Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson and Women’s National Team Head Coach Carla Ward paid a special visit to Midleton FC earlier this week to formally recognise the club's outstanding achievement in attaining the FAI Club Mark Two-Star award.

This prestigious award places Midleton FC in elite company, making them one of only two clubs in all of Cork to have reached this significant milestone. The FAI Club Mark Two-Star status moves beyond entry-level criteria, focusing on clubs that have demonstrated exceptional standards in their development structures and have successfully embedded themselves at the very heart of their local community.

Midleton FC has made incredible strides in recent years, becoming a central pillar of its community by providing high-quality football opportunities for players of all ages and abilities across both the men's and women's game.

The visit was made possible as both coaches were in Cork to support the delivery of the latest FAI Pro Licence course. Taking time out of their schedule, Hallgrímsson and Ward wanted to personally congratulate the club on its success.

The highlight of the day was a surprise visit to the club’s Under-12 boys’ and Under-16 girls’ training sessions. The young players were thrilled to meet the senior international managers, who took the time to pass on top tips for a career in football, answer questions, and pose for photos, creating a memorable experience for the next generation of talent at the club.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Hallgrímsson and Ward to meet with the dedicated club representatives and volunteers whose tireless work behind the scenes is the driving force behind the club's continued progress and success.

The event underscored the FAI’s commitment to recognising excellence at the grassroots level and highlighted the strong, tangible connection between the club game and our senior international teams.