We Were The Champions - A Cork City Documentary

Hit play above to hear part 1 A couple of years ago I undertook what I thought would be a simple enough passion project, but ended up become a monster project that took 6 months to complete. I can't remember what it exactly was that Stevie G said to me one day, but all I know was after the conversation we had I wrote down the words "documentary on City 2005" on a scrap of paper so I wouldn't forget it. The idea burrowed its way into my brain, and instead of just ignoring it, I said I'd do something. And that was the genesis of this documentary. 2005 was a magical year for Cork City FC - under Damien Richardson the best squad I've ever seen in the League of Ireland won the league title for only the second time in their history. And "best squad I've ever seen" isn't lazy hyperbole, it really was. Kevin Doyle, George O'Callaghan, Joe Gamble, Alan Bennett, Dan Murray, and Mick Devine to name but a few graced the Turner's Cross pitch and played with a swagger that I'd never seen before in my years supporting City. They truely were a joy to watch. However despite their champagne football it all came down to "that" night in Novemeber against Derry City, a night that only City winning the first division title several years later comes close to matching. It was a perfect evening - a packed Cross, the last night of the Shed, and City playing their Northern neighbours off the park for most of the game. As a football fan I'd never experienced anything like it. So I set out to get the memories of those who played that year. Thinking I'd get a few players and Rico, I ended up interviewing almost every member of the squad, along with Rico, his assistant Dave Hill and the man with the plan, Mr Brian Lennox. Tracking everyone down wasn't too hard, everyone answered my calls and texts, and everyone was interested in recounting their memories of 2005. There were so many fascinating story strands that year - Pat Dolan's sacking and Richardson's arrival, Kevin Doyle's transfer to Reading, overcoming the Shelbourne hoodoo, and the disappointment of losing in the FAI Cup final two weeks after winning the league. So, armed with some hazy memories, a handful of the squad's numbers, a refill pad and a digital recorder, I went out and found out about the time that We Were The Champions. Looking back on it now, and a bit more critically, I think this is overlong (a tad overindulgent at two hours) but this was me as a fan, making a documentary for me and my fellow fans. I also think it could have been edited and structured a bit better, as the cacophony of disembodied voices can be a touch jarring. But it is what it is - I had a great time making it, and I hope the Cork City fans out there enjoy it. If anybody wants a download link sent us a tweet to @bigredbench Click HERE for part 2.