However they got here, Cork City’s nightmare is real

Cork City’s descent has been as rapid as it has inexplicable but until the club has achieved safe distance from this looming iceberg, such inquisitions are best parked.

AVOIDING TROUBLE: Cork City midfielder Henry Ochieng shields possession from Patrick McEleney of Dundalk during Tuesday's Premier Division clash at Turner's Cross. 

If most things around ghostly Turner’s Cross on Tuesday night felt surreal, the plight of its tenants, Cork City, is desperate for its authenticity. The numbers don’t lie. Ten defeats from 15 games, the latest against champions Dundalk delivering some persuasive characteristics a new manager like Colin Healy would demand – but also the troubling traits one expects of a side rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division.

Cork City has three games left to extricate themselves from a relegation straitjacket and unless Healy can effect a startling metamorphosis in the next few weeks, the great escape will come via a play off against a promotion candidate from the first division – if at all.