Cork City were two hours away from going out of business after original application for license was rejected

Cork City FC were two hours from going out of business after their original application for a League of Ireland Premier Division license for 2020 was rejected.

It has also been revealed that Preston North End owner, Trevor Hemmings, is interested in buying the club from FORAS, the supporters trust which runs and owns City.

This follows a deal between City and Preston North End to forfeit the sell-on clauses to former players Alan Browne and Seán Maguire, which allowed for funds to secure a Premier Division license for 2020.

Mr. Hemmings, who owns Trabolgan Holiday Village in East Cork and has a stud farm in North Cork, has many family ties with the city going back to his childhood.

A vote will be put before members of FORAS in the coming weeks on the possible sale of Cork City FC from the supporter’s collective to Mr. Hemmings.

On the pitch, the Rebel Army have started the new season poorly, recording three defeats in their first three games.

This run of results has included the worst loss in the club’s history, a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium.