EVAN McLAUGHLIN admits his first move from Derry — to Coleraine on loan — was handy.
But he reckons he has learned much more from joining Cork City, prompting him to hang around at Turner’s Cross.
McLaughlin joined the Leesiders last season and helped them immediately return to the top flight.
But he could not have picked a place further from home to be a full-time footballer in Ireland.
He sighed: “It’s tough just to get home to see my mam and dad.
“They’ve only been down twice — 6½ hours is a long journey. You can’t fly anymore.
“There was a flight from Derry to Cork but they don’t do it anymore for whatever reason.
“But I’m halfway there once I get to Dublin. Then Dublin to Belfast is a straight road.
“Most of our games will be in Dublin this year so it won’t be as bad.
“Tim Clancy was very good with me in regards to going home. He would give me an extra day off if I needed it.
“It takes half a day to get there as it is!
“There were some times I was going and I was nearly coming back once I got there.
“But Tim was brilliant with the distance. Personally I needed a change because I always lived and played in Derry.
“I thought moving away from home and playing for a big club like Cork City would help me.
“Last year matured me, living away from home and not having home comforts. My ma wasn’t folding my washing.
“I’d only been to Coleraine, which is 30 minutes away from the house.
“I live in a house with two others in Cork. Seán Murray does the cooking. He’s older and has children so has that in him.
“I’d do my own cooking. Coco Pops and whatever cereal is there!”
SEASON GOALS
The 22-year-old is hoping to shake off a hamstring injury to be fit in time for their league opener against Galway United in a fortnight.
While Seani Maguire has targeted a top-half finish, McLaughlin is adopting a safety-first approach.
And the Derryman believes Maguire and strike partner Ruairí Keating can help them survive.
He said: “Staying up is the priority and whatever happens after that is a bonus.
“They went straight back down after they got promoted last time.
“It’s a big help when there’s two goalscorers.”
