Cork City 1-2 Celtic
Colby Donovan of Celtic celebrates their goal to make it 1-2 Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 July 2025. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock
A few days later, Rodgers’ side headed to Ireland on 8 July, taking on Cork City. The match offered younger players and fringe squad members valuable minutes, while also securing some early silverware for the resident Irish fans and the travelling support.
Teenager Colby Donovan was the unlikely hero as Celtic edged the game 2–1 to lift the inaugural Cork Super Cup before 26,000 fans. Luke McCowan opened the scoring with a superb first‑half strike, but a mix‑up at the back allowed Cork to equalise.
With Stephen Welsh forced off injured, Donovan—who started at right‑back, was withdrawn at halftime, then reintroduced at centre‑back—rose highest to head home a late winner from Mitchell Robertson’s knock‑down.
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