Seani Maguire pleads with fans: ‘Friday isn’t the night for protest’
Seani Maguire at the Cork City media conference, at Bishopstown Stadium in Cork, ahead of the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Semi-Final. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The fog of relegation still hangs heavy over Turner’s Cross, but for one night at least, Cork City have the chance to step out of it. An FAI Cup semi-final against St Pat’s, a shot at redemption on Friday.
But with Cork City supporters group releasing a statement confirming they will protest against Dermot Usher's ownership of the club on Friday, City legend Seani Maguire has pleaded for patience.
“This protest is probably not going to do any good in terms of us players,” Maguire said. “If they want to do it, they’re going to do it.
“Whatever way the game is going to go, that’s not going to help us in any way.
“Maybe do that another time, because we have a massive game on Friday, it’s as simple as that. It’s one that can really give everyone something to shout about, because it’s been really difficult.”
The sense of grievance among supporters is real. With City bottom of the Premier Division and relegation almost certain, few would deny them a right to vent. Maguire, though, insists this isn’t the night for it.
"I can’t stand here and say ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’.
“The fans have been disappointed all season, and they’re right to feel that,” Maguire admitted. “The season hasn’t been good enough, us players haven’t been good enough.
“I’m here, I really love being here. It really hurt me last Friday. It was quite difficult knowing that we’re staring in the face of it [relegation].
“I think Friday could really help us. It can go from being a really disappointing season to something to look forward to, end of the season on November 9.”
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