Cork City Aims for Stability After FAI Cup Final Loss

Cork City manager Ger Nash is strategizing to halt the club’s cycle of relegation and promotion following a disappointing loss in the FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers. The match, held on October 15, 2023, saw Cork City reduced to ten men after Harry Nevin received a red card just before half-time. Despite a strong effort, the team succumbed to a late rally from the Rovers, who secured a double with two goals from Rory Gaffney.

Reflecting on the match, Nash praised his players for their dedication, stating, “They gave everything, they kept going and I’m proud of their effort.” He acknowledged the achievement of Shamrock Rovers while emphasizing the need for Cork City to establish a consistent presence in the Premier Division. “I’ve lost count of the amount of times people in the game in Ireland say they want Cork City to be a thriving Premier Division club. That’s what we have to try and attain.”

The club’s recent history has seen it fluctuate between the Premier and First Division. Nash expressed his desire to create a solid foundation, stating, “The club has yo-yoed for so long. I do think that trying to form an identity… where we can grow as a squad is really difficult.” He is focused on securing long-term contracts for key players to help stabilize the team.

Nash highlighted the importance of retaining talent, noting that several young players, including Conor Brann and Matthew Murray, have already signed extended contracts. He also mentioned experienced players such as Seani Maguire and Ruairí Keating as critical components of the club’s future. “I think we need a nucleus that will bring the club forward,” he said.

As Cork City prepares for the upcoming season, Nash confirmed that Brann, Fiacre Kelleher, Rory Feely, Darragh Crowley, and Maguire are under contract. However, the team will lose defender Freddie Anderson, whose loan from Stoke City has ended. Nash acknowledged that Alex Nolan is attracting interest from multiple Premier Division clubs, including Sligo Rovers. “I wish him well because he’s been a really good player to work with,” he remarked, noting that Nolan’s departure is likely.

The financial implications of the cup final loss were significant, as victory would have secured a €700,000 UEFA windfall, which Nash indicated would have eased the club’s financial pressures. “It’s probably easy to re-sign players if you’re in Europe,” he explained. “The club has been back to the situation (relegation) a number of times, too many times in the last half a dozen years.”

Nash also commented on the pivotal moment of Nevin’s red card, stating, “Often, key moments in games change the outcome.” He plans to review the incident in detail but emphasized that it altered the team’s strategy. “We went in at 0-0, which we would have been pleased about,” he reflected. “If the game was as it was, in the 60-odd minute where it’s 0-0, we’ve got people we can turn to who might be able to help us win the game.”

Despite the disappointment of the cup final, Nash remains committed to building a stronger Cork City. With long-term planning and a focus on stability, he hopes to steer the club towards a more consistent future in the Premier Division.