Cork City defender Charlie Lyons leaves the club

Cork City are building for 2027 without former club captain Charlie Lyons and physio Isaac Coppel, who both left the club recently.

The departures come as the club counts down to a return to the Premier Division as they look to go up and shed their status as a yo-yo side that goes up and down every second year.

Cork City have been in this position since the 2020 season and have never stayed up after gaining promotion.

The process of squad selection will involve new signings, with Kevin Long one of those linked with a return to the Munster FA Turner’s Cross Stadium.

The defender is currently with Waterford and preparing to take on Derry City in the 2026 FAI Cup final next month at the Aviva Stadium. 

The former Republic of Ireland international came through at Greenwood AFC before moving to Cork City and England for spells with a host of clubs including Burnley and Birmingham City.

One defender that won’t be at Turner’s Cross next year is Lyons, who moved to the club from Cobh Ramblers in 2024.

The Innishannon native made the short journey after a season that saw the East Cork side win the Munster Senior Cup and reach the promotion play-off final with a famous victory over Wexford.

Lyons departed shortly after and was recruited by City. The defender captained the club to the First Division title in his first year at Turner’s Cross.

Lyons was also a member of the squad that reached the 2025 FAI Cup final and lost 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers, just weeks after finishing bottom of the Premier Division.

The defender collected a second First Division winners medal this season after the club stormed to the title under Barry Robson. 

The Rebel Army were confirmed champions in early September with a victory over Bray Wanderers and they ended the year nine points from a UCD side that will contest the play-offs.

Lyons’ departure was announced on his Instagram with a short message.

“As a successful season has finished up, my time at the club has come to an end,” he said.

“It's been a rollercoaster of a few years but I’ve made friends and memories for a lifetime. 

"It has been an absolute honour to have the opportunity to play, captain and represent my hometown club. 

"Something that I never took for granted was putting on the city jersey each week, knowing how much the club means to the fans and people of Cork.

“To the fans, your support over the last few years has been second to none even through a difficult period for the club. 

"I'm glad to be leaving the club with premier division status, where this football club belongs. 

"I wish the club all the best in the future.” 

The physio vacancy has been advertised on the club’s social media while Simon Grayson and Liam Kearney lead the player recruitment for 2027.

This comes just a few weeks out from a FAI Cup final that will see local faces in both squads. 

Long is with Waterford and Derry City have Ringmahon Rangers academy graduate Adam O’Reilly in their squad.

Carrigaline native Rob Slevin is also on the books at the Brandywell but the defender is currently on loan at NIFL side Coleraine.