Barry has silverware in his sights
TURNER’S Cross may be a considerable upgrade on Bridgewater Centre Park but it will be scant consolation to Aaron Barry if he doesn’t win a few medals to show for his time at Cork City.
The Arklow man hasn’t missed a second of Cork City’s league campaign yet having joined in the off-season from Derry City. Alan Bennett was his partner at the heart of John Caulfield’s defence to begin with but in recent times, it has been Sean McLoughlin and the 25-year old knows he won’t be guaranteed a starting place unless he maintains his performance levels.
“It’s going well. I’ve made a solid start. Top of the league and the President’s Cup under our belt as well. The lads have made it really easy to settle in and I would’ve known all the lads quite well from playing against them so many times. I think I’ve settled in well and cemented my position and I’m getting more solid as each game goes by. Good start.
“I’ve played every minute. I’m doing well and that’s what I came here to do. Hopefully we keep winning and that’s what I’m here for.
“There’s more competition now! Sean (McLoughlin) has come in and done well and Conor (McCarthy) has come in and done well. I’ve played every minute so far though as I’ve said and all I can do is focus on myself and I think I’ve done very well so far and settled in well.”
Former Sheffield United starlet Barry has also been blown away by playing at Turner’s Cross, where he will remain until the end of the 2019 campaign. If he doesn’t add to his silverware collection though - currently consisting of an FAI Cup runners-up medal - he will consider his time on Leeside a failure.
“For our first league game I think there was 6,000 and we’ve had a couple of Monday night games and we’re still getting around 4,500. It’s brilliant and it’s definitely a step-up. It’s the highest step you can get to in the League of Ireland. It gives you that extra push that you need at times. I’ve been really taken aback by the fans and long may it continue.
“I’m here now and I’m ready to win things. That’s how I’ll measure the success of the move. You can play all the football you want but in my mind, we won’t be successful unless we win leagues and cups.”