FORAS get the wheels in motion
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
FORAS are stepping up their preparations for their first season in League of Ireland football after confirming Tommy Dunne as first-team manager.
The trust now has to appoint a doctor and physio. League of Ireland director Fran Gavin confirmed that he will meet members of the FORAS board of management and they will be present at the season launch on Friday February 26.
Some good news for the new club, who have yet to confirm the teams name for the coming season, is that playmaker George O’Callaghan has declared his availability to play for them.
The main disadvantage though, is the lack of time available for the team to gel and they could struggle early-on, particularly starting away to Derry City, who have shaped a strong squad following their explusion from the league last year.
Off the field, Kevin Mullen has been appointed as general manager. He previously held the position of Director of Operations at Cork City FC.
“I am delighted that FORAS have given me the opportunity to assist them in their initial success. Without a doubt this will prove to be a challenging, however very rewarding time, as we prepare for the 2010 season,” said Mullen.
“With my vast commercial experience gained over the last 15 years, I sincerely hope my endeavours will prove worthwhile in putting football in this fantastic city firmly back on the map.
“I have an open door policy and people are welcome to call, email or meet with me in person to discuss suggestions and any assistance they may be able to offer the club.
“Commercially, it is fundamental that we seek the support of Cork’s business community immediately, and I look forward to working with all supporters and stakeholders of the club in the coming weeks and beyond.”
Eanna Buckley, who was Cork City FC’s media officer, has also been appointed as Club Administrator and he should be able to provide some much-needed order as he had served The Leesiders since 2006.
But the big appointment for the new club is that of Dunne as first-team manager. He previously worked as assistant manager with Cork City FC, so he knows what to expect and where to go to recruit local players.
"It’s a job I would always have liked and I’m delighted to take it on," said Dunne.
"Last year was an enjoyable year for me even though there were problems with the club. I’ve enjoyed being in Cork, the people, and playing in Turner’s Cross and the atmosphere there. It’s an exciting job and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
The trust now has to appoint a doctor and physio. League of Ireland director Fran Gavin confirmed that he will meet members of the FORAS board of management and they will be present at the season launch on Friday February 26.
Some good news for the new club, who have yet to confirm the teams name for the coming season, is that playmaker George O’Callaghan has declared his availability to play for them.
The main disadvantage though, is the lack of time available for the team to gel and they could struggle early-on, particularly starting away to Derry City, who have shaped a strong squad following their explusion from the league last year.
Off the field, Kevin Mullen has been appointed as general manager. He previously held the position of Director of Operations at Cork City FC.
“I am delighted that FORAS have given me the opportunity to assist them in their initial success. Without a doubt this will prove to be a challenging, however very rewarding time, as we prepare for the 2010 season,” said Mullen.
“With my vast commercial experience gained over the last 15 years, I sincerely hope my endeavours will prove worthwhile in putting football in this fantastic city firmly back on the map.
“I have an open door policy and people are welcome to call, email or meet with me in person to discuss suggestions and any assistance they may be able to offer the club.
“Commercially, it is fundamental that we seek the support of Cork’s business community immediately, and I look forward to working with all supporters and stakeholders of the club in the coming weeks and beyond.”
Eanna Buckley, who was Cork City FC’s media officer, has also been appointed as Club Administrator and he should be able to provide some much-needed order as he had served The Leesiders since 2006.
But the big appointment for the new club is that of Dunne as first-team manager. He previously worked as assistant manager with Cork City FC, so he knows what to expect and where to go to recruit local players.
"It’s a job I would always have liked and I’m delighted to take it on," said Dunne.
"Last year was an enjoyable year for me even though there were problems with the club. I’ve enjoyed being in Cork, the people, and playing in Turner’s Cross and the atmosphere there. It’s an exciting job and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile