O'Connor back on Leeside

Local boy Shane O’Connor became the latest player to sign for Cork City on Thursday morning and the left-sided star’s main aim is to impress so much in the League of Ireland that he will earn a swift return cross-channel.

O’Connor, capped at U21 level by the Republic of Ireland, was released by Ipswich Town last month and despite offers from Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk the 21 year-old has decided to return to Leeside.

“I suppose everybody wants to play for their hometown club but obviously me being away meant I never got to play, I missed out on that.

“I had other offers in the left-back area but I’m not the biggest lad in the world.

“Left-midfield has always been my favourite position and the opportunity to play there was what really swung it for me.”

O’Connor, of course, joined Colin Healy by moving from Portman Road back to Cork this week and the youngster admits Healy had a big influence on him picking Tommy Dunne’s side.

“I would know some of the players here,” he said. “I played with Gearóid Morrissey at international level and obviously played with Colin Healy at Ipswich, and Colin was a big influence on my decision to sign here.”

 “I am happy to be back and I want to do well and help the club to more success but at the end of the say I hope to get back to England and prove a few of the doubters wrong.”

City boss Dunne also confirmed that Vinny Sullivan and Jamie Murphy have both signed back with the club for the coming season, though Derek O’Brien is unlikely to sign a new contract.

“I’m delighted that Vinny has signed back with us for the coming season,” Dunne said. “He did well for us last season, and continuity is important. His work rate is excellent, he’s a good trainer and a good lad around the dressing room too.

“He’s also a player with a lot of experience, and we are delighted to have him back.

“Jamie is another young Cork player. I think he had a bit of a rude awakening last year in terms of the demands of training and playing at senior level, and I think he has learned from that.

“He is left-footed, he is quick, he can score goals and he has impressed in pre-season training. “

Meanwhile, it was also announced this morning that Clonakilty Black Pudding are the club’s new shirt sponsor, signing a three-year deal.

The club’s CEO, Timmy Murphy, said: “As a club the recruitment of a new premier partner is of the utmost significance. To have secured a new sponsorship partner from Cork is an added bonus.

“It is fair to say everyone is aware of how the Clonakilty brand and business has grown and developed over the last number of years and certainly as a club we are looking forward to a productive relationship with Clonakilty Food Company over the next three years and into the future.”

Cork City’s new home and away kits, manufactured by Umbro, will be released before the end of February.