This is a powerful, inspirational story.
It’s the story of a club that was on its knees. It’s the story of fans who refused to see it go under. The story of a rise, an unprecedented rise that has taken Cork City from liquidation the whole way to beating quite possibly the greatest side in League of Ireland history on the biggest day.
John Caulfield masterminded Cork’s first FAI Cup success since 2007 with an unbelievable victory over Dundalk in the final at the Aviva when Sean Maguire’s deflected effort won the cup with just seconds remaining of extra time.
Only five years ago, Cork won the First Division as their rise began thanks to the work of FORAS Supporters Trust who brought the club back from the brink of extinction and lit the fire on the banks of the Lee once more.
Since then, the club have scaled different heights, reaching Europe, daring to dream of another league title and, finally, they’ve hit the big time again.
For Dundalk, it was a cruel blow. Stephen Kenny’s men just got back on Friday from a Europa League match in Russia and were then subjected to 120 minutes of final action in front of 26,000 people. You feel for the club, for perhaps not being given a helping hand from the FAI with regards to the fixture scheduling considering how much they’ve done for football in this country but no-one by nobody is begrudging Cork their 120th minute victory.
And the final whistle was simply moving.
This has been an incredible journey and, now, those dark days are behind them.
Unbelievable scenes.
Cork City are the FAI Cup champions! pic.twitter.com/MtXgo3oYw8— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 6, 2016
