Club History 1973 until 2001

1973-75 - On Wednesday June 6th 1973 a youth's soccer team was established in Midleton's Fr. John Murphy Youth Club under the management of then Club Chairman Pa Coakley with current Club Chairman Michael Kirby as Hon Secretary and Robbie Morrison as team Captain. Like many other clubs at the time Fr. Murphy's had no grounds of their own, but the local Urban District Council came to their assistance, giving them the use of land at Rosary Place as a playing pitch.
This pitch was also used at the time by Midleton's other club St. John Bosco's. Between June and September of 1973 a team panel was put together and a number of challenge matches were played. Taken from club records of the time, by August 1973 the following players had been signed :P. Foley, G. O'Reilly, R. Morrison, M. Kirby, D. Lynch, P. Duggan, G. Cotter, A. Howick, M. Hogan, P. Duggan, T. O'Sullivan, A. Lehane,G. Murphy, M. O'Brien, A. O'Donovan, J. Barry, F. Lomasney, D. Barry, K. O'Keeffe, N. O'Sullivan, J. Cooney, J. Daly, T. Lynch and A.O'Sullivan.
The first club colours were yellow jerseys, blue shorts and blue socks and these were the colours so proudly worn on Sunday morning 3rd September 1973 at Rosary Place when Fr. Murphy's played their first ever competitive game. The game in question was a Cork A.U.L. Division 2 (Section B ) Shield tie vs Killeagh Utd. A nervous local side gave Killeagh a two goal interval lead and though acquitting themselves very well in the second period eventually lost 3-1 to a very strong Killeagh team of the time.
For the record the following represented Fr. Murphy's on this historic occasion: Pat Duggan, John Cooney, Robbie Morrison (Capt), Jack Daly, Anthony Howick, Anthony Lehane, Michael Kirby, Mike O'Brien, Kevin O'Keeffe, Denis Mulcahy, and Gerard O'Reilly. 12th man was Deccie Barry. The honour of scoring the first goal for the club fell to Anthony Lehane. The first competitive victory for the club came on Sunday September 24th when they defeated Rockmount Rangers by 6 goals to nil. Denis Mulcahy (later to win senior All Ireland hurling medals with Cork) bagged 4 goals and so became the first player in the club to score a hat trick, while Gerard O'Reilly and Anthony Lehane also contributed goals in this landmark for the club.
Fr. Murphy's went on to finish mid table in both shield and league competitions in this their maiden season. This Fr. Murphy's team was to spend another season in youth's football and made the 1974/75 season a most successful one by capturing the Cork A.U.L. Second Division Shield and also finishing runners up In the East Cork Cup.

1975-77 - Fr. Murphy's joined the Cork A.U.L. Junior Section in 1975/76. They also had a youth team. After two years in this division they won the Division Shield and promotion to the First Division. In 1977 Fr.Murphy's changed their name to Midleton, due to a Youth Club policy. This saw the first move of the club, when the U.D.C. commenced the erection of houses on the rosary place grounds. Due to the trojan efforts of Fr. Patrick Carroll, who was based in Midleton at the time and was Club President, pitches were obtained at the Cork Marts premises.
This was a great year in the club as they reached the quarter finals of the Cork A.U.L. Junior League Cup, the Cork Area Final of the F.A.I. Junior Cup and the semi final of the County Cup. Also after just one season in the First Division the club also won promotion to the Premier League.

1978/79 - The club started to spread it's wings in 1978/79, with 3 junior teams and a youth team, and a playing staff of sixty junior players and twenty one youth players. The same year the club took their first cup-The Tom O'Kelly Premier League Cup.
They were runners up in the Premier League, reached the quarter final of the Munster Junior Cup, the semi final of the East Cork Cup, the semi final of the A.O.H. Cup and the Cork Area Final of the F.A.I. Junior Cup. Denis Mulcahy established a club record of 40 goals from 47 games.

1979/80 - In 1979/80 the club had to change grounds again, on this occasion to Forrest's Field a property owned by Midleton U.D.C. As it was the intention of the U.D.C. to establish a pitch and putt course and soccer pitch here and the club went ahead and built dressing rooms and shower facilities.
On the playing field the club again reached the final of the Premier Junior League Cup only to lose to Casement Celtic by 2 goals to 1. The club went on their first tour abroad, travelling to London, visiting Stamford Bridge and playing a match against local team St Oliver Plunkett's.

1980/81 - The 1980/81 season saw the Junior side lose Paudie Foley and Jack Daly to League Of Ireland Football (with Cork United). No silverware was captured this season but the U17's reached the quarter finals of the National Cup.

1981/82 - 1981/82 saw the introduction of Schoolboy Football to the club under the wing of Teddy Lambe. The U13 team won the Cork League Cup in their maiden season and finished runners up in the league. The Youths team also finished runners up in their league.

1982/83 - In 1982/83 the U14 lads won the league and cup double under the guidance of Liam O'Brien. The Juniors finished runners up in the Saxone Cup and won the Youghal Easter Tournament while the Youths were again runners up in the League, reached the quarter final of the League Cup and the semi final of the Coca Cola Cup. This was also the year that the U.D.C. decide to erect houses on Forrest's Field and for the third time the club were without a pitch. All protests at the decision to build houses on an area designated as an amenity area fell on deaf ears and the club committee took a brave decision to go it alone and purchase their own grounds.
A green field site was earmarked at the Kennel Boreen in Knockgriffin. A loan of £340,000 was taken out with the Cork T.S.B. to be paid back over 7 years. A massive fundraising campaign was undertaken and a group of trustees were elected to oversee all aspects of the development. Those elected were Pa Coakley, Mick Kirby, Jack Daly, Gerry O'Sullivan, Tom Connaughton, Teddy Lambe, Gerry Tobin, Donie Wall, Michael Desmond, Seamus Cody, Pat Duggan and Adrian Williams. Work commenced on the new pitches and the grass was sown in May 1984.

1983/84 - During the 1983/84 season the club were forced to use many pitches including Waterock, Corkbeg, Ballintotas, Rohans Lodge and Carrigtwohill A.F.C. grounds. On the playing front the U15 lads won the Cork Area Final of the National Cup and the Cork Schoolboys League. The Youths finished runners up in the league for the third time and reached The semi final of the Coca Cola Cup. Donal Desmond was selected on the Irish U13 squad, Barry Lambe and Jason McSweeney played for the Cork U14 team, while Aidan Berry and Barry Mulcahy made the Cork A.U.L.Youth's squad.

1984/85 - saw Liam O'Brien's young magpies now plying their trade at U16 level and sweeping the boards in all competitions. As well as winning everything on offer in Cork at schoolboy level they became the first Cork club to win the U16 National Cup- The Barry Cup. The team lined out in the final as follows : Donal Desmond, Leonard O'Driscoll, Anto Cleary, Ian O'Brien, Jason McSweeney, John Burke, John Morgan, Barry Lambe, John Forde, Mossie Horgan and Mickey O'Regan. Other members of this wonderful squad were Willie Donovan, Barry O'Sullivan, Damien Devlin and Aidan O'Keeffe.

1985/86 - The season 1985/86 saw the club catering for 10 teams. It was the most active one for the committee in years. The club finally received full planning permission for the new development. Three players Ian O'Brien, John Burke and John Morgan were on the Irish U17 squad . This was the first time that a Midleton player was capped for Ireland. Several other players represented Cork at different levels during the season. The U11 team won the Cork Community games and the U14 team won the Marina Cup. The U16 team were runners up in the league and the U17 team Reached the Semi final of the National Cup. The Junior side reached the Cork Area final of the Munster Junior Cup. The U16 team also reached the Final of the prestigious Portsmouth Cup in England.

1986/87 - Sunday August 10th 1986 will forever be inshrined as the most important day in the club's proud history. This day saw the culmination of years of hard work being rewarded and the dreams of football supporters over the decades being realised with the official opening of the present club's permanent home - the magnificent Knockgriffin complex. The official opening was performed by Mr. Pat O'Brien (R.I.P.) then President of the Football Association of Ireland. Then followed a game which marked Midleton's entry to Senior football (having been accepted into the Munster Senior League during the close season) a Munster Senior Cup tie vs Cobh Ramblers.
For the record this was the Magpies team Donal Desmond, Martin O'Donovan, John Burke, Freddie Wall (R.I.P.), Jack Daly, Pat Cleary (Capt.), Stephen Forde, John Morgan, Michael Kirby, Declan Horgan and Noel O'Reilly. Substitutes were Steven O'Donoghue and Mick Buckley. Midleton went on to gain promotion to the Premier Division at the first attempt. The U11 team won the Cork Schoolboys League and Rory McSweeney was capped for Ireland at U15 level. Stephen Forde won a place on the Irish Youth and U21 panels. The final honour for the club came when Liam O'Brien was appointed as coach to the U15 Republic of Ireland team.

1987/88 - The 1987/88 season saw Midleton consolidate their position in the Premier League where they finished a creditable fifth. The U14 team finished Runners up in the league. The development at Knockgriffin saw the construction of a covered stand overlooking No. 1 pitch.

1988/89 - again saw success on the playing fields. Midleton qualified for the F.A.I. Senior Cup for the first time only to lose to Parkvilla from Co.Meath after two replays. The Junior sidewon the Third Division and the U16 finished runners up in the league. The U12 team won the league and also the Cork Community Games Area final. The schoolgirls U14 side also won the Cork Area Final of the Community Games.
Off the field the first Ladies Committee was formed under Chairperson Mary Woods and ran a number of successful fund raising events including a fashion show and race night. A very enjoyable social/fundraising event was held at Youghal Greyhound Track, thanks to the efforts of Albert Ruxton in particular the club's new Health and Fitness centre was opened under the control of Barry Mulcahy. A new kitchen was added to the complex and new dugouts were built on the main pitch. On the administration side the season also saw a new Chairperson for the first time with Michael Kirby taking over from founder Chairperson Pa Coakley.

1989/90 - Off the playing pitch 1989/90 saw further progress in facilities at the Knockgriffin Complex. The No. 1 pitch was enclosed with the erection of a 3 foot high concrete rail. The club also leased another playing pitch adjacent to the No 2 pitch. This was the season which also saw the club win their first senior trophy-The Keane Senior Cup which was won in a dramatic penalty shoot out against Tramore Athletic on St. Patrick's Day.
The team was W. O Hanlon, J. Daly, J.Burke, P. Cleary, M. Kirby, C. Mulcahy, R. O'Connor, D. O'Connor,P. Foley, L.Kennedy, J. Morgan. The team also finished runners-up in the Premier League.
The U13 team under the guidance of Teddy Lambe won the Cork Schoolboys League. This was also the season that saw an influx of representative honours come to the club. Colman Mulcahy and Dave O'Connor were capped for the Rep. Of Ireland Intermediate team. Rory McSweeney and Billy Woods won places on the M.S.L. Youths side. Damien Connaughton and John Ryan were selected on the Cork Schoolboys U14 squad as were Eugene Fitzgerald, Martin Greene and Vincent O'Mahony on the U13 squad. Teddy Lambe won a Junior Chamber Sports Personalities Award and Pa Coakley won the Hall Of Fame Award.

1990/91 - The season 1990/91 will always be a cherished one for all Midleton football followers when a long term ambition was realised in winning the Premier Division of the Munster Senior League. While the League Championship was the pinnacle this team managed by Liam O'Brien, ably assisted by Colman Mulcahy and Medic Albert Ruxton, also provided an original "Roy of the Rovers" story when the sensationally knocked holders Bray Wanderers out of The F.A.I. Senior Challenge Cup by two goals to nil before a bumper attendance at Knockgriffin.
The team on this memorable occasion wasW. O'Hanlon, M. Horgan, D. O'Connor, R. O'Connor, J. Burke, C. Mulcahy, B. Mulcahy, J. Morgan, A. O'Connor, K. Quinn and A. O'Keeffe. Subs were M. O'Regan and P. Cleary. Round 2 saw Midleton at home to St. James Gate and the Magpies were cruelly knocked out by the only goal of the game scored in the 110th minute.
This was also the season that saw Michael Kirby hang up his boots after over 700 appearances for Midleton. John Ryan brought further honour to the club by winning 8 caps for the Republic at U15 level. Jack Daly and Paudie Foley were on the M.S.L. Junior Squad as were Billy Woods and Jason Bailey on the M.S.L. Youths squad. Brian Lambe and Michael Cashman were on the Cork Schoolboys U13 team with Lambe winning the "Golden Boot Award" for top goal scorer for the third time. Liam O'Brien was Coach to both U15 and U16 Republic of Ireland teams and Albert Ruxton was rewarded for his sterling work by winning a Junior Chamber Sports Personalities Award. Michael Kirby led a Sub-Committee to run a most successful "Midleton 90's" Festival. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of Seamus Cody and John Barrett in their organising of mini-leagues for the U7-U10 age groups during the summer.

1991/92 - saw our senior side join a small elite club in winning back to back Munster Senior Premier Leagues. The Magpies mounted the victory rostrum again when they captured the Keane Senior Cup. A ladies team was also formed during the season to compete in the Cork Ladies Football League. A men's Over 35 team also entered the M.S.L. Veteran's Floodlit League. John Ryan who won the Junior Chamber Sports Personality Award was capped 12 times at U16 level for the Republic of Ireland and scored the "Goal of the Tournament" against Spain in the U16 European Championships in Cyprus.
The club itself won the Junior Chamber "Best Club" Award while Liam O'Brien was again coach to the Republic of Ireland U16 squad and was instrumental in Billy Woods securing a 3 year contract with English League side Coventry City.
Thus Billy became the first Midleton player to graduate to an English League club. Liam Walsh was in the Cork Schoolboy U13 squad and Michael Cashman made the U14 Kennedy Cup team. The club supplied four players to the M.S.L. Senior representative side namely : Colman Mulcahy, Dave O'Connor, Kenneth Quinn and Austin O'Connor. On the fundraising side the "Magpie Lotto" was launched and it proved to be a major success. The season also saw the second running of the "Midleton 90's" Festival which was opened by Irish international Niall Quinn.

1992/93 - the season was highlighted by the success of the schoolboys section of the club with the U16 side reaching the semi-final of the National Barry Cup. The U13 team reached the final or the Cork Schoolboys League Cup. The U14 Schoolboys won the League Cup The Senior team were involved in a relegation play off to stay in the Premier League but some controversy off the field ensured that First Division football was to be Midleton's lot for next season. Our U17 side reached the penultimate stage of the National Cup. The Ladies
team under the guidance of Albert Ruxton finished 4th in the league. The 3rd "Midleton 90's" Festival again proved to be a major success.

1993/94 - saw protracted negotiations re the purchase of a third playing pitch adjacent to the Knockgriffin Complex. The Senior team blew hot and cold to finish a disappointing 5th in the league. Matthew Burke guided his U16 charges to victory in the Cork Schoolboys League. Danny O'Keeffe received the Junior Chamber Sports Award during the season which also saw the staging of the annual "Midleton 90's" Festival. John Ryan fulfilled his lifelong ambition when he signed a professional contract in England with Brighton. The club was awarded a "Civic Reception" by Midleton U.D.C. in recognition of their achievements over the past 21 years.

1994/95 - After all the celebrations of the club's 21st anniversary had finished it was back to the playing fields and the 1994/95 season proved to a poor one with no silverware coming to Knockgriffin. The " Midleton 90's" Festival was again a great success.

1995/96 - was to see an improvement in the club's fortunes.Our Junior side claimed the Division 3 League Champions pennant. The Youth team had a great season and the won the Cork AUL Murphy Cup as well as being runners up in the Premier League. Also our Midleton 90's Festival went from strength to strength.

1996/97 - The 19996/97 season continued where the last one left off and this was the year where Midleton regained their Premier status at both Junior and Senior level by winning their respective First Division Championships. The club continued to grow with an ever increasing membership especially in the Schoolboys section.

1998/99 - proved to be one of the most successful ever in the clubs history. The Schoolboy section again came up trumps with the U11 team taking the League title. The Youth side joined both the Junior and Senior sides at Premier when they won the First Division League. The Senior side also brought home silverware when they won the O Connell Cup. Plans were also drawn up for the laying of an all weather pitch which it is hoped will be utilised by all the clubs in the East Cork region. While the past 26 years have been very successful the club is not resting on its laurels and is looking forward to using it as a launch pad for even more success in the new millennium.

1999/2000 - This year Stryker Instruments came on board as Club Sponsors. Sean P. Graham continued to sponsor the Schoolboy section. On the playing fields the year was not a great one. Our Senior team was relegated to the MSL First Division. Our Junior team maintained their Premier League status as did our Youth team. The shining light this year was our Schoolboys section and especially the Under 12 Team. Under the management of John Cody they finished high in the league and were Runners-up in the Cup (losing 3-2 to Maymount Celtic).
Five of our players were called up to the Cork Schoolboys Teams. The five were John Coen, Ashley Daly, Paul O'Keeffe, John Barrett and Stephen Mulcahy. Seven teams took part in the Cork Schoolboys Leagues. The Social Committee organised a very successful talent competition  (sponsored by Jameson Heritage Centre) for all the winners of the Midleton 90's competitions. During the year after much discussion the management structure of the club was reorganised to cater for future development. Grants were received from ECAD, The National Lottery and the FAI towards the construction of the all weather pitch and buildings connected with this development.

2000/2001 - Midleton's senior team won the pre-season Barry Wall Tournament. The Kevin Moran Coaching Camp was held in Knockgriffin and over 80 boys and girls took part. One of the highlights was the visit of former Irish international player Paul McGrath. We had three players represent the club on the Cork Schoolboy teams. They were Stephen Mulcahy and Paul O'Keeffe at U13 and John Coen at U14. Our U12 Schoolboys won their section of the league but were defeated in the league final.Midleton's U17 team had a great run in the FAI Cup. Off the field work continued on the development of our all weather pitches and a fitness room was set up at Knockgriffin Park. Midleton FC also became a limited company mainly to comply with the conditions with regards to funding.