Actress Jessica Lawlor, girlfriend of Aston Villa star and Cobh native Stephen Ireland, was finally revealed as their coach after days of fevered speculation.
Jessica, a native of Birmingham who moved to Carrigaline at age 13, was introduced to the Ballinora community yesterday, following a meeting with her new team. There was a carnival atmosphere from lunchtime yesterday as hundreds came out in force to welcome the new arrival.
Jessica will pit her wits against celebrities like Calum Best, son of legendary footballer George; Paddy Doherty, the star of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding; Pippa O’Connor and Brian Ormond; and Mary Byrne, the former X-Factor finalist, and model Roz Purcell.

Tim Twomey, Denis O’Neill and Michael Twohig have officially handed over the team reins and Jessica will take her first training session on August 8.
The players were downhearted after a defeat by St Michael’s in the Premier Intermediate County Championship on Saturday night but were lifted by the wonderful response by the community on Sunday, according to John Brosnan, who is liaising with the Celebrity Bainisteoir crew.
He told the Evening Echo: “The gloom was certainly lifted when the community showed how much the players meant to them.
“It is all systems go now and Ballinora will be able to show our great community spirit.”