Horgan: this is my last year with City

CORK CITY stalwart Neal Horgan has confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The popular right back is in his 11th year at the club and will celebrate his testimonial at Turner’s Cross on Saturday in a game that is set to welcome the ever-controversial George O’Callaghan and Irish international Liam Miller (kick off 4.30pm).

Horgan, 29, who has a league, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup medal to his name, will take up a solicitor’s apprenticeship in September and has accepted that he will no longer be able to commit to full-time football.

“I’m delighted that one of the reasons that I am leaving at the end of the year is that Cork City is full time and I’ll be part time. It’s a lovely way to be leaving. I hope that the club stays that way,” Horgan revealed yesterday.

“You need to be here full time. Paul’s training is fantastic, it’s so demanding. If you want to be winning the league, that’s the way it has to be.

“I love the fact that Cork City is full time and I want to see it become a place that encourages education of its players. I know Tom is looking at that, to be fair to him.

“I’m leaving Cork City with a whole range of plusses and there’s still half a season to play.”

A percentage of the proceeds from Saturday’s friendly will be donated to Marymount Hospice but Horgan is also keen for it to be a celebration of Cork soccer.

“From my point of view, it’s going to be like a reunion for players. It’s good timing because we have a two-week break after the Dundalk game.”