Umeh brothers quickly climbing the Ringmahon wall of fame

A quick kickaround on the Ringmahon Rangers pitch soon brings the memories flooding back to both Franco and Jaden Umeh.

From there it’s just a short walk up the stairs and into the main room of the clubhouse where they find pictures of them wearing the Cork side’s colours hanging on the walls.

Only once did Franco and his younger brother Jaden – there are three years and two months between them – represent the Mahon club in the same fixture, although Ashton School had the benefit of combining their services more often.

They instantly recall one game, a Preston Cup final – a tournament organised by Ringmahon Rangers – defeat to St Joseph's on penalties.

It doesn’t take long for Jaden to remind his older brother that he missed the decisive spot kick that day.

“It happens,” responds Franco before recalling a chance his younger brother squandered in normal time.

“I tried to get an assist, but the fella over here missed. I tried to get an assist but this striker over here is just a littler dosser!” 

They laugh. It’s clear that it’s a close bond the two brothers share, and it is a similar journey in football that they have enjoyed up until this point.

Franco has spearheaded the way given his seniority. His decision to leave Ringmahon to join Cork City was replicated by Jaden when he was presented with the opportunity.

“Yeah 100%, everything he knows is from me,” jokes Franco.

“No, he’s a mature player. He teaches me stuff I don’t know, and I teach him stuff he doesn’t know. It’s a good bond we have, there’s no competition really.” 

It only takes a few seconds for the 18-year-old to backtrack on that last remark.

“Besides the competition between ourselves. He’s trying to score, I’m trying to score. He’s trying to be the best