Blow for Rams as top scorer Matty Whelan and Jason Abbott depart

Cobh Ramblers' promotion push has taken another blow with the news that top scorer Matthew Whelan and Jason Abbott have left the club due to educational commitments.

19-year-old Whelan has been a revelation for the Rams in his first full season of senior football, scoring six times in league and cup for Stephen Henderson's side.

He joined the club in 2016 from Ballincollig and quickly became a key figure for the under-19s with seven goals from seven appearances.

The striker made his debut for the senior team in a defeat to Drogheda United in September 2016 but made two further appearances, scoring in each, as the Rams reached the promotion play-off.

He leaves to take up a football scholarship with Davenport University in the United States.

23-year-old Abbott came through the youth system at Cobh Ramblers and was part of the club's A Championship squad in 2011 before leaving to take up a scholarship in the US with Boston College.

He spent time with Cork City and UCC before returning to Cobh midway through the 2015 season and he scored twice in 14 appearances that season.

Abbott departs the club due to work and study commitments.

A club statement read: “We would like to thank both lads for their time here and wish them the very best of luck in the future! They have given excellent service to Ramblers and will be missed by all.”