The people of Cork, the second city in the Republic of Ireland, have always had a heightened sense of their own importance. Natives describe it as the "real capital" of the country. When asked where he was from, Roy Keane, Cork's most famous sporting son, always responded: "Cork first, Ireland second." Keane famously once described himself as "Irish by birth, Cork by the grace of God".
Lofty ambition
But now the footballers of Cork City FC are about to put that theory to the test. Damien Richardson's team, newly-crowned Irish champions, say they plan to become the first Irish club to make the UEFA Champions League group stage. A lofty ambition for a side whose chairman is to be found after the game serving fish and chips.
Rare success
Cork's footballers have, up to now, done little to back up their claim of natural supremacy. Founded in 1984, Cork City's title success in 2005 was their first championship win since 1993. Indeed, the Irish title has only been won by a Cork club three times in the last 40 years. Yet City are thinking big. "We're not thinking about the qualifying rounds of the Champions League, we're looking to the group stage and beyond," Cork's chairman Brian Lennox said after the title had been won.
Last-day glory
But it is not just bravado from a club who are still basking in their championship success. That came about with a 2-0 win against their closest rivals Derry City FC on the final day of the season last week, a game Cork needed to win to make sure of the title. There could be more celebrations on the way, as Cork are in the final of the FAI Cup, where they play Drogheda United FC at Lansdowne Road on 4 December. Thousands of City fans, locked out of their final league game against Derry because Cork's 7,500 capacity home of Turner's Cross was sold out a week in advance, are making the trip to Dublin for the final as the club look to complete their first double.
Big crowds
That support is one of the reasons why Cork have a chance to make a real impact. City's average home gate is 4,000, whereas the big Dublin clubs Bohemian FC and Shelbourne FC have a hardcore support of only around 1,000. Cork do not have an Roman Abramovich-type figure bankrolling their team, chairman Lennox makes his living from running a chain of fast-food take-away shops in the city. Reputed to make the best fish and chips in Cork, Lennox is often found behind the counter of one of his shops after a game.
Vietnam invitation
Despite that humble background, there is still glamour attached to the club. "We've had an offer to go to Vietnam for a tour early next year, that doesn't normally happen to Irish clubs," said Richardson. But the sight of 6,000 punters, paying €15 a head, coming through the turnstiles every second Friday offers Cork a financial asset which most other Irish clubs can only dream of.
European dream
Certainly Cork are starting to dream. They are building a new all-seater stand to replace the famous Shed end, and the improved facilities are all part of a higher calling. "The Champions League is where we want to be," said Richardson. "Clubs like FC Thun and [FC] Artmedia have done it, why not Cork City? It could take three or four years, but I can see it happening. It's a case of us getting organised and getting funding in place. But it is a natural progression for a club like us, and it's something that's attainable."
Chequered history
Yet Richardson knows that it could easily go wrong for the club. Less than three years after winning the Premier Division title in 1993, Cork almost went bust and were only saved by some local businessmen. In the past Cork clubs wasted money on short-term, big-name imports - George Best, Uwe Seeler, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore all lined out for sides in the city - and then went bankrupt. Cork FC, Cork Celtic FC, Cork Hibernians FC, Cork Alberts FC and Cork Everton FC all came and went before City formed.
Long-term investment
"We can't let that happen again," said Richardson. "And that's why I won't be spending silly money on players' contracts, I want to put money into training facilities, travel facilities, backroom staff. I want to make sure we have a good club as well as a good team." Talk of new players raised the prospect of Keane lining out for City, the former Ireland captain announced his departure from Manchester United FC on the same day that Cork won the title. "I think he'd struggle to get into our midfield," said Richardson with a smile.
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UEFA team of the week
Originally Posted by Drumcondra Red
Its obviously a massive honour then!!!
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