Person to Person: Working for Cork City FC - a club I grew up supporting as a kid

Tell us about yourself;

Hi, I’m Matt Coughlan (31) and after working in advertising and media in Dublin, I’ve returned home to the Real Capital and am now working as the Sponsorship, Events and Merchandise Manager at Cork City FC.

I’ll be working closely with our Commercial Manager to drive revenue for Cork City FC, the club I grew up supporting as a kid.

Where were you born?

Carrigaline, Cork.

Where do you live?

Currently back in the family home after almost ten years living and working in Dublin.

Family?

Five of us in total, I’m the eldest of three.

Best friend?

Probably two of my oldest friends, Will and Sam.

Earliest childhood memory?

I remember being brought by my Nan to see the film Babe in the old Douglas cinema around the age of three!

Person you most admire?

My dad has been a great role model over the years.

Person who most irritates you?

No-one in my personal life luckily, but Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes annoys me.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I came back home in May from ten months of traveling South and Central America with my fiancé Hannah, which was the best trip I’ve been on. Argentina and Peru were my favourite countries – the food, culture and people there were amazing.

Favourite TV programme?

Of all time, I’d say The Sopranos but I love comedy shows like Always Sunny, Arrested Development and Curb.

Favourite radio show?

Slightly biased but l have to say Off The Ball having worked with the team there for two years. Their sports coverage is some of the best out there.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Don’t want to brag but I make a mean shakshuka.

Favourite restaurant?

Only recently back in Cork after nine years in Dublin so I’ve yet to find my new favourite here in the city. KCs is my favourite takeaway though!

Last book you read?

I ended up flying through books while traveling and read East Of Eden by John Steinbeck which I really enjoyed.

Best book you read?

Over the last year I loved The Bee Sting and Skippy Dies, both great Irish novels by Paul Murray.

Favourite song?

This is a tough question but Let It Happen by Tame Impala. Belter.

One person you would like to see in concert?

U2. Never seen them live and heard great things.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, we always had dogs growing up and our family pet Freya is a Cocker Spaniel who I’m mad about.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely a morning person, providing I’ve had coffee.

Your proudest moment?

I was delighted when I did the Dublin Half Marathon in 2022 but winning the Carrigaline Tidy Towns Art Competition aged ten pushes it close!

Spendthrift or saver?

Probably more of a saver.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Better transport.

What makes you happy?

Travelling and exploring new places.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone sound who always had time for other people and had a good sense of humour.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m running in my spare time, I like photography too, and also trying to improve at golf!