GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 16: A general view of Celtic fans during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on March 16, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic FC vs Cork City – Pre-Season Match Report & Commentary
Friendly Match – Tuesday, 8 July 2025
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork
Celtic 2
(McCowan 27’, Donovan 87’)
Cork City 1
(Murray 66’)
It was a brilliant sunny afternoon at the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium in Cork, where Celtic edged Cork City 2-1 to claim not only a second pre-season victory, but also the Super Cork Cup. I’ll admit, this was mainly another run-out to see how the Bhoys are shaping up after the summer break—and I tell you what, they managed pretty well.
Before diving into the match itself, a quick word on Celtic’s transfer activity: we have needed a striker to replace one and we’re about to get a new Bhoy through the door. Not a big name as some were hoping for, but Shin Yamada may do well for us just the same.
Yamada, a Japanese striker with a sharp eye for goal, is especially known for his penalty-box movement, anticipation, and quick reactions. With 25 goals in 85 J1 League appearances, he’s not exactly on Kyogo’s level, but if he can fit into Brendan Rodgers system there’s no telling how good he could be.
Back to the game: the Bhoys came out firing, pressing Cork City from the first whistle. This match was another chance to test out the squad, identify any weaknesses, and build fitness. Brendan Rodgers was fully dialled in—analysing, adjusting, and working through fresh tactical plans. It certainly feels like he’s brewing something new, and I think we’re starting to see the early shape of it.
Celtic were hunting for the opener from the get-go. In the 12th minute, Ben Summers slid the ball through to James Forrest, who had a great chance, only to be denied by Cork keeper David Odumosu. As I always say, Celtic create the chances—we just need to finish them with that extra bit of polish. Forrest had another go in the 20th minute, but again, Odumosu was equal to it.
Despite the pressure, Cork nearly struck on the counter in the 15th minute, but Ross Doohan made a cracking save to keep it level. Let me say this again—Celtic need to stay alert at all times. It doesn’t matter if the opposition are underdogs. We’ve been stung before—remember that shocker against St Johnstone?
The breakthrough finally came in the 27th minute.
Luke McCowan slipped through the defence and finished with real composure to make it 1-0. Luke has a lot to offer us this season, and it is good to see him starting these pre-season games. He will be a big performer for us.
The first half ended 1-0 to the Bhoys. I thought we’d push on and maybe see a second or third after the break.
Rodgers made wholesale changes at the half—just as he did against Queen’s Park on 4 July—bringing on a new-look, youthful Celtic side: Doohan, Frame, McPherson, Robertson, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley, Welsh, Osmand and Montgomery. I thought the young team did well—not perfect, not dazzling, but solid. They’ve got a bit to learn yet, especially tactically, but the raw promise is there.
The second half began with more Celtic dominance, even with the reshuffled XI. But what I feared happened—Cork City, hungry for a goal, found one in the 66th minute. As I always say, one lapse in concentration, one missed tackle, and we’re punished. We had chances earlier to double the lead, and we didn’t take them. That’s football.
Still, Celtic kept pushing for a late winner. In the 80th minute we came close again—Odumosu, once more, proving difficult to beat. But in the 87th minute, the moment arrived. Mitchell Robertson laid it off to Donovan, fresh and full of energy, and he nodded it in brilliantly to make it 2-1.
Game, set, and Super Cork Cup.
It was a cracking way to finish—and not just for the sake of the result. The atmosphere was great. The crowd, the sunshine, the colours—green, white, and gold everywhere. Young fans pouring onto the pitch to greet the team… magical stuff. Not quite Celtic Park, of course, but still unforgettable for those who were there to enjoy it.
At full time I was buzzing. Because that’s what Celtic does to me. Just watching them play and win makes my heart happy and the Bhoys delivered, and now we look ahead to the next challenge—an intense training camp in Portugal and more pre-season action. Fingers crossed for another win.
Come on Celtic!
CELTIC: Sinisalo, Trusty, McCowan, Kenny, Inamura, Engels, Summers, McGregor, Murray, Forrest, Donovan.
Subs: Doohan (GK), Clarke (GK, Rice (GK), Osmand, Montgomery, Frame, McPherson, Robertson, Ure, McArdle, Hatton, Turley, Welsh, Isiguzo.
Paulina, I admire your enthusiasm, but the game in Cork was fairly mundane, boring even, and I eventually lost interest, I think most of the players did too, for there was not a lot to get excited about. The pitch invasion at the end wasn’t great either and it should not be encouraged. there was no trophy presentation because of it. Like you though, I am looking forward to the games still to come, starting tomorrow morning.
Things can only get better and I suppose we are on a winning streak. 🙂
Glad ya had a pure fab time in The Rebel County Paulina…
And loads of other fellow Celtic supporters by the look of it !