By Cian O’Connell

Timing is everything in sport. That is especially the case when training and managing teams. Kevin Johnson’s managerial CV includes county titles with Tourlestrane and Ballintubber.

The opportunity to take charge of Corofin arrived last year. Aware that it was going to be somewhat of a transitional spell for the decorated club, Johnson is relishing the adventure.

Having previously coached Salthill-Knocknacarra and Mountbellew-Moylough in Galway, Johnson knows all about Corofin’s pedigree and greatness.

That several emerging players have been introduced during his stint with Corofin brings a degree of satisfaction. A Bon Secours Galway SFC Final against holders Maigh Cuilinn at Pearse Stadium on Sunday is precisely the environment Corofin want to operate in with improving young footballers.

“It is very rewarding when new players come in, they are doing really well, they are learning all of the time,” Johnson days.

“It is a massive part of the challenge, we are delighted to be in a county final, I think we have a really lovely mix at the moment, between the experienced players and the younger lads. It is just to ensure that we try to get a big performance on the day now.”

Expectation is attached to every Corofin outfit. “It was just a massive challenge to come to Corofin,” Johnson acknowledges.

“I'm living in Galway, the challenge of a team like Corofin, who have been very successful in the past was very appealing. I was very fortunate to work with some really good teams in the past too.

"Every team you work with is that little bit different, but when you come into Corofin there is very high expectations, the standards are very high.

“As a coach to come into that, it is a learning environment for me as much as it is for the players. I really thrive on that, I love that, I love challenging myself. When you are surrounded by brilliant coaches and brilliant people in the club, it just makes life so much easier.

“I've embraced it, I've enjoyed the two years so far. When you are working with really good players with high standards it is very enjoyable.”

A post primary schoolteacher at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill, Johnson began his coaching journey young. “You are evolving all the time and learning all of the time,” Johnson explains. “My background was working in schools football and Galway Academy teams, putting a lot of work into that.

“The club game and inter-county game now is so high level, there is high expectations, it is all go. Opposition teams are very strong, that challenge to always be better is there for me. I love that and I embrace that.

“I just think trying to be as good as you can be all of the time and working with really good players is very enjoyable. That is what you have in Corofin, learning all of the time, creating that learning environment.”

Five AIB All-Ireland Club titles have been claimed by Corofin. Silverware has been gleaned, with the style of play lauded.

Maigh Cuilinn and Mountbellew-Moylough have won the last three Galway Championships between them, Corofin haven’t triumphed since 2019. Lifting the Frank Fox Cup, though, is always Corofin’s mission.

“You embrace it straightaway,” Johnson responds. “I came in last year, the underage set-up went on to win an U19 Championship. So it is a fantastic time to come into a club when they have won an U19 Championship.

“It definitely means that you have the quality there to work with, fast forward a year now, three of them are starting regularly. Six or seven got a lot of game time through the league.”

That competition was an important part of the developmental process. “We took the league very seriously this year to try to breed new players,” he adds.

“We feel that we have a really nice blend now, but the league allowed us to give them game time. We tried to allow them find their level in adult football, it is a high level that is very different to underage.

“The league in Galway this year was run really well, we played every second week. These lads got a taste of success by winning the league.”

Suddenly momentum was being generated. “Then it ended up we played the first round of the championship against Salthill, they took on that challenge, played really well which gives massive confidence,” Johnson reflects.

“There is nothing better than seeing younger lads playing with confidence. It is going to be difficult the next day, every day is a learning day, these young lads just brought a breath of fresh air to the group.”

Around Corofin similar views are being expressed about Johnson. A connection has been formed.