City celebrate league win in style

At the start of the season, Cork City were not favourites to go up, but after a superb campaign masterminded by manager Colin Healy, the club finished the league with a 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers at Turner’s Cross.

Cork City paraded the SSE Airtricity First Division cup in front of 5,507 at Turner's Cross on Friday night and go into next season with a sense of real positivity.

City beat the Wicklow club with goals from Barry Coffey and Ruairí Keating while goalkeeper Mark McNulty made his 482nd and final appearance for the Rebel Army.

Cork City finished top of the table on 68 points with only 4 losses, one of which came recently when the title was secured. Waterford United finished in second with Galway United in third; they both face playoff ties against Premier Division opposition.

Cobh Ramblers, meanwhile, finished bottom of the table but did appoint the former Dundalk, Galway United and Wexford Youths manager Shane Keegan during the summer until the end of the 2023 season. City can plan for a season back in the top flight, returning for the first time since 2020.

Under Healy, City have played excellent football with a hard-working young team that have attracted big crowds to Turner’s Cross. Captain Cian Coleman and Ally Gilchrist have provided steel at the back, along with the very promising goalkeeper David Harrington, who English Premier League side Everton are reported to be interested in. Former Celtic midfielder Barry Coffey has been a key signing, joining the team on a free transfer during the season.

Earlier this month, Cork City FC secured the use of Turner's Cross for the next 20 years after agreeing a deal with the Munster FA.

This agreement gives City certainty and allows use of the stadium for both League of Ireland and Women’s National League fixtures.

It means City has secured its home ground for the long-term for the first time in the club's history.