There is a quaint little pub and eatery, nestled in a semi-residential neighborhood, where men and women gather at the end of a day to talk of sport and life. Where the friendliness of the waitstaff is surpassed only by their unbridled professionalism, and where the spirits run uncompromisingly divine. But I'm not here to talk about Electric in Cork. I'm here to talk about Connor's.
The first major sponsor of the fledgling club, Connor's has seen us grow from a tiny shamrock to the giant oak we are today. They've seen us at our best and our worst. And some of us, worse than that.
In addition to supporting our nutritional holidays, Connor's boasts a league team that has a rich history in this club. The team was in fact known as the darlings of the league - and its members would surely like to reclaim that title. With a couple of championships under their belts from previous years, the Maroon 5 (plus or minus 15) are building on very solid veteran leadership to forge a bridge back to the past. The Man Who Could Coach Anything, Brien Shoemaker, has put together a combination of slick talent and youthful ambition for 2012 in order to reach that goal.
It's anyone's championship in July, and this Connor's squad is ready to make their claim. Whether you play for or against them, it's hard not to be enamoured with the legend
of Connor's Pub, and appreciate the success this team has as success for the club in general. The truth is, Connor's will for many of us always have a place in our hearts.
And livers.