Irish Cup Final 2022

Words Greg Braniff (Crusaders Programme Editor)

Daniel Larmour Defender

Joel Thompson Defender/Midfielder

Robbie Weir Midfielder

Philip Lowry Midfielder

Central defender who joined the club fromGlenavon in January 2021 having started his Irish League career at Carrick Rangers. Daniel’s impressive displays at the heart of the Crues defence opposition box have already endeared him to Crusaders supporters. Daniel looks set to be a key player for Crusaders in the coming years and signed a two-year contract extension back in February. and knack of scoring important goals in the

A talented teenager who can play on the left side of defence ormidfield, Joel hasmade six appearances for Crusaders this season, including an impressive cameo in the league win overWarrenpoint Town back inMarch. Joel is part of the Northern IrelandU17 side and like his team-mate Jack Patterson is expected tomake themove to full time football in England this summer.

Defensivemidfielder who joined the club from WaterfordUnited in January 2021 having previously spent 15 years playing in England with clubs including Tranmere Rovers, Burton Albion and Chesterfield. Man of theMatch in this year’s semi-final, Robbie started his career with Larne andwas Ulster Young Player of the Year in the 2004-05 season and played in the 2005 cup final for Larne against Portadown.

Lowry joined the club in the summer of 2016 after leaving Portadown having previously played for Linfield, Derry City and Institute. Phillip has now made over 200 appearances for the club and has a knack of scoring big goals in big games, including scoring the second goal in the 2019 cup final victory. Philip scored the only goal in this year’s second roundwin over BallinamallardUnited.

Ben Kennedy Midfielder

Brandon Doyle Midfielder

Ross Clarke Midfielder

Declan Caddell Midfielder

Attackingmidfielder who joined the club in the summer of 2020 after a spell playing in England with Stevenage. The former Northern IrelandU21 international has been one of the standout performers in the Irish League this seasonwith a plethora of spectacular goals and assists. Ben scored in the first round win over Glenavon and in the quarter-final victory over Dungannon Swifts.

Pacy winger who rejoined the club last summer after a spell with Linfield. Whilst at Linfield he had a couple of loan spells withWarrenpoint Town. In his first spell at Seaviewhe scored on his debut as a teenager in a County AntrimShieldwin over Glentoran at The Oval in 2016. Despite an injury affected season on his return, Brandon has scored three goals in 14 appearances so far this term.

A 2018 signing fromLinfield who is now approaching 150 games for the club. His pace and trickery on the right wing are a key element of the Crusaders attackwith his ability to create and score goals with hismazy dribbling and spectacular shooting. Ross scored Crusaders’ third goal in the 2019 final against Ballinamallardwhile his cross led to Crusaders’ first goal in this year’s semi-final win over Cliftonville.

Legendarymidfielder who couldwell make his final Irish League appearance in this afternoon’s final after announcing his retirement to take up a newposition as Academy Director at Seaview. Declan hasmade over 500 appearances for the club since his debut in 2007 and has won everymajor honour available during his time at the club. Declan played in the 2009 and 2019 cupwinning sides and also scored in the 2011 final defeat to Linfield.

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