Ballymena United v Crusaders

SPONSOR’S WELCOME

It is an enormous honour for us at Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey to be in our second year of sponsorship of the Irish Cup, the world’s fourth oldest national cup competition, and to be in Belfast (where the very first Irish Cup final was staged in 1881), a city that has been the home of our brand since 1830.

For the first time in a number of years the football season, and the cup, have been able to progress in the normal way, albeit we all had the enjoyment of watching the World Cup in November and December and what a final that produced. Perhaps we will experience something very similar today?! In the tough economic environment in which we currently find ourselves, sport in its many forms, but especially football and the coming together of crowds to watch the beautiful game, brings us all great joy and helps to lighten our mood and guide us to look with great hope and excitement to the future. Last year’s pulsating Irish Cup final truly went all the way when Crusaders defeated Ballymena United 2-1 after extra time thanks to goals from Josh Robinson and Johnny McMurray. I’m pretty sure that this year will be no different, another rollercoaster ride for the emotions, and that the crowd will help to play an integral role in the outcome of the match. A large audience at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park will ensure that both teams get all the support they need.

The starting point of this year’s cup journey goes all the way back to mid-August last year with the first round. There is nothing quite like the excitement a cup knock-out competition imbues: nail-biting matches, injury time goals, the possibility of ties going to penalties. And the second year of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey’s involvement has continued to provide a huge amount of excitement and drama along the way - and there will no doubt be more in front of us today. Will Ballymena be able to exact revenge on Crusaders for their first win since 1989 or will Crusaders be able to retain the title for another year? Whatever the case an exciting match lies ahead. So the very best of luck yet again to Crusaders and Ballymena United as we look forward to these two great clubs and their supporters creating a grand occasion, with the worthy winners lifting the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup. Johnny Neill Owner Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey

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