Clonakilty native Ger McCarthy is new WCSL chairman

GER McCarthy is the new chairman of the West Cork Schoolboys League (WCSL).

The Clon native has been heavily involved in the local soccer scene for over 25 years, representing both Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers in his playing days, and then as the website administrator and PRO with the WCSL for over a decade.

McCarthy (pictured) is also well known for promoting the local soccer scene and is a sports reporter for The Southern Star. He was the brainchild behind the very popular WCSL Awards that have gone from strength to strength in the last few years and that are run in association with The Southern Star and the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery.

His new challenge, as chairman, is one that excites him.  

‘I’m delighted and humbled to accept the position of WCSL chairperson,’ McCarthy said.

‘My involvement with schoolboys league football stretches back over ten years and it is an honour to follow in the footsteps of Clonakilty AFC stalwart Paddy McCarthy who held the position with such distinction.

‘Previous incumbent, Dunmanway Town’s Andrew Healy was a superb chairperson and I hope to build on all his great work. I only accepted the role because of the talented and hard-working WCSL committee that is already in place.

‘There are big challenges ahead but we have a thriving underage set-up in West Cork, a highly respected FAI Emerging Talent Programme and most importantly of all, a group of local referees without whom we would not survive.’

McCarthy started playing for Clonakilty AFC at U18 level before graduating to the junior (first team). He lined out for Lyre Rovers for one season before returning to Clon and was part of a squad that won West Cork League Division 2, Division 1 promotion and Beamish Cup honours in consecutive seasons. pNow in his new role as WCSL chairman, he is looking to ensure that West Cork schoolboys’ soccer continues on its upward trajectory.