Sunday's FAI Cup final promises to be a great Cork occasion

For the neutral, Sunday’s all-Cork FAI Intermediate Cup final at Turner’s Cross promises to be an occasion worth savouring.

Cobh Wanderers and St Mary’s set to battle it out for silverware in what should be an entertaining and fiercely contested Cork derby.

Recently, I caught up with Cobh Wanderers captain David Curran, who is looking to lift the FAI Intermediate cup for the first time in the club's history.

“Having experienced the disappointment of reaching this stage before losing out on a penalty shoot out 9 years ago in the Aviva, I am delighted to be back, and to captain this great side for what I hope will be a memorable day for the club,” said Curran.

There has been a huge sense of excitement around the club since their dramatic semi-final penalty shoot-out victory, and Curran admits the emotions of that night will live long in the memory.

“Winning the penalty shoot-out, there were so many emotions. I think mostly it was pure joy, especially the way the match ended after conceding so late in extra time.

“I think the semi-final had to be my favourite game. The whole occasion was brilliant with the build-up, the crowd at the game and the way the game finished, especially with the celebration scenes after the penalties.” 

The road to Turner’s Cross has not been straightforward, with Curran highlighting Malahide and Finglas as particularly demanding tests.

“I think it’s hard to choose our best performances between Malahide and Finglas. 

"Them two were by far the toughest games and our work rate and attitude is what got us through large parts in each.” 

That attitude has been central to Cobh’s cup run, and despite competing in a league division below St Mary’s, Wanderers will head into Sunday’s final without being intimidated by the underdog tag.

The sides know each other well, having met twice in the league last season. 

St Mary’s came out on top on both occasions, winning 1-0 and 2-1, but Curran believes there was little between the teams.

“Being the Premier team they are definitely favourites for many people. We have been underdogs the whole way through this cup run so it doesn’t phase us one bit.” 

Cobh will also draw confidence from the transformation brought about by their new management team this season. 

Curran has been hugely impressed by the work carried out behind the scenes, believing it has played a major role in taking the club to the final.

“The manager and his coaching staff have been brilliant since they took over. They have done so much behind the scenes for the players and the club and it has really transformed the club.

“From trainings to match days everything is done in a really professional manner and that’s one of the reasons why we are in this final.” 

That professionalism has been matched by a strong squad, with experience and youth combining to create competition for places throughout the team.

“The squad we have this season is very strong. There is a good mixture of experience and youth at the moment and everyone will be looking to try and make the squad for the weekend.” 

Curran knows St Mary’s will provide a formidable challenge.

“We expect a really tough game, the same as every time you play against St Mary’s. There is never an easy game against them and you have to be at your best."

For Curran, the fact that both finalists come from Cork makes the occasion even more special. 

Turner’s Cross should provide an ideal stage, with a large crowd expected to get behind both clubs.

“It’s brilliant to have the game in Cork and for two Cork teams to reach the final. It was the same last year and it shows how strong the Munster Senior League is in the last few years.

"With two Cork teams it will no doubt bring out a huge crowd which a big final like this deserves and it will be brilliant to be involved in.

“To win would be brilliant for the club. 

"It would be the first in the club’s history.” 

And with promotion back to the Premier Division still a target for the remainder of the season, after only securing five wins in the previous two seasons, Curran believes lifting the cup could provide the perfect springboard.

“It will hopefully give us that boost to help us try and get promotion back to the Premier Division which was the goal at the start of the season.” For Curran and his teammates, the opportunity is simple: win, and their names will forever be part of the first Cobh Wanderers side to lift the FAI Intermediate Cup.