Blarney United FC
Blarney United connects a 1949 Cork football story with O’Shea Park, academy and youth football, and the return of senior women’s football in 2026.
Blarney United identity
Blarney United FC is a Cork club founded in 1949 and based between Blarney and Tower. The club’s white identity, O’Shea Park home and long local history connect several generations of players and volunteers.
The pathway covers academy, school age, boys, girls and adult football. In 2026 the senior women’s team returned to home football, with most of the squad having progressed through the club’s own youth teams.
O’Shea Park in Riverview
O’Shea Park is Blarney United’s home in Riverview, between Blarney and Tower, County Cork, T23 VK25. The ground became a permanent base after years of moving between local pitches.
Several teams can share the ground across a weekend, so confirm the named pitch, meeting time and arrival route with the organiser before travelling.
Founded in 1949 and revived in 1967
Blarney United began in 1949, later closed and was revived in 1967 with junior and youth teams. The restart created a new chapter of football around Blarney and Tower and led to a renewed club presence in Cork competition.
The club’s history includes an AUL 3A title after the revival, promotion to AUL Division 1 and a County Cup win against Bandon near the end of the 1980s.
Academy, boys and girls football
Blarney’s academy and school age teams give children a local entry into football. The club has supported competitive boys’ and girls’ football from under 12 upwards, with small sided games and age appropriate coaching forming the base of the pathway.
When contacting the club, include the player’s year of birth and previous experience. Age group availability, registration and training times can change through the season.
National under 17 success in 2019
Blarney United’s under 17 side won the National Cup in 2019. Players from that group later progressed into the under 19 Cork Youth League squad, showing how the club can keep a successful age group together as the players grow.
Youth honours matter because they give younger teams a visible example of what steady training, shared standards and a supportive coaching environment can achieve.
Senior women return in 2026
Blarney’s senior women’s team returned to home football in April 2026 after more than two decades away. The squad included players who had come through Blarney’s academy and schoolgirl teams, with several senior players also coaching in the Girls Academy.
That connection between senior football and youth coaching gives girls a clear route through the club. It also strengthens the handover of skills, confidence and club knowledge from one age group to the next.
All weather training facilities
Blarney opened its original artificial pitch in 2007 and later completed a replacement surface project. The training area supports academy sessions and teams across Cork leagues, helping the club keep football moving through wet winter weeks.
The clubhouse has also hosted FAI and Cork ETB courses. Families should confirm whether a session is on the grass or all weather area and bring the footwear required for that surface.
Cork league setting
Blarney United sits within Cork’s youth and adult football network, with school age teams and senior football connected to the local league structure. The club’s permanent ground makes it easier for players and families to stay involved close to home.
League days can still involve different pitches and kick off times. The coach’s current message is the best guide to the correct venue for a particular squad.
Volunteers, coaches and safeguarding
A broad club pathway relies on coaches, team mentors, committee members, referees, grounds helpers and parents. Blarney’s long history has been sustained by people who share the work of training, match days, fundraising and player welfare.
Anyone working with children should follow the club’s safeguarding process and complete the checks and training expected for the role. Parents should know the team contact and welfare route before the season begins.
First visit guide
For a first enquiry, send the player’s name, year of birth, home area, football background and the type of football they want to try. Ask which age group is suitable, whether places are available, where the session is held and what equipment is needed.
Arrive early at O’Shea Park or the confirmed training venue so the player can meet the coach and settle. Bring water, weather appropriate clothing and any medical information the team needs.
| Club | Blarney United FC. |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1949; revived in 1967. |
| Colours | White. |
| Home | O’Shea Park, Riverview, Blarney, County Cork, T23 VK25. |
| Pathway | Academy, boys and girls school age football, senior women and adult teams. |
| Youth milestone | National under 17 Cup winners in 2019. |
| Facilities | Grass football and all weather training surface. |
| Women’s milestone | Senior women’s football returned in 2026. |
