Coughlan consortium has Catalan dream for Cork City

DEVELOPER Tom Coughlan has made a formal bid to take the club out of examinership.

And he plans to use the example of La Liga giants Barcelona as an inspiration.

The club has been put into examinership by owners, private equity investment group Arkaga.

Coughlan has reportedly offered upwards of €1 million to ease the club’s cash crisis, as debts hit €1.3m. He said he envisions a club “shaped by the people of Cork, run by the people of Cork, for the people of Cork”.

“The club will initially be owned by the consortium, but ownership will ultimately transfer to its members, who will become shareholders in the company,” he said. “Our vision is inspired by what has been achieved at Barcelona. We want Cork City to be more than a club. We will work hard to ensure our place at the heart of the community.”