Win, lose or draw I know how lucky I am

YOUTH WORKER CIARA IS GRATEFUL FOR THE RESPITE HER BELOVED CORK BRINGS

- MICHAEL SCULLY

CLIFTONVILLE v CORK CITY

PLAYING for Cork City has brought some extremes over the past nine years for Ciara McNamara but the day job ensures football is kept firmly in perspective.

Already a City veteran, the 27-year-old is a youth worker. She is based in Mallow but is about to move to a community-based organisation in The Glen on Cork's northside which is closer to home.

McNamara works with those who have fallen out of education for whatever reason, links in with social workers and helps to point people in the right direction if they have addiction issues or require therapy and counselling.

Having volunteered with Jigsaw for four years, she has learned a lot about helping young people deal with mental health issues.