Edward Kenny wants Rockmount lads to enjoy their big day out

MATCH-UP: Cockhill Celtic manager Gavin Cullen, left, and Rockmount AFC manager Edward Kenny during the FAI Intermediate Cup Final media event at FAI HQ in Abbotstown. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Rockmount are one game away from more silverware as one of the most storied clubs in Cork football get ready to play Cockhill Celtic in the 2023 FAI Intermediate Cup final

at the Showgrounds in Sligo on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2:00pm).

The defending champions want to keep the trophy on the northside of the River Lee for the first time ever, and a club from Buncrana want to mark their first ever final appearance with an upset for the ages.

Rockmount manager Eddie Kenny knows this, and he just wants his players to enjoy the big day out.

"Huge occasion again. We're delighted to be back here and we're not taking it for granted. Hugely proud of the lads to get to the final in consecutive seasons after a hard start to the competition but really looking forward to it,” he said.

"Douglas Hall was our first test and there'd be a good rivalry there between the two clubs, northside and southside so we know it is always difficult there but also, everyone in the country would love to beat the holders in the very first game but we came through that and have progressed well I feel.” 

The last team from Donegal to win the cup was Fanad United in 1995. Cockhill manager Gavin Cullen has no interest in the wider historical context, he is only focused on his own players and turning their domination of the Ulster Senior League into a piece of national silverware on Sunday.

"It is the first time ever that a club from Inishowen has reached this level of club football in Ireland so it is an achievement in itself to get there. A few years of trying and a lot of hard work over a number of years building up to this moment,” he said.