History of Valley Rangers FC

Valley Rangers was formed in 1980. The first committe was Billy Carr (Chairman), Denis O' Connor (Secretary) and Dave Hickey (Treasurer). They took part in what was known then as the Murphy's League. It consisted of one division and consisted of twelve teams. They played all their home games in Conna Community field. The Murphy's league later became known as the Red House League. Valley have played in this league every year since and also take part in the Munster Junior Cup every year.

Shortly after becoming established in the first division, the Red House League was split into two divisions, so Valley were put into the second division. The following season, they were promoted to the first division via a runners up spot.

Valley became champions in the 82/83 season for the first and only time. The squad that year consisted of Pat Murphy, Matt Harpur (past coach), Joe Hartnett (past underage coach), Maurice Hartnett, Raymond Carr, Noel Carr, Billy Carr, Mike Mangan (past coach), Denis O'Connor, Johnie Lonergan, Kevin Lane, John D. Cottter and Willie Kearney. There were a few dodgy haircuts back then!!

In the following few seasons, Valley were always there or there abouts but in the 93/94 season disaster struck when they were releagated to division two. It took them two seasons to get back up when they were crowned division two champions in the 95/96 season.

In the last few years, Valley have been one of the best teams in the league, but unfortunatly have not won as much as they should. They have been in the top three in the league for the last five years but have always been pipped by near neighbours Brideview United in most competitions. Valley have also lost a few cup finals recently.

This season 00/01 was one of the best teams Valley has produced. Valley took the Munster Junior Cup by storm, beating two fine teams from Waterford, Bohemains and Ferrybank and then going on to beat St John Boscos from Midleton. They then played Coachford who were the top team in the Cork Aul in the last sixteen of Munster Junior Cup and lost out in a replay in Conna before a huge crowd. The first game in Coachford was arguably one of the finest performaces by a Valley team over the years, unlucky to concede a late goal to draw.

Also in the 00/01 season, Valley were represented with three players in the Red House League squad in the Oscar Traynor Cup. Shane Fitzgerald, Shane Kearney and Terence Rumley all played well when losing to the Waterford league and drawing with the Cork AUL. Terence actually scored the equaliser against the Cork AUL. Valley infact should have had a far bigger representation than three on this team!!

The Valley 'B' was set up in '96 by Alan McCarthy. This was set up as there were a lot of players coming up from underage, who wouldn't get a game with the 'A' team, and the 'B' team was the platform from where they could improve their game and develop their qualities. The 'B' team started off in the second division and have remained there since, coming close to promotion twice.

The underage was started up in '91 and without it, there wouldn't be a Valley Rangers now. Nearly everyone in the present adult teams have represented Valley at underage level. Valley have always had good underage teams winning loads of trophys. One of our ex underage players Liam Kearney is now a schoolboy with Nottingham Forest in England and has represented Ireland at U16,17,18. He learned his trade first under the guidance of Sean Twomey with Valley U12's and U14's, before moving on to Fermoy Soccer Club.

Over the years the underage teams has won numerous league championships at all the ages up along as well as winning a few cups also. These teams have had a few coaches but most of them have been coached either by first team player Sean Twomey or former player and coach Matt Harper. Derry O'Leary has also taken control of a few teams as well as current first team manager Brendan Hickey. All these people have to claim credit for the development of all the young players.

That is the history of Valley Rangers to this date. Hopefully a few more cups will arrive in the next few years and we will have a good excuse to celebrate!!