Danny Murphy praises Women's National League

CORK CITY star Danny Murphy heaped praise on Cork Women’s FC this week and was particularly impressed with the club’s captain Denise O’Sullivan.

Murphy was speaking at a joint fundraiser for Watergrasshill United and Watergrasshill National School which was attended by players from both Cork Women’s FC and Cork City.

Cork took part in the first season of the Bus Éireann Women’s National League and a strong finish to their campaign saw them clinch third spot on the final day of the season when they earned a point against their nearest rivals Wexford Youths in Turner’s Cross and Murphy was impressed with what he saw.

“I was lucky enough to see the girl’s playing a couple of games this season and they did very well. I found the games to be technically very good and the players are clearly putting a lot of effort into it,” said the full back, who has won the Airtricity League with Cork City and Shamrock Rovers.

After seeing Cork in action Murphy has high hopes for the girl’s from Leeside and feels they will be stronger this coming season.

“I hope they will try to push on this year and try to close the gap between Cork and the top two, they are certainly good enough from what I saw to be a real force in the league very soon,” he said.

Denise O’Sullivan starred for Ireland at the Under 17 World Cup two years ago and has since gone on to established herself in Sue Ronan’s senior squad and Murphy has also been impressed with the 18 year-old.

“Denise is excellent, she has an abundance of talent and is one of those players everyone loves to watch. She makes everything look easy but I know from talking to her that she works very hard on her game, as I’m sure the whole team do, which is why I think they can improve their third place finish,” he said.

Murphy who runs his own soccer camps in Cork also feels that the introduction of the Women’s National League was crucial for the game in Ireland.

“I know from the soccer camps I run that there is a huge interest in the girl’s game here in Cork and around the country and it was very important that the National League was started, to give the players opportunities at home and to give young players something to really aim for,” added the 29 year-old.