Holycross AFC proudly celebrates the achievements of Cillian Murphy, a talented young footballer who began his journey in our club and has since made impressive strides on the national stage. Cillian, now a standout player for Cork City U15s, has continually demonstrated his skill, dedication, and leadership on the field, all qualities that began during his time with us here in Holycross.
Most recently, Cillian was instrumental in Cork City’s victory in the League of Ireland U15 Cup Final. In a hard-fought match that ended in a 1-1 draw, Cillian delivered a stunning assist that set up Cork’s crucial goal, showcasing his playmaking ability and game intelligence. The match ultimately went to penalties, and Cillian’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, a fitting tribute to his impact on the field. It was heartwarming to see some of Cillian’s former Holycross teammates in the stands, travelling down to support their friend and celebrate this exciting milestone in his growing career.
This year also brought another proud moment for Cillian, as he was officially presented with his Ireland international cap. The cap, awarded to recognize his recent appearances with Ireland’s U15 squad, was presented at the FAI’s Abbotstown headquarters by none other than football legends John O’Shea, Glenn Whelan, and Paddy McCarthy. It was a proud day not only for Cillian and the Murphy family but also for Holycross AFC, as his achievements reflect the dedication and hard work our club invests in nurturing young talent. To have one of our own reaching international levels is an inspiration to our current players, and we look forward to seeing more of our academy graduates following in his footsteps.
Cillian’s football journey has been one to watch from the beginning. He joined Holycross AFC at just four years old, and from his first kick, it was clear that he possessed a natural flair for the game. Over the years, Cillian contributed immensely to the club, helping us secure numerous titles and netting over 100 goals across club and county league teams. His remarkable knack for always knowing when to make the perfect pass and his commitment to teamwork set him apart as a player with not only talent but also an exceptional attitude—traits his teammates and coaches continue to admire.
As Cillian continues his journey with Cork City, now with the U15s, we in Holycross will be following his progress closely and cheering him on every step of the way. We are immensely proud to have played a part in shaping this remarkable young player and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the future.
Congratulations, Cillian—your Holycross family is behind you all the way!
