Irish Cup Final 2022

L E R O Y M I L L A R

T H E C A P T A I N

Leroy Millar is eager to end 33 years of hurt and five years of personal frustration in today’s Irish Cup decider.

“That was my first Irish Cup final and it was a bit surreal,” said Millar. “People talk about it being a blue riband event and it being one of the biggest days in the football calendar. “It’s normally about being suited and booted and a big crowd and it wasn’t that because of Covid restrictions. It was different, but it was still a chance to win the Irish Cup. We played very well against Glentoran, but Robbie McDaid scored the winner in extra-time and we were pipped to the line. “I was injured at the time of the 2014 final when we lost to Glenavon, although I was young and wouldn’t have made the matchday squad. I remember watching that final at home and thinking ‘this is one of those games you want to play in’. People say it’s a pressure day, but this is why we play football.” Being a local lad Millar is all too aware that Ballymena’s last Irish Cup triumph is now over 30 years in the rearviewmirror. You have to go back to 1989 to find the last time the Braid club lifted the trophy, beating Larne 1-0 thanks to a cheeky Paul Hardy backheel at the Oval. “It's been a long, long time since Ballymena won the cup so it would be extra special if we could end that wait this year,” said Millar. “I know older supporters remember 1989 fondly and if we could do something similar it would go down in history.”

It is more than three decades since the Sky Blues last lifted the blue riband trophy, a Paul Hardy goal sealing a 1-0 win over Larne in the 1989 showpiece at the Oval. It is also five years since Ballymena captain Millar last tasted success with his hometown club, lifting the 2017 BetMcLean League Cup with a 1-0 win over Carrick Rangers at a packed Seaview. In the intervening period the midfielder has suffered defeat in four different finals - the 2018 and 2019 League Cup deciders, the 2020 County Antrim Shield final and the 2020 Irish Cup finale. “Winning my first final as a Ballymena player in 2017 is a special memory and I never thought I’d still be looking to add to it five years later,” said Millar. “It’s always special getting to finals but winning them is an entirely different experience and you never know when your next opportunity is going to come. “I've had a few frustrating experiences in recent finals but hopefully I’ve learned from all those experiences and we can put things right this year.” Millar was part of the Ballymena set-up - he made his debut in 2013 - when the Warden Street club lost the 2014 Irish Cup decider to Glenavon. He also covered every blade of grass in vain when the Sky Blues suffered a 2-1 loss to Glentoran in the 2020 showpiece which was played in front of just 500 fans due to Covid.

Words Darren Fullerton, Daily Mirror

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