CORK CITY WILL GET BACK ON TOP

THESE are tough times for Cork City.

But as anyone that has had the privilege to work for Ireland’s biggest club knows, form is temporary and class is permanent.

Four years ago next week, Cork City were champions (see below).

It was one half of a memorable, all-conquering double-winning season.

It is heartbreaking that last Friday’s drab 0-0 draw at the Carlisle Grounds meant that, incredibly, Cork haven’t even made the play-offs to get back to where they belong.

However, what makes Cork special are the fans.

They need to find their voice again, unite

Club

Look at the EA Sports underage league semifinals. Only one club has made the semi-final draw in all age groups — Cork City.

Don’t give up on this great club because it won’t be long before they are back not just in the Premier Division, but back winning the big trophies.

I’D SAY Waterford and Finn Harps are so angry that Guinea pig-gate means Dundalk have a huge advantage of the opportunity to get points on the board this weekend.

Hats off to Vinny Perth for now going five games unbeaten, after that disaster against Longford and then losing in Sligo.

However, it’s fantastic to see the great Neil Farrugia back in action.

But I’ve got a feeling that this might be close. Richie Towell is back at Oriel Park and that means I think Rovers will nick it.

I DON’T blame Mark Scanlon for Guinea pig-gate. Talk to the top managers and he is in constant contact, trying to help and doing a fantastic job. However, how often do I have to demand that we need a manager of the month as well as a player of the month?

If Mark wants to give me a call, I’ll even sponsor it!

WHAT fiasco.

‘Guinea pig-gate’ just shows how low down the pecking order our top professional league is.

I have great time and respect for Jim Crawford, but his extraordinary attack on John Caulfield has astonished me. John only heard ab out Galway’s young superstar of the future Alex Murphy’s callup into the Irish Under-21s ‘Plan B’ squad when the club received an email from the FAI.

AN absolute

and realise that the big advantage Cork City have over other clubs is not just their incredible supporters and the way that the team matters so much in Cork, a way Dublin clubs can only dream about, but also that per capita Cork produces more talent than any place I have ever seen. IT’S BARKING mad announcing this week the semi-final dates and venues for the FAI Cup. This competition must be so unimportant to some people that they don’t even play the last-four games on neutral grounds. More second-rate thinking. Both games should be at the Aviva. DERRY City announcing pre-contract agreements now. Fair play to Michael Duffy for his professionalism, but who do Dundalk face last? Derry City. LOVE George Hamilton. His extraordinary commentary ability is a gift to the nation. TO BIG international fixtures, such as the Portugal game, where King George isn’t given the mic. SPOTLIGHT: Galway’s rising star Alex Murphy; (left) Caulfield and Crawford