Bmi used to operate a service to Gatwick (bmibaby), and bmi baby has a significant presence at Cork. Bmi therefore know how Cork works and the travel patterns. A lot has been made of the new FR services to LGW, and that there is a lot of new capacity. The reality is, however, that there is only one extra rotation to London a day. As the STN service has been reduced to daily x3 from daily x5, and the LGW service is daily x3. No doubt that U2 will feel the preasure. Gone by winter schedules, I'd say.
Bmi could make LHR work if they accecpt Cargo, have a business class and at least a three times daily service. The star alliance does not have a direct connection to Cork ex LHR, so with strong interline agreements it could also work. Look at LHR-DUB it is usually full in Business and is one of the strongest performers in the BD network, no one else operates a business class service to London, ex Cork so with say an A319 with a large business class cabin, and the rest as Bmi baby, its a no brainer.