'We were judged on not winning at national level, well here you are lads' - Doherty

Cockhill Celtic’s Peter Doherty was overcome with joy as he stood in the middle of the field in Eamonn Deacy Park on Sunday following his side’s penalty shootout win over Gorey Rangers that won them the FAI Junior Cup final following a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes of football. 

With Cockhill entering the match heavy favourites, and following their league season that saw them clinch the Inishowen title a number of weeks ago, there was a great feeling for the players and the team around the club as they looked to win their first national title, following their disappointment in the FAI Intermediate Cup final over a year ago. 

“It was worth the wait, it was absolutely worth the wait,” Doherty said. “We made it hard out there for ourselves too, you know, people can talk about favourite tags but in a final you never take anything for granted.  

“You could see how much Gorey put it up to us, they gave us a really good game, they were disciplined, they had a good shape to them, and they made it difficult for us throughout. 

“I think we didn’t perform to the level which we expected, even though we were well on top, but credit where credit is due and fair play to all the lads for working their socks off the seal the equalising goal.” 

Cockhill fell at the final hurdle last season when they lost the Cup final to Rockmount on penalties, and with this year’s final again set for the spot kicks, Gavin Cullen’s side were determined not to let the same result happen again. 

“It was like Deja Vu in terms of the game going to penalties,” Doherty said. “Fair play to the lads who took the spot kicks, they put their hands up, they wanted it, and they did the job for us. Anyone can take a penalty but in terms of those pressure situations, it’s all about keeping your head. 

“I think we had a good feeling going into the shootout this year, we knew that our goalkeeper Harry Doherty was going to save at least two. Now it’s something we would’ve liked to avoid, but thankfully it worked out for us and we won this cup.” 

Despite being in his 20s, Doherty has been one of the mainstays in Cockhill’s side for the best part of a decade. And with all his medals and success at county and Ulster level, he feels this was the trophy that eluded his side and one he was determined to get his hands on. 

“I finally got the national title, that was the one that was missing,” Doherty admitted.  

“We’ve done everything you can do at this level as a player, so it’s so good that we’ve finally got our hands on some national silverware. Everyone judged us on not winning anything at national level in the past, so here you are now lads, we’ve done it.”