'Cup final win would give the whole of Castlefin a huge lift' - Emmet White

Castlefin Celtic stalwart Emmet White is making the most of the build up towards the final of the Brian McCormick Cup.

Having made his debut for the Parkview men a quarter of a century ago, the midfielder has been there for the highs at the club such as winning both the Premier Division and Brian McCormick Cup, to the lows as recently as their relegation from the top tier last season.

But after coming from 2-0 down to beat Donegal Town in the semi-final thanks to a late Corrie-lee Bogan strike, they have the chance of winning the cup once again.

“We got off to a poor start and it’s been five weeks since our last league game, it was the same for both teams but we just started with a bit of rustiness.

“But we got into the game well and the boys reacted to going the goals down, we made a few changes and those who came off the bench helped get us back into it.

“Corrie made the difference in the end and if there’s anyone you want striking the ball it’s him, it sat up nicely and he connected well.”

That was the first of a double header in Ballyare, Sunday’s venue for the final, where Kieran Brennan’s side will meet Letterkenny Rovers (kick-off 1pm).

And while they could have stayed to watch their potential opponents, it was back to Castlefin to celebrate reaching the final.

“I’ve been playing since I was 16 or 17 and I’m 41 now. I've been playing every Sunday since and it’s a big commitment but days like this make it all worth that commitment.

“We went back and had a barbecue after the game. In football you have to take the bad days with the good but we wanted to celebrate the win.”

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Castlefin will go into the game as underdogs coming up against a treble chasing Letterkenny Rovers, but White has been in the game long enough to know that no final is a foregone conclusion before the game.

“They’re a quality side and have a nice mix of youth and experience. We’ll need to be on it from the start because if we start like last week then we’ll not get that chance (to come back) against a side like Letterkenny. We have to be on it from the word go.

“At the end of the day, a final is a final and anything can happen in 90 minutes.

“If we could win it would give everyone a lift in the town and community and for all at the club, from the underage to the committee.”

For the side, the return of matchwinner Bogan was a huge lift on Sunday and it made the difference in the game.

A short cameo due to injury that has kept him out since February was needed and the side are hoping he will be fit for the final, the only injury sweat for them.