Kearney gets second bite at the cherry

LIAM KEARNEY, enjoying a second lease of life on the pitch with Cork City, is hoping that it will also be a case of second time lucky for him in Sunday’s FAI Ford Cup final against Longford Town.

Two years ago, Kearney was a key member of the Championship-winning side which came a cropper in the Cup final against Drogheda United — and the scars of that 2-0 defeat still itch.

“It was a big disappointment especially after winning the league,” says the 24-year-old winger. “It would have been nice at the time to win the double. It wasn’t to be, certain things didn’t happen for us on the day. We still talk about it, particularly as there are a lot of players still here. And given how the league has gone for us this time, we know our season hinges on this game. We’re in a final now and we have to win it, especially with European qualification at stake.