Cork City legend Derek Coughlan appointed as new Women's manager

New City boss Derek Coughlan. Pic: Larry Cummins

Derek Coughlan has been appointed as the new Cork City Women’s first-team manager.

Coughlan replaces Barry Ryan, who stepped down last month with the club currently occupying bottom spot and winless so far this campaign.

Coughlan had a long association with the club as a player, making over 130 appearances in two spells at the club, famously scoring the winner in the 1998 FAI Cup final. 

In his time at City, he completed a clean sweep of domestic honours, adding the League Cup (1998) and the 2005 Premier Division title to that FAI Cup triumph. 

Capped up to under-21 level by the Republic of Ireland during his time at City, Coughlan was inducted into the club’s hall of fame in 2010.

Since retiring as a player, Coughlan has held a number of roles in football including a development position at the FAI. 

More recently, he managed the club’s women’s under-17 side in 2025, leading them to a league final, where they narrowly lost out to Shamrock Rovers at the Athlone Town Stadium.

It has also been confirmed that Raúl Naranjo Mateos will join Derek’s backroom staff as first-team coach.

 “I am truly honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to manage Cork City FC," Coughlan said. "Alongside my family and friends, this club has shaped my life's journey and it is with immense pride that I get the chance to help bring success back to Cork. 

"I have been involved in the women's game for seven years now and I am in awe of the growth and talent coming through. 

"The CWSSL and the grassroots clubs have put in a huge effort to accommodate the growth in the women and girls' game. Cork football needs a successful Cork City FC to complete the picture and I will do everything in my power to make this a reality.” 

 City’s director of football, Liam Kearney, added: “I am really delighted to welcome Derek to the position of Women’s first-team manager. As everyone knows, he is a very passionate person; passionate about this club and passionate about women’s football. 

"Having worked with the women’s senior team myself over the last number of weeks, my experience has been that the players care deeply about representing this club and I have seen first-hand the dedication that they have to being the best they can be. 

"In Derek, they will have a manager who feels exactly the same way, and I have no doubt that his experience of the game will be a great help to the squad.” 

Coughlan will be in the dugout this weekend, as City face DLR Waves at the UCD Bowl in the Women’s Premier Division on Saturday.