Laugh it up for City!

By Finnian Cox

Cork City FC will prove their women’s and academy teams are no joke with a comedy night fundraiser featuring Chris Kent, John Colleary, Emma Doran and more.

City Til I Die…Laughing will take place in the Everyman Theatre, on Thursday 31 October, with all proceeds going towards the club’s women’s and academy teams.

There are four academy boys teams and two girls teams at the club, competing in the League of Ireland Academy leagues.

The six squads include players from all over Munster, who show great commitment in travelling for training and matches every week.

Writing and starring in shows such as ‘The Savage Eye’ and ‘Irish Pictorial Weekly', John Colleary also boasts IFTAs and IMROs.

First coming to public attention as a part of RTÉ 2’s ‘Republic of Telly’, Dubliner Emma Doran has performed at some of the nation’s biggest venues, including the 3 Arena and Dublin’s Vicar Street.

As for the home side, Cork city native and former trailblazing electrician Chris Kent will make an appearance. With radio shows and documentaries to his name, Kent is amid his critically acclaimed ‘Back at It’ tour.

Also representing Cork on the stage is Andrew Ryan. A co-presenter on Q Radio’s breakfast show and podcaster, Ryan has appeared on shows such as ‘The Russell Howard Hour’ and ‘The Blame Game’.

Ryan has a personal connection to the event, as his nephew Louie is a goalkeeper in the club’s academy, and he is a longtime fan himself. He praised the academy, which “plays such an important role in developing young players into future soccer stars”.

“I’m delighted to share the stage with the likes of Chris Kent and Emma Doran for City Til I Die…Laughing. It will be a great night’s craic,” he said.

Host of the ‘Tea with Me’ podcast and acclaimed standup Shane Todd will also perform on the night.

Commercial Director at Cork City FC Anthony O’Sullivan said the club was excited about the comedy night.

“The women’s team and the academy are going from strength to strength, and we are seeing an increase in interest from the public, particularly from young girls who want to play football. It is important for us to be able to support these teams so that they can continue to develop and improve,” he added.

Tickets for the event are €35 and can be purchased from the Everyman Theatre. All proceeds will go towards the women’s and academy teams.