Jess Lawton to Depart Cork City FC

Cork City FC can confirm that Jess Lawton will step down as Women’s Under 19 manager following her side’s final game of the season this weekend.

Jess, who has been with the club since 2018, has managed the Under 19s this season, having previously also had spells as Under 17 manager and interim first team manager.

Commenting on the news, City’s Chief Operating Officer, Éanna Buckley, said: “Jess has made an enormous contribution to this football club in her time here. The level of commitment she made to her various roles within the club has been absolutely phenomenal, and she has made a lasting impact on both the club and the players she has managed. The areas of the club she worked in are the better for her having been part of them, and I know there are countless players who will be very thankful for her role in their development. Over the last few years, it has been a key priority to fully integrate the women’s teams into the club, and Jess has played a key role in that process. She leaves with our thanks and appreciation for everything she has done, and will always be welcome back at Cork City.”

Danny Murphy, Head of Women’s Football at the club, said: “Jess has been absolutely brilliant for this club. There were times where she did far more than she should ever have been asked to do, and she always stepped up when the club and the players needed her to do so. She has been an integral part of what we have done at the club, and she has been a huge influence across all three teams on the women’s side of the club. She has gone above and beyond for the club on numerous occasions, and we wish her the very best for the future.”

Speaking after informing the club of her decision to step down, Jess commented: “I have absolutely loved my time at Cork City and am sad that it is coming to an end, but I feel that now is the right time for me to move on.  I will look back on my time with the club with a huge amount of pride and there are some great memories that I will always cherish. Most important of all, to me, is that I would like to think that I have been a positive influence on the development of players and that I have helped them to progress in their sporting careers, and as people. I wish the players, the staff and the club the very best of luck for the future, and I will remain a huge fan of the club.”