Gavin Cullen hoping Cockhill Celtic can banish 2023 blues in FAI Junior decider

Gavin Cullen insists that reaching the FAI Junior Cup final is just as significant for Cockhill Celtic as last year’s Intermediate feat. 

The Inishowen kingpins were cruelly squeezed out on penalty kicks in 2023 by Rockmount. And with the capitulation of the Ulster Senior League, the club had no choice but to drop down to Junior grade this term.

However, boss Cullen is adamant that success on Sunday, against Gorey Rangers at Eamonn Deacy Park, would mean the world to both himself and his players. 

“Anytime you get to the final of a national competition it’s a big day. Everyone at the club is looking forward to it. It’s every bit as special to the group as reaching last year’s final. 

“We’ve taken nine games just to get here. That’s a serious amount of football just to get to the final. We’ve seen parts of the country we’ve never been in before and played at loads of new grounds. 

“It’s been a really good experience. Last year was such a hard pill to swallow. Hopefully that experience brings us through on Sunday”.

There were fears that a dropdown in grades would fragment Cockhill’s playing squad but the manager has kept most of last term’s numbers. 

Cockhill also picked up the Premier Division title at the first attempt and Cullen explains that it’s been another fine term for his team to date.  

“The Ulster Senior League was a really high standard, good quality. But the number of teams competing has just dwindled in the last few years. 

“It’s disappointing the way it went but with the FAI looking to create a football pathway and a pyramid system, in the long run it will work itself out. 

“We dropped to the Inishowen Premier Division but that’s also been a really good experience. We have played a lot of games, it’s been competitive and we’ve had some great derbies. 

“Overall, we’re delighted with how that’s gone. Sunday now is a chance to add to all of that".