Cork City can take final step and win FAI Cup, says Kevin O’Connor

If Cork City’s Kevin O’Connor needs any extra incentive to give his all in Sunday’s FAI Cup final sequel against Dundalk, he only has to think back to Aviva Stadium last year and the moment when he knew the dream was over for 2016.

“It’s the final whistle,” the full back says, shaking his head. “Everything you worked so hard for is gone. Once the goal went in, even though it was a setback, you felt all we needed was one chance to get back into it. We got a couple of chances. We hit the bar. We just couldn’t get the ball over the line. Once the final whistle goes, it just kicks in. Watching them going up to get their medals and the trophy, that’s the heartbreaking moment.

“John (Caulfield) said in the dressing room that we’d be back again in a year, and we are. We want to go one step further than last year. The commitment this year has been frightening and, if anyone deserves it, this bunch of lads does.”