€750,000 sponsorship and Fenn for Cork City

CORK CITY last night announced the signing of Neale Fenn and new sponsorship contracts worth an accumulated €750,000 over four years.

Fenn, the 26-year-old former Spurs and Peterborough forward, joined Waterford mid-way through last season and scored five goals in the eircom League.

His mother was Margaret McCarthy from Bere Island, Co Cork. Fenn, who was born in Edmonton, London, recalled holidaying on the Island where he still has relatives.

Several Dublin clubs were also chasing his signature and he explained why he preferred to sign a three-years contract for Cork: “I was influenced by Cork manager Pat Dolan and centre-forward John O’Flynn, and their obvious pride in the club.

“I played with John at Peterborough when Dan Murray, another Cork player, was also there and Cork strike me as a very ambitious club.

“They are also in Europe next season and I have never played in European competition. When you add it all together it seemed like the right move for me.”

Cork chairman Brian Lennox announced a new sponsorship deal with Nissan whose logo will occupy the primary position on Cork shirts over the next four seasons.

Guinness, who have been Cork City sponsors throughout their 20-year history, will continue that association. Their logo will be carried on Cork’s shorts.

Finally, Mr Lennox, said they had concluded a new deal with Irish gear manufacturers, O'Neill's, who will dress all of City’s teams over the next four years.

Paul O’Sullivan, Marketing Director of Nissan, said his company had sponsored the Nissan cycling classic and the Nissan Irish Golf open, and their incursion into football was an acknowledgement of the professionalism and ambition of Cork City.

Cormac Farrell, O’Neill’s, said his company intended to open a sales office and a distribution centre in Cork.

“We see our association with Cork City as being of huge benefit and I am confident we can only prosper together.”

Cork City manager Pat Dolan said: “Today’s advances are further evidence of our determination to build Cork City into the biggest club in the country.

“For success you need the correct attitude, the correct work ethic and professionalism, and Neale Fenn and our sponsors are synonymous with that.”