City star O’Callaghan rests easy ahead of club’s crunch encounter

THE fans may be gripped with title fever but one Cork City soccer star was taking it all “lying down” yesterday - perhaps even dreaming of clinching the league title.

Midfield ace George O’Callaghan took time out ahead of tonight’s crunch League of Ireland decider against Derry City to launch a new furniture store in Blackpool called LIFE (Living Ideas For Everyone).

And he even found time to try out one of their plush new beds.

But he won’t be taking it easy at Turner’s Cross tonight.

His team goes into battle with 71 points - one behind Derry.

Nothing short of a win will do if Cork City are to clinch their first league title in 13 years.

George said the time for talk is over and it’s time to deliver.

“This is a great position for us to be in and Brian Lennox said some time back to just shut our mouths and go out and win some silverware for a change,” he said.

The match will be played in front of a capacity 7,500 Cork fans. It will be an emotional night as they say goodbye to the famous Shed, which is to be replaced with a 2,000-seat stand. The Derry squad arrived at the Rochestown Park Hotel last night. Over 500 Candystripe fans are expected in the ‘Cross later. Cork City’s “First Lady”, Noelle Feeney, who will be featured in RTE1’s When Dreams Come True on Sunday night, said she plans to watch the show with her family in the Evergreen Bar with the league trophy by her side. She was chosen to feature in the show because of her work for the club.

Gardaí warned motorists that parking restrictions will be in place around Turner’s Cross tonight.

They urged supporters to use the nearby Black Ash park and ride which will stay open until after the game.

Meanwhile, LIFE’s owner, Andrew Creighton, accused furniture retailers of “enjoying excessive margins.” He said his business is designed to tackle the rip-off mentality.

* Cork City v Derry City, is live on RTÉ2 tonight. Kick-off 7.45pm.