FAI Cup final 'will define Cork City's season' says manager Ger Nash

There was disappointment, there was encouragement, but for Cork City manager Ger Nash, their Premier Division defeat to Derry City on Saturday evening was not an ending so much as a staging post – the final rehearsal before the night that will decide how this bruising, bewildering season is remembered.

The league campaign has been a brutal, damaging slog, but the FAI Cup final is the light at the end of it. Nash did not dress it up.

“I think what it gives us is a chance to give our fans something to put some respect back on the club,” he said, after the defeat to Derry. “We know what's happened in the league, but this gives us a chance to give our fans a bit of what they want.

It's a huge motivation for everybody involved with the club and also the chance to be in Europe. So let's get real, this is our season next weekend.

“That result will define our season in terms of there being a silver cloud to what has been a year where there's been a lot of stuff that's gone on,” he said.

Saturday was about momentum, rhythm and bodies. Winning would have helped, but avoiding knocks could carry the greatest value.

“We obviously wanted to win the game, we wanted to perform well. I thought we did that in the second half. First half, disappointed overall I think.

“I thought it was a game of relatively few chances,” he added. “They had one big one right at the end on a counter-attack when we were going for the game. But they scored a good goal from their perspective in the first half. We were disappointed with how we were building up.

“We didn't have enough options on the build. We were dispossessed and then they score in the box off the cross. In the second half, Seani has a similar sort of chance. The keeper makes a wonderful save from Seani's header.

“Again, like I said before the game, in some respects, this is a unique game because we've got such a big game next week.” 

There were no converted chances, but other lines on the checklist were ticked. Management of minutes, return of key personnel, no fresh damage.

RETURNING

“Players are definitely playing, but they’re also minding themselves. We don't want any injuries. That was something that was really important to us. We don't want any injuries, any suspensions. We managed to get Matthew Murray, Ruairi Keating, Harry Nevin, Sean Murray, Charlie Lyons all back on the pitch.

“Which is really pleasing because obviously Keats has been out long term. Harry Nevin and Matt Murray not long term, but they've been out for a number of weeks. Whilst Charlie and Sean have just had niggles.

“But to get those five back on the pitch and get them some football puts them in a better place for next weekend. In terms of the bigger picture, which was to get to the Aviva with everybody fit and have the most options that we could, in that respect we're pleased.” 

There was a flicker of worry when Darragh Crowley departed, but Nash eased it immediately.

“Darragh was just completely precautionary. Just didn't want to take any chances with anybody.” 

The moment of the evening, though, belonged to Ruairi Keating. His return was greeted with warmth. A reminder of what City have missed, and what they might yet have again when it matters most.

“It's a long road back when you get those serious injuries and it's a really tough place to be,” Nash explained. “Really pleased for him, really pleased for the ovation he got.

“Again, we wish we'd have had him all season. It might have been a different situation if we did.

“We're delighted to get him back. Again, he's an option now for us off the bench potentially up in the Aviva as well.”