Cork to rake in minimum Euro windfall of €800,000

EUROPE’S value to League of Ireland clubs in an era of meagre domestic prize-money has once again been highlighted, with UEFA confirming that Cork City are guaranteed €800,000 before they kick a ball in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers next month.

Should they lose that tie, a back-door route into the Europa League stage will add €260,000 to the automatic €280,000 originally awarded.

Another €260,000 is forthcoming as a solidarity payment to all domestic title winners that fail to reach the Champions League group stage.

Dundalk, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers will each bank a minimum €240,000 for participating in the first round of the Europa League.

BOLSTER

Meanwhile, Liam Buckley will be handed funds to bolster his St Patrick’s Athletic squad in the upcoming transfer window after losing Christy Fagan and Owen Garvan for the rest of the campaign.

Fagan suffered a serious knee injury in training on Monday while Garvan has left the club by mutual consent less than a year on from joining upon his return from England.

Ex-Saint Chris Forrester is also on the move. He has penned a three-year contract with Aberdeen after his spell at Peterborough soured last season.

David Meyler will link up with his former Hull City and Ireland team-mate Paul McShane at Reading next season after securing a two-year contract with the Championship club, who hope to complete the signing of John O’Shea shortly.

Liam Kelly, whose commitment to the Irish cause remains uncertain, is also in the Royals’ first-team squad but Stephen Quinn was recently released after an injury-plagued season.