Cork City v Galway United Preview

Ahead of Cork City's Tuesday night clash with Galway United, we spoke to City defender Alan Bennett about the game. And there'll be a familiar face in the opposition dug out, with former City boss Tommy Dunne now in charge of United. Click PLAY above to hear from Dunne at the 3'50" mark, with Bennett first up. It's also City's 1,000th league game, and it's gotten me thinking about my time as a City fan. I started supporting the club as a young nipper in the early 90s. My grandfather Owen McCarthy, a former league of Ireland and international referee, brought me to the games. We'd pile into his old brown Ford Fiesta and make the trip out to Bishopstown on a regular basis, instilling in me a love for City that has never left. When City moved back to Turner's Cross in 1996 I became a regular, rarely if ever missing a game. The ground was a 15 minute stroll from my house, and along with my pals Richard and Padraig we'd stroll down on Sunday afternoons for the games, or leaving the house at 11.30 for those early kick offs with Derry City. I've seen some great players in that time. Dave Hill was my favourite player. I loved his no bull shit, take no prisoners style of football. I got "Hill 4" printed on my jersey in 1998. I still have it. The four has fallen off but the "Hill" remains. Later as I got to know Dave he gave me tremendous amounts of stick for getting his name on my shirt. "I were your hero, Roar!" I'd hear on a regular basis. Going to the FAI Cup final in 1998 was an incredible occasion. I went with my friend Mike and his parents. The atmosphere in Dalymount Park that day was electric. I'd never experienced anything like it. It finished scoreless - the next week I was with Richard and Padraig in my mum's house in Ballyphehane watching on an old 14" portable as big Derek Coughlan rose highest from a corner to score the winner against Shelbourne. I'd never celebrated a goal as much. We had some terrific players then. Patsy Freyne, lured out of retirement by Dave Barry, was one of the best players I've ever seen play the game. Beautiful to watch. You had a defence that included big Derek, Decky Daly, Hilly, Mr Consistency Philip Long. Ollie Cahill was electric whenever he got the ball. John Caulfield scrapping for everything and banging in goals. Good times. Cork City v Galway United, Turner's Cross, Tuesday March 24th, 7.45