Ethon Varian hoping to play a key role for Ringmahon in the FAI Intermediate Cup final

Twelve months ago he was omitted from the Ringmahon match day squad for the FAI Cup Intermediate Final due to injury, but next week, Ethon Varian hopes to play a key role for Aidan Foley's Ringmahon side as they take on local rivals College Corinthians in the FAI Intermediate cup final in Turner's Cross on Easter Saturday at 1pm.

The 23 year-old Togher youngster is looking forward to making history for his club as they search for their first ever intermediate cup title and heading into the game as favourites, he is confident that if they can perform to the best of their ability, the Redcove will be the place to be after next weeks final.

“There is a great buzz around the place at the moment and all the focus is on the intermediate cup final,” said Varian. 

"It’s the competition all clubs across the country want to win and so we are thrilled to be in yet another final.

“This time last year I was part of the squad but with having knee problems after my return from my ACL injury I wasn’t in the final match day squad. 

"It was hard to take but understandable at the same time, it just makes me hungrier to help the lads to get over the line next week. 

"I am really looking forward to this game. It's a reward for the tough pre season and really hard battles we had enroute to the final.

“At the beginning of the season, as a group, collectively our aim was to make the final and try make history within the club so we’re half way there now and hopefully we get the job done. 

"There is fierce competition for places in the squad and that just makes training step up a level every time which can only be a positive thing.

“We’ve had a good season to date taking game by game and just making sure we’re competitive in every game where we can find ourselves in a position to win silverware come the end of the season.

“Having two Cork teams in the final definitely adds to the occasion as it will bring a lot of neutral support to Turner's Cross which should bring a good atmosphere. 

"To be fair, I believe we are two good sides so it should make a good spectacle especially for the neutral.

“We have played Corinthians a few times this season and we know what to expect from them. We have had close games with them but none of that will matter when we meet them in the final. 

"Cup finals, anything can happen but we have prepared well and we will be doing everything to create history for the club.” Varian, the former Cork City player is a versatile player who’s had played in a few positions this season, but mainly on the left flank, has brought a lot of experience to the squad. 

While still one of the youngsters in the squad, his spell in England brings a lot of maturity and professionalism to Foley's squad.

“Playing in UK with Stoke and Raith Rovers was a good experience and I enjoyed my time over there. 

"It was hard coming back from my injury as had numerous set backs and I continue to have problems with my knee but hopefully I’m over the worst of it now and I am really enjoying my football again. 

"Ringmahon are a great club with a huge hunger for success. They are a real community club and I have no doubt there will be a massive Mahon and Blackrock support at the ‘Cross. 

"It’s great for the youngsters in the club to see a positive pathway in the club and many of the current senior squad were those youngsters not so long ago he dreamed of days like this, so hopefully it will be a memorable one for us all.

“We have a very balanced squad with great young players involved and older players that have experience at high levels which is a great mixture and I love been part of that and hopefully collectively we can bring the cup to Mahon for the first time in the club's history."