Seani Maguire back in his 'happy place' and eyeing Premier Division push

Cork City's Seani Maguire believes that the his new side can challenge for the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division next season, after they were narrowly edged out 1-0 by title-chasing Derry City in the Sports Direct FAI Cup.

Sam Todd's goal, deep in the second half, was the difference between the two teams as Maguire played his first full match for the Rebels since returning to the club where he first came to prominence.

Starting in attack alongside Ruairí Keating, the two looked dangerous throughout and helped to create chances that, on another day, would have been enough to win the cup tie.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue afterwards, Maguire admitted to being impressed by the level of his new team-mates, who look bound for the top flight next season as they are 15 points clear at the top of the First Division.

"That was my first public game since April when I was playing with Carlisle," Maguire said. "Everyone in this league is coming towards the back end of the season or business end of the season, and I'm kind of starting to build up momentum.

"That was the first 90 minutes, but I felt good. I suppose the last 20/25 minutes I started to tire, but my body felt good.

"I think the lads felt a little bit frustrated in there, but at the same time, there’s a lot of belief because Derry are a good side and they're going to be challenging for the title in the Premier Division this year.

"If that's the standard in the Premier Division and if you're a neutral coming tonight, you probably think Cork City should be there or thereabouts in the Premier Division in terms of the quality that we showed tonight.

"I thought me and Keats did really well tonight, um, in terms of our link up play and being together.

"That's our first 90