College Corinthians star Ian Turner hoping to follow father's footsteps by winning FAI Intermediate Cup

Having started out playing with College Corinthians over a quarter of a century ago, Ian Turner hopes he can win the club's first Intermediate Cup as they face rivals Ringmahon Rangers on Saturday at Turners Cross.

Getting to the final is no doubt a big achievement but not one in which Turner is quick to boast about.

“For me, it means nothing to reach the final unless we lift the trophy,” said Turner.

“It’s great for the club, and to have the chance to make history with the club having never won the competition before will be special. Personally having joined Corinthians at eight years of age and to come back and win an Intermediate Cup at the later stage of my career would be really nice.” 

The 35-year-old FAI employee has enjoyed a great career both locally and in the LOI with clubs such as Cork City, Limerick, St Pat's and Cobh. Returning to MSL with his boyhood team has been a breath of fresh air for the pacy defender.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing MSL, it took a while to get used to the change in professional football to amateur football but I’ve got great satisfaction out of coming back to the club I joined as a kid. There’s a good squad with a good blend of youth and experience.

“Our squad is quite young so there is a few of us older lads trying to take on a lot of extra responsibility. With Craig Donnellan being out injured for a large part I’ve tried to lead the lads as captain as best I can but I try to make sure I do my best for the team like everyone else. 

GOOD MIX

"We have a good mix of experience and youth in our team, we have some really talented young players and some really experienced senior players. Unfortunately this year we have suffered from a lot of injuries to key players so it's been difficult to get the same 11 on the pitch for a lot of games but some of the younger players have come in and done really well. 

"While our league campaign hasn’t been good enough, I think we’ve finished the season strong and that’s good to build on for next season but equally as important, it’s good at this part of the season with games like a cup final to look forward to when we’re in good form.

I think it's fair to say we will be underdogs in the final.

"It's hard to know what to expect but we just have to focus on ourselves and make sure we perform to our highest level on the day. If we can do that then the result will take care of itself." 

CRACKER

The father of two to Lucy and Jack is looking forward to returning to his former home ground in what is expected to be a cracker of a game.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at the Cross again, some of my best memories from my career are from in that stadium so I think it's not a daunting day for me but it's always a big deal playing at the Cross. 

Hopefully on the day, everyone will be so focused on the game that playing at the stadium or the occasion won't be an issue and lads will be able to enjoy it.

“It’s a great occasion to have two Cork teams and have the final at the cross but I think most of that goes out the window in a cup final. We know a lot about them and they know a lot about us but in cup final it really is all about who can perform on the day."

Hoping to eventually have the bragging rights over his father John, who is a holder of an Intermediate Cup medal from 1968 with Avondale, Turner would be adding the Intermediate Cup to his FAI Cup medal. 

A victory would end all slagging for the father and son duo who will have achieved something great if Corinthians can pip Ringmahon in next Saturday's clash at Turner's Cross.