If the Cairde Chorcaí project succeeds in engaging the masses, as well as the classes, then Cork could finally be the force they should be, says John Coleman.

Stephen O’Brien says expats in Chicago responded positively to the delegation of Cork players past and present who visited the American city last year to “test the water” for the new Cork GAA fundraising group, Cairde Chorcaí.

Ted Owens, chair of new Cork GAA fundraising body Cairde Chorcaí, says the organisation will work with the Cork County Board to help with team costs that are becoming “unsustainable”.