Emotional supporters caught in the net on fan messageboard

WHILE the High Court deliberated over the fate of Cork City, it was as hectic on the extremely tense fans’ messageboard, ccfcforum.com, the principle meet-and-greet for a lot of the club’s most vociferous supporters.

Normally, traffic like this is reserved for live match updates or the impending transfer in or out of a big name, the only contest worth discussing was Cork City Investments Ltd versus the Revenue Commissioners.

As the 2pm kick-off approached, the tone notably dipped.

shedhead84 was already reminiscing about the “best eight years of my life” while another member, optimus added: “its been a great 20-odd years supporting city.. if were gone then i dont think i could support another club.”

With 10 minutes still on the clock, supporters started posting memorable YouTubes of happier days at the club while supporters of other League of Ireland clubs began to flock in to keep an eye on proceedings.

With nerves steadily rising, paddigol was first to deliver the bad news at 2.44pm: “Game over. Wound up.”

“End of an era, end of a dream,” responded the donieforde while NorthoftheLee wrote: “thanks for the memories... my heart is ****ing broke”.

As comments grew more vitriolic against club chairman Tom Coughlan, site moderator Conor74 waded in to appeal for calm. Although that didn’t exactly have the desired effect as criticism of Coughlan carried on.

Neenan said: “Totally gutted after hearing the news. Expected it all day really. Have great memories of supporting city.”

A Shelbourne supporter Crunchshels offered his support: “Sorry to hear it. Good luck in forming a new club and building it up properly in the A Championship. Obviously we hope to be promoted this season and will miss having no game against Cork.”

kierano, a supporter for 20 years, summed up what it meant to many: “I have made a lot of friends for the last 20 years. We will be back.”

Thoughts then turned to Friday’s Bray Wanderers game on Leeside.

“Why would bray bother coming down,” asked barry87. “If the club is wound up, any points won against city will be wiped off the table so why would bray go to the expense and hassle of coming to cork for nothing.”

Joey’s sweatbands added: “Friday will hopefully be a good send off let’s get people out to show the players how much they meant to us. City till we die!!!”