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Cockhill to host Sligo Rovers at
home
31.03.11
"There was no mad
celebrations. Everyone was just sitting back and
soaking it all up and enjoying the moment.” -
Cockhill manager, Donal O'Brien.
COCKHILL Celtic have been rewarded for their win
over Galway United in the EA Sports (League) Cup
with a home tie against holders Sligo Rovers. The
local side are expected to host the second round
game at St Mary's Park on April 25. Cockhill want a
home tie even though a move to the Showgrounds would
maximise revenues. Rovers' chairman Michael Toolan
told the Irish Times yesterday: “If (Cockhill) were
interested then obviously it’s something we’d be
happy to look at but we’re more than happy too to go
up there and it’s understandable they’d like to host
Sligo Rovers, the holders, down in their ground.”
Cockhill Celtic claimed the biggest scalp in their
40-year history with a stunning 3-1 victory over
Premier Division side Galway United in the EA Sports
League Cup on Monday night, writes Damian Dowds. |
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Cockhill Celtic supporters get in the
frame for a keepsake photo of the historic
score-board result. |
A Paul McKinney hat
trick helped the Ulster Senior League champions come
back from 1-0 down at Terryland Park and send the
loyal band of travelling Cockhill supporters into
raptures.
Cockhill’s giant-killers will face either Derry
City, defending champions Sligo Manager Donal
O’Brien said: “No one expected us to get a result in
Galway, but it’s only a single game. Winning the
league and cup last year, our first silverware at
Intermediate level, was a better achievement. But
I’m delighted for the boys. People are starting to
take notice of us now and realise that we have good
players that can play a bit.
“I told the players not to be intimidated by their
opponents. We respected them because they’re a
Premier Division side, but once the whistle went we
got stuck in and although they took the lead, I was
always confident.
“Our boys responded brilliantly and the 3-1
scoreline doesn’t flatter us at all – in fact, we
might have had another couple of goals.”
Cockhill Celtic return to action this weekend and
open the defence of their Donegal News Ulster Senior
League Cup with a home tie against Drumkeen United
in St Mary’s Park on Sunday afternoon.
O’Brien admits that retaining the cup and league
title will be a difficult task.
“We’ll be doing our best to retain the league, but
others clubs have strengthened their squads in the
closed season,” he said. “Kildrum, Letterkenny
Rovers, Buncrana Hearts, Bonagee, Fanad and Killea
have all improved their teams and it will be a more
even league this term.
“And as champions our opponents will be really up
for it when they play us.
“But we need to be able to deal with that, and how
we respond to defeat will be important too.
O’Brien emphasised the strong roots the club has in
its local community as being crucial to their
success.
“Monday night’s win wasn’t just down to the 16
players and me as manager. If we didn’t have the
support of the local community we couldn’t have
nights like that.
“Our end of season presentation dance attracts
300-400 guests, which is just phenomenal. And the
club’s structures and facilities are second to none.
“If I or any of the players were to leave tomorrow,
the club would continue as it always has and that’s
the best way to have it.”
The manager was also full of praise for hat trick
hero Paul McKinney.
“Paul typifies what Cockhill is about. He’s working
in Belfast but keeps himself in great shape and is
active in the club committee too. He’s suffered from
injuries in recent seasons, and I was delighted for
him on Monday night. He was so modest about it and
carried it lightly on his shoulders.
Garbhan Friel has joined Finn Harps and O’Brien
believes that there are other players in his squad
capable of stepping up to senior football.
“I told [Galway manager] Sean Connor that he was to
call me if he was interested in any of my players.
“I’m all about player development, and if someone
can step up to the senior grade they should do it
and I certainly wouldn’t stand in their way.” But
for now, the club can wallow in the finest victory
in their history.
“The team were gobsmacked. Everyone needed to pinch
themselves. On the bus back up on Monday night there
was no mad celebrations. Everyone was just sitting
back and soaking it all up and enjoying the moment.” |
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