Irish Cup Final 2022

SPONSOR’S WELCOME

It’s a genuine honour for us at Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey to be in our first year of sponsorship of the Irish Cup, one of the world’s oldest cup competitions, and to be in Belfast where the very first Irish Cup final was staged in 1881. It’s also the place that has been the home of our brand since 1830.

With crowds thankfully returned this year to add their voices to the usual array of agonies and ecstasies that come with knock-out competition, this year’s cup, the first Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup, has continued to provide all the drama and excitement we all crave so much. What started all the way back on 7 August 2021 with the first of the preliminary rounds now culminates in today’s showpiece final between Ballymena United and Crusaders, a match-up that promises to be an electrifying battle after two very hard-fought semis. United will be hoping to turn their cup final defeat of 2020 and run to the semi-finals last year into a first win since 1989 and a seventh overall. Crusaders will be looking to add win number five to their 2019 glory. An exciting match lies ahead. Following two years of restrictions to combat Covid-19, the return this year to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park for the cup final and the full return of crowds to stadiums

around the country has been a breath of fresh air as we look forward to a safer future and enjoying the simple pleasures of going to the game and supporting our teams. Seeing the fans back in full voice and number is going to be some sight, and the recent past reminds us how precious these days and memories are. So the very best of luck to Ballymena United and the very best of luck to Crusaders 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 later today! Johnny Neill Owner Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey

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