Lightning does strike twice, declares Sligo’s saviour

PENALTIES saved and penalties paid were the twin themes of the post-match reaction in the Aviva Stadium yesterday, as Sligo Rovers celebrated and Shelbourne fumed.

After Ciaran Kelly had come off the bench to reprise his penalty shootout heroics of last year, the goalkeeper said: “I was telling the boys that lightning does strike twice the odd time. I’m just happy to be bringing the cup silverware back to Sligo for the fans and the town itself.”

Sligo manager Paul Cook revealed that the decision to spring Kelly from the bench for the spot-kicks had been taken earlier in the week.