Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE CUP FINAL SUIT

Words William Campbell

What goes to the cup final but comes away never used?

Crusaders players Ben Kennedy and Josh Robinson (with cup and fan) in their 2023 Irish Cup Final suits.

Answer: the losers’ ribbons. Ribbons are, of course, among a number of traditions in relation to cup finals which must be respected. A 21st century Irish Cup Final must have the following: The awkward pre-match line-up handshake as both teams line up and the dignitaries, such as the Irish FA President, representative/s of the sponsors, chairs of both clubs perhaps, shake hands with the teams before kick-off. Is it unlucky to go first or second? The captains are never quite sure how to handle it;

Fire boxes – those boxes spewing flames as the teams enter the pitch and probably at the end as the trophy is presented; Confetti cannons – firing the golden or silver (or both) ticker tape into the air and over the winners as they celebrate their victory; The proverbial champagne spray – just like Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone (or Max Verstappen pretty much at any F1 circuit these days); Queen’s seminal ‘We are the Champions’ played on the PA. No presentation of a trophy is complete without the dulcet tones of Freddie Mercury;

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