Ex-player seeks club winding up over unpaid wage claim

THE High Court has adjourned for one week an order for the winding up of the Cork City Football Club holding company, brought by one of the club’s ex-players who claims he is owed €36,570.

Former Ireland international Gareth Farrelly, with an address at Birkdale, Southport in the north west of England, brought the petition on the grounds the club is insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

Yesterday in the High Court, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy agreed, after being informed both parties had consented to put back the hearing of an order for the winding-up of Cork City Investment FC, with a registered address at Rushbrook, Cobh, Co Cork, for a period of one week.

Midfielder Mr Farrelly said it had been agreed the club would pay him €40,000 in two installments before the end of August and September respectively.

He said the first installment was never paid before August 28 as agreed. Mr Farrelly played for Premier League sides Everton, Bolton and Wigan Athletic. He also played with Bohemians, who he also managed, and Cork City in the Eircom League of Ireland.

Last August, in separate proceedings, an order seeking the winding up of the club brought by the Revenue Commissioners over a debt of €439,000 was struck out by the High Court. Following an 11th hour agreement, the club made a down payment of €210,000 with the remaining €219,000 paid to the Revenue Commissioners some days later.

That agreement came after the High Court had initially made an order winding up the club after the club and Revenue had failed to reach a suitable arrangement over the payment of the debt.