Friends of the Rebel Army Society (FORAS) is an Irish industrial and provident society established to act as a Cork City Football Club supporters’ trust and guardians of senior football in Cork City. The word “Foras” is also the Irish language word for foundation.
It’s 20 years since “Me at the zoo” became the first video ever to be uploaded to YouTube, James Blunt topped the charts with ‘You’re Beautiful’, and Roy Keane left Manchester United under a cloud of acrimony.
And while Cork was the European Capital of Culture in 2005, it also became the undisputed capital of Irish football as Cork City ended a 12-year drought to win the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Now the 20th Anniversary of City’s second league title is to be celebrated with a special night featuring legendary names from the championship-winning squad, who will recall the highs and lows of an incredible season.
City supporters’ Trust FORAS, and will take place in Coughlan’s on Douglas Street.
Iconic players from the title-winning side will be in conversation with Sports Editor with Red FM and LOITV commentator Ruairí O’Hagan.
FORAS – who saved the club from the brink of oblivion in 2010 and ran Cork City FC until 2022 – continues to operate as an organised and democratic voice for Cork City FC supporters, representing the Rebel Army.
Membership of FORAS, which has quarterly meetings with Cork City FC to represent the voice of the supporters, is just €10 a month, and FORAS members will have early access to tickets for the 20th AnniversaryCelebration Night before they go on general sale.
Former City great Neal Horgan, who will be one of the many players to speak on the night, said getting the squad back together was an easy task.
“When FORAS approached me with the idea I spread the word among the lads, and the response was brilliant. So many of the lads want to be there, to remember the great days with the supporters and maybe share a few stories that many won’t have heard before.
“We’re delighted that FORAS is marking the occasion and reflecting on the club’s history,” he added.
FORAS Chairman Darren O’Keeffe said tickets for the night will be limited, and that Coughlan’s was the obvious choice of venue.
“Coughlan’s have been great to us since we first approached them with the idea of screening City’s away games on LOITV in the pub. They’ve screened every away match this season for those not travelling, but who still want to watch the match with fellow City supporters.
“FORAS members will have first access to tickets, which are just €15 (or €10 for OAP / unwaged), and will then go on general sale. We’d like to thank Neal for his help in getting the squad together for this, and to the ex-players for the enthusiasm they’ve shown for the idea,” he said.
