Cork City legend Derek Coughlan returns in coaching role
Cork City legends Joe Gamble and Derek Coughlan during the Alan Bennett Testimonial at Turners Cross in 2019. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Derek Coughlan has been unveiled as the new Cork City Women’s U17s manager.
The club legend, who was immortalised by scoring the winning goal against Shelbourne in the 1998 FAI Cup final, returns to Bishopstown after previously working as a Women’s/Girls' Development Officer with the FAI.
Coughlan will also lead a new partnership that will see Cork City working directly with Full Circle Football Group, an organisation that will combine Coerver Coaching and 3v3 Ireland to create a Pathway to League of Ireland weekly academy for female players.
The Rebel Army described this collaboration as a ‘new era in girls' football in Cork’ with the focus being on developing the next generation of players on Leeside.
Speaking about the appointment, Coughlan told the club’s media team: “This club has an excellent track record of bringing young girls in from the local leagues, where clubs and coaches do tremendous work, and preparing them for the next stage in their careers, whether that is League of Ireland or further afield.
"Joining Cork City FC in this ambitious project is a natural alignment for us. On behalf of Full Circle Football Group, we're excited to contribute our expertise and resources to this innovative program, helping to empower young female athletes and advance the game in Cork.
“I think this partnership will allow us to build on the good work that has already been done and bring it to the next level. As everyone knows, I have a long association with the club and I am hugely passionate about Cork City, so I am thrilled to be coming on board and working with the club in this really exciting venture.”
Cork City owner Dermot Usher, added "We are thrilled to welcome Derek as our new WU17 manager, and also to have Full Circle Football Group on board as part of our vision to elevate the standard of girls football in Cork.
This is one of three coaching appointments confirmed by Cork City this week as the clock ticks towards the opening weekend of the Women’s Premier Division and Underage National Leagues.
The marquee signing was the return of Frank Kelleher as senior women’s manager, with the coach back at Turner’s Cross after leading the club to glory in the 2017 Women’s FAI Cup.
Clare native and former Limerick FC goalkeeper Barry Ryan has also been installed as manager of the U19s after leading Presentation Thurles to five national titles, and managing the Munster Schools squad to back-to-back Inter Pro success in 2021 and 2022.
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