Blues bid to make Déise dreams come true
It’s been 18 years since the Blues played in a cup final, and if they manage to triumph against favourites Longford Town it may be the most drawn-out treble in history - United’s previous wins were in 1937 and 1980. The hunger for success is tangible among players and supporters alike, with the allocated tickets sold out and a team desperate for victory on their way to Lansdowne Road, many for the first time.
“They’re on the verge of being legends themselves,” club director Martin Colbert said. “It’s a big burden to carry, but it’s a kind of driver for them too.”
The heaviest burden falls to player/manager Alan Reynolds who has yet to announce his starting 11.
“Physically they’re strong, it’s a good headache to have fellas so eager,” he said.
“But it’s all about on the day and if we want it bad enough we’ll get it. The hunger is there.”
In Waterford, the blue and white colours are out in force, with pubs, clubs and housing estates organising buses to the game. Bank holiday business will finish early tomorrow as the city comes to a standstill to shout on the Blues.
“I hope the boys can do what we failed to do in the 1960s, I wish them the best of luck,” Waterford City legend Alfie Hale said.
“For a soccer-mad county like Waterford, 24 years is an eternity so I believe this is the year that the cup finally returns to Waterford,” he added. The Blues have won their last four away matches, and feel playing the final away from home could be a decided advantage.
Captain John Frost has described the day as a “schoolboy dream” for him.
“This will be the proudest moment of my life. It’s a massive day for Waterford, for the players to win would be unbelievable,” he said. A special match train departs from Plunkett Station in Waterford at 11.30am tomorrow, arriving at Heuston Station at 1.30pm and returning at 8.15pm. Tickets cost €26.50 for adult, and €13 for children.
Kick-off is at 4.45pm.
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