Cork owner and chairman Tom Coughlan after a court hearing

The demise of League of Ireland club Cork City has dealt a further blow to the ailing Setanta Sports Cup.

The club was wound up in the High Court after a plan to take over the debts of the Leeside club was thwarted.

The Football Association's Independent Licencing Committee unanimously rejected an application for a Premier Division licence for the club.

Cork had won one and drawn one of their two games in the Setanta Cup so far and were to play Cliftonville on 13 March.

Cork beat Cliftonville 1-0 in their opening Group 1 match and then drew 2-2 with Sligo Rovers.

The group that tried, but failed, to take over Cork City Football Club have vented their anger and frustration at the club's current owners.

A statement issued on behalf of Peter Gray, Michael O'Connell and FORAS said: "We would like to express our deep frustration and anger resulting from our failed attempt to rescue Cork City FC from being wound up in the high court today.

"This is a real tragedy that could have been so easily avoided."

Derry City have already been thrown out of the Setanta Cup after they went into administration.

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