financial boost will fundamentally reshape the club and its prospects, saying, “This money is going to be there for my kids, and my kids’ kids and then hopefully for the next 100 years.”
With plans to improve facilities at Ringmahon Park—including the potential addition of a full-size artificial pitch—the club seeks to enhance the environment for its youth teams and create lasting benefits for aspiring young athletes.
The continued legacy of players like Kelleher, who made his transition from a center-forward to a goalkeeper at the age of 14, demonstrates the club’s ability to nurture talent. Ringmahon, which now serves both male and female players from under-7s to senior levels, has also produced notable footballers who have gone on to excel in various leagues, including Alan Browne of Sunderland and Franco Umeh at Crystal Palace.
Looking back at the negotiation process with Liverpool, Fitzgerald chuckled about how he had to juggle his day job as a pipe fitter welder with the demands of high-level football discussions. His commitment paid off when Kelleher’s talents became evident, leading to interest from multiple English clubs.
Anticipation at the Final
As Ringmahon Rangers gears up for their final match of the season, the atmosphere at the Red Cove Inn—sponsored by longtime supporter Ray O’Mahony—will undoubtedly be charged with anticipation and celebration. Regardless of the outcome against Avondale United, the club is already basking in the glory of a season well played.
“The only downside is the after-effects of celebrating too hard!”
remarked Fitzgerald, echoing a sentiment that resonates well with any footballing community celebrating its victories.
