Irish Cup - Final | Ballymena V Glentoran

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Words: Nigel Tilson

M I C K M c D E R M O T T

H E B O S S

Mick McDermott, Glentoran’s head coach, will not be delivering a lengthy monologue to his players ahead of tonight’s clash with Ballymena United.

medals plus Paul Millar (McDermott’s assistant) has been involved in two wins for Glenavon in recent years, so we’ll focus on what we need to do to get the game won.” McDermott was pleased with his players’ performance in the cup semi-final against Cliftonville earlier this week. He revealed: “It was pretty much what we anticipated and the sort of one we prepared the

He is instead aiming to keep things nice and simple because his players have worked hard to be in the final of this season’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup. “They won’t need to be told very much. We have a number of leaders and some very experienced players in our squad. They’ve worked extremely hard and overcome a few hurdles to get to this final, so I’d be surprised if they needed too much instruction for this

boys for. Larne probably play the best football of any of our opponents in the league, but Cliftonville have numerous ways of hurting teams. “We’ve played them four times since Paul and I came in, so we prepared knowing what was likely

one,” he revealed. “I’m fully aware of Glentoran’s great tradition in the cup and we’ll do our best to add to that. “Reaching the Irish Cup Final this season puts us ahead of our timetable for re-establishing Glentoran at the top of Irish League football but the players fully deserve to be here and I know they will do everything to make sure our supporters have

to be thrown at us. I thought we defended

superbly and didn’t give their better players any time to settle so we shaded what was a very evenly

matched game and deserved to go through.” And the Glens’ head coach is also backing his players to shine on the big stage tonight. He said: “This is a great group and I know they will go into this match with the right attitude. We know our ability should be good enough to beat Ballymena but in a cup final a lot of it is down to whichever team settles best. It will be a strange one, with very few fans in attendance, but when the match starts the players don’t really notice that as they’re focused on doing their job and winning their battles.”

another memorable Irish Cup Final, albeit that the vast majority of them will be at home this year.” The Glentoran gaffer is confident his team will be ready to perform against the Braidmen. He pointed out: “Ballymena were second in the league last season and they won a match in Europe at the start of this season, so they’re obviously a much better team than their league position suggests. “Obviously David Jeffrey has a lot of experience in cup finals so he will know how to prepare his players. But we have a few players with winner’s

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Words: Nigel Tilson

M A R C U S K A N E

T H E S K I P P

Marcus Kane believes Glentoran deserve their place in the final of this season’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup.

He revealed: “I believe we are as ready as we can be in such a short period of time. The lads have put the work in and it certainly paid off against Cliftonville. The job’s only half done, however.” The Glentoran skipper also said that the Glentoran players and coaching staff will not be taking Ballymena lightly.

The Glens captain and his team-mates have had to overcome several difficult hurdles on their way to the decider. “It’s amazing to be able to say you are going to be involved in this showpiece match. We have worked hard all season and I believe we deserve to be there,” he said.

“Ballymena are a strong side with loads of Irish Cup Final experience in their ranks. They are strong defensively and have good counter attacking players like Andy McGrory, Cathair Friel, Adam Lecky and Jude Winchester to name a few,” he pointed out. Glentoran have won the Irish Cup 22 times in their history – and Kane would love to be the Glens captain who lifts the trophy for a 23rd time.

Those hurdles included a remarkable tussle against Cliftonville in the semi-finals earlier this week. Locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes-plus of action, the tie was eventually settled on a penalty shoot- out, which Glentoran won 7-6. Looking back on that match, he said: “The game itself was pretty open. We had the better chances but failed to end it in normal time and to be fair to Cliftonville they had a solid game as well.

He says it would mean a lot to him and before he goes out on the pitch tonight he will be urging his team-mates to show their mettle. “I will be asking them how much it means to them to be here and to go out and show me,” he said.

“I did think that penalties were going to favour Cliftonville, but fortunately we have Elliott Morris who never knows when he’s beaten. Elliott was definitely our hero on Monday night.” Both Ballymena United and Glentoran have had to endure a quick turnaround to prepare for this season’s Irish Cup final. However, Kane and his team-mates are taking it all in their stride.

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E R

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T H E

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Words: Nigel Tilson

R O B B I E M c D A I D

M A R K S M A N

Talismanic striker Robbie McDaid has been on fire during Glentoran’s Irish Cup campaign this season.

other good chances, but when a game goes to penalties everything goes out the window and it can go either way, and thankfully it went our way,” he said. Alongside that buzz the striker insists he is focused on today’s showpiece game at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. “It’s great to be into the final of the Irish Cup,

He netted a hat-trick against Queen’s University in the sixth round as well as a penalty in the quarter-finals against Crusaders and another goal during regulation time in Monday’s semi- final against Cliftonville. And he also netted in the nerve-jangling penalty shoot-out against the Reds. Naturally, he would love to get on the

scoresheet again today, but he’s taking nothing for granted against Ballymena United and is not entirely comfortable that in some quarters the Glens are being seen as clear favourites to win the trophy. He said: “Ballymena are a solid team throughout and work really well as a unit. They’ve got a superb manager in David Jeffrey who over the years has been massively

especially for the players and the fans after a tough few months away from sport, but with such a quick turnaround between games there’s no time to relax and our full attention has been on the task in hand,” he revealed. And he added: “I have no doubt our lads will be ready and raring to go. We have worked hard and prepared in all the right ways, leaving no stone unturned.”

When he is in the dressing room prior to today’s match he will be encouraging his team-mates to seize the moment. He revealed: “I’ll be telling the boys to enjoy the day, however the only way you can really enjoy it is by winning the game and the trophy. “Players can go through their entire careers without winning a trophy so when you’ve got the chance to win one then you have to take it.”

successful with both Linfield and Ballymena. “They have also got plenty of attacking threats, so I believe it will be an exciting game for the neutrals.” The striker admits he’s still buzzing following the semi-final win over Cliftonville earlier this week. “I think it was a brilliant game involving two great teams and I really enjoyed it. We probably had the better chances in the game, hitting the post three times and having a couple of

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G L E N T O R A N J O U R N E Y T O T H E F I N A L

FIFTH ROUND Glentoran’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup adventure this season began with a belter of a match. Championship pacesetters Portadown provided the opposition at the Oval in the fifth round tie at the start of January. The game ended 2-2 after extra time before the Glens prevailed on penalties. Portadown’s Lee Bonis opened the scoring before Hrvoje Plum equalised (penalty) in added time. Then the Ports’ Liam McKenna and the Glens’ Jonny Frazer scored in extra time. The shoot-out ended 5-4 with Gavin Peers scoring the decisive penalty. SIXTH ROUND At the beginning of February the Glens faced a potential banana skin when they travelled to face Queen’s University, who famously defeated Linfield in the fifth round of this season’s competition. Robbie McDaid was the hero for the Glens at the Dub as he grabbed a hat-trick in a 3-2 win. Jonah Mitchell and Matty Hughes scored for the Championship side. QUARTER-FINALS In late February FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in town for IFAB’s AGM, was a spectator at the Oval as Glentoran and cup holders Crusaders clashed in the last eight – and he witnessed a ding-dong tussle. McDaid scored the winner once again for the Glens, who fell behind in the first half to a Jamie McGonigle strike. Glentoran skipper Marcus Kane levelled proceedings before McDaid sealed the victory from the spot. The controversial penalty was awarded after a McDaid cross hit the arm of Jarlath O’Rourke in the area. SEMI-FINALS Glentoran navigated a pulsating penalty shootout to reach this season’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup final. The Glens won 7-6 on penalties to edge past Cliftonville in a thriller at the National Football Stadium on Monday (27 July). The two teams were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes-plus. Both goals were scored by Glentoran players. Paddy McClean was unlucky to turn the ball into his own net to give the Reds the lead. Robbie McDaid equalised. In the shootout McDaid, Ruaidhri Donnelly and Joe Crowe scored from the spot before Navid Nasseri, Ciaran O’Connor and Jonny Frazer all hit the net in the sudden death phase. Penalty number nine for the Glens was scored by captain Marcus Kane, however Reds defender Conor McDermott’s effort from the spot was saved by Glens keeper Elliott Morris and that meant the Glens won the shootout 7-6.

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G L E N T O R A N J O U R N E Y T O T H E F I N A L

Saturday 29 February 2020 Glentoran 2 Crusaders 1

Monday 27 July 2020 Cliftonville 1 Glentoran 1 (6 - 7 Penalties)

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G L E N T O R A N S Q U A D

Elliott Morris Goalkeeper // Age 39

Marijan Antolovic Goalkeeper // Age 31

Paul McLaughlin Goalkeeper // Age 19

Willie Garrett Defender // Age 28

Glentoran’s longest serving first team player ever, having made his debut in August 2002, Elliott has already won three Irish Cups and captained Glentoran to their last two Irish Cup final wins. Proved with his semi-final performance his determination to win at least one more winner’s medal.

The giant Croatian keeper joined last summer from FC Osiek along with the now injured and much missed midfielder Hrvoje Plum. As well as in his home nation, Marijan has played senior football in Poland, Israel and Slovenia. Represented Croatia at both U18 and U21 levels.

Paul, from Belfast, has been at Glentoran from a very early age, progressing through all the year groups to make his first team debut against Institute in April 2019, keeping a clean sheet in his only senior appearance to date.

Eastender Willie was the first player to represent Glentoran at every level up to the first team. A lifelong Glentoran supporter, Willie was outstanding in the Glens’ 2015 Irish Cup win over Portadown. Has been in the first team squad since September 2012 and is a quick, adaptable central defender.

Marcus Kane Defender // Age 28

Gavin Peers Defender // Age 34

Patrick McClean Defender // Age 23

Keith Cowan Defender // Age 34

Skipper ‘Moko’ is chasing his third Irish Cup winner’s medal. A utility man for much of his first seven seasons at the club, he has put down roots as left back and has led from the front throughout this cup run. Has 284 appearances, more than any other current outfield player.

A vastly experienced player who joined fromDerry City in January 2019. ‘Peersy’ has provided great leadership and organisation in the Glens defence, as one would expect from a former league winning captain with Sligo Rovers. A very popular player who missed the semi-final through injury.

Paddy was a shock pre-season signing from his hometown club Derry City. A big favourite among the Glens support who quickly dedicated his own song to him. A highlight of his first season in east Belfast was his remarkable injury time overhead kick winner away to Larne.

Joined in January after a career spent at his local club, Finn Harps, where he is a legend. The centre back made just his third start for the Glens in the semi-final but showed all his experience and leadership qualities in an outstanding defensive display.

Lewis McGarvey Defender // Age 19

Mal Smith Midfielder // Age 19

Navid Nasseri Midfielder // Age 24

Joe Crowe Midfielder // Age 22

This could be young Lewis’s last Glentoran appearance for a while as he heads off this summer to start a university scholarship in the USA. A stylish young central defender and U21 captain who has come through the Glens Academy.

Mal has been with the Glens for 10 years and has successfully come through every age level to the first team. Mal made his debut away to Warrenpoint Town last season, and this term has made eight appearances, scoring his first senior goal against Ballyclare Comrades in September.

Signed earlier this season, Nav made an immediate impression with a goal on his debut and quickly won over the Glens’ support as he is a real crowd pleaser. Former Manchester United apprentice and Iran U21 international. One to watch today.

Joined Glentoran in August 2018 after a brief spell with Linfield following a number of years with Norwich City. Originally a central defender, Joe has started all Glentoran’s Irish Cup games so far this season and played a big part in the semi-final victory.

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G L E N T O R A N S Q U A D

Steven Gordon Midfielder // Age 27

Chris Gallagher Midfielder // Age 21

Elvio Van Overbeek Midfielder // Age 26

A lifelong Glenman who is now in his eighth season as a first teamer. Stevie G is a very experienced player who played a key role in the club’s last Irish Cup win. Stevie has always shown the ability to score important goals frommidfield.

‘Cricky’ is in his second season with Glentoran, after signing from Shrewsbury Town. A composed, skilful midfielder, he played a major part this season in the Glens’ 17-game unbeaten run after re-establishing himself. A regular in the Northern Ireland U21 team.

The former Dutch U21 international played the semi- final against Cliftonville in an unfamiliar role of right back. Has made more appearances than any other Glentoran player this season, featuring in 38 of the 40 games, scoring a number of important goals in the process.

Seamus Duffy Midfielder // Age 17

Ciaran O’Connor Forward // Age 24

Jonny Frazer Forward // Age 24

Another highly promising graduate of the Glentoran Academy. Seamus made the step up to the Under-20s this season and established himself with some scintillating performances. Yet to feature at senior level but will be up to the task when his chance comes.

Dundalk man Ciaran joined Glentoran after a two-year stint at Warrenpoint Town, where he was captain. Previously he played with his hometown club and Finn Harps. Very difficult to knock off the ball when in possession, Ciaran is expected to play an important part in 2020-21.

Jonny has played a pivotal role in this season’s Irish Cup run, winning a late penalty and scoring in extra time against Portadown in the opening round. His pace terrifies opposition defenders and if he appears at any stage today he will make a major contribution.

Robbie McDaid Forward // Age 23

Paul O’Neill Forward // Age 20

Ruaidhri Donnelly Forward // Age 28

Paul joined the Glentoran Academy at 14, and has scored 11 goals this season, his first as a regular starter. Paul made his Northern Ireland U21 debut last September and has every opportunity to forge a career in cross-channel football if that is his ambition.

Now in his third season at the Glens, Robbie is a very popular player and as top scorer is a candidate for Glentoran Player of the Year. Has scored 20 goals so far this season, including a hat-trick in a tricky sixth round Irish Cup tie at Queen’s.

Joined in January from Cliftonville where he had two spells either side of a cross- channel stint with Swansea City and Gillingham. A real gamechanger on his day – great in both the air and on the floor and a lethal finisher.

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G L E N T O R A N B A C K R O O M S T A F F

Mick McDermott Head Coach

Paul Millar Assistant Head Coach

Kieran Harding Coach

Mick will hope to end his first season at the helm on a high tonight. Returned to his native Belfast after a very diverse playing and coaching career abroad, latterly as assistant to Carlos Queiroz at the Iranian national team. Mick’s approach has given Glentoran supporters belief that the club is back on the rise after a challenging decade.

‘Windy” is in his third spell at the club he first joined as a teenager. Has a great track record in the Irish Cup, with winner’s medals for Glentoran (he scored the winner in a final) and Portadown, and two recent medals when coaching at Glenavon.

Joined the Glens in 2018 with Ronnie McFall, with whom he enjoyed many years of success as assistant manager at Portadown. Stayed on with Mick and Paul due to his vast experience and knowledge of the Irish League. A UEFA Pro Licence holder.

Gareth Robinson Physiotherapist

Sean MacManus Kit & Equipment Manager

John O’Kane Coach

Another who joined the club in summer 2019. Gareth coming on board was considered a major coup for the Glens, having spent over a decade in a similar role with Ulster Rugby. A great source of support and reassurance for the Glentoran players.

Famous around local grounds for both his hard work and his legendary Def Leppard tattoos! Hard to imagine how a man from darkest Fermanagh can become a lifelong Glenman but that’s Sean, who also led the Glentoran Disability team before taking on his current role.

In his first season with Glentoran after gaining experience with Donegal Celtic, Cliftonville and Club NI. Was part of Tommy Breslin’s coaching team at Solitude and managed a U20 squad including players such as Liam Boyce and Ruaidhri Donnelly.

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T H E M A T C H O F F I C I A L S

R E F E R E E T I M M A R S H A L L

The man in the middle for today’s game is Tim Marshall, who started refereeing back in 2001 at the age of just 13. He refereed the 2007 Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final between Crusaders and Linfield. The game featured a youthful Jordan Owens, Declan Caddell and Billy Joe Burns. In 2011 he took charge of his first Irish League Premiership game: Portadown v Lisburn Distillery. He was then promoted the following season after refereeing the 2012 Intermediate Cup Final. By 2015 Tim had become a FIFA international referee. To date he has officiated in 27 different countries. Taking charge of the Irish Cup Final fulfils a lifetime ambition for Tim, who was fourth official in the 2014 and 2017 finals.

Assistant Referee : Stephen Bell Stephen, who is from Carrickfergus and works as a transport supervisor, has been refereeing for 17 years. He has been an assistant referee for nine years and he has also spent seven of those years as a FIFA assistant referee. Assistant Referee : Paul Robinson Paul began his refereeing career in 2009 officiating in the Mid Ulster Football League. In 2012 he became an Assistant Referee and has officiated in the Irish League Premiership since 2013. He became a FIFA Assistant Referee in 2016. Paul officiated at six games in the 2017 UEFA Under-17 European Championship finals in Croatia. He also ran the line at the Irish Cup Final between Glenavon and Linfield in 2016. Fourth Official : Shane Andrews Shane has been refereeing for nine years and has climbed the Irish FA refereeing ladder. In 2018 he reached his ultimate goal of inclusion on the senior panel of referees. In 2019 he was awarded UEFA’s Centre of Refereeing Excellence Certificate. Reserve Assistant Referee : Adam Jeffrey Began refereeing in November 2013. Progressed through the ranks to take part in his first Danske Bank Premiership games in the 2016-17 season and was then promoted to a NIFL Premiership AR at the end of that season. Since then he has officiated in the UEFA Youth League, at UEFA U17 and U19 mini tournaments and at this season’s Bet McLean League Cup Final.

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T H E R O A D T O T H E 2 0 2 0 F I N A L

FIRST ROUND SATURDAY 17 AUGUST 2019 Albert Foundry 3-1 Bloomfield Armagh City 7-0 1st Bangor Annagh United 4-1 Derriaghy CC Ballynahinch Olympic 2-3 Bangor Banbridge Town 2-1 Dungiven Barn United 0-3 Oxford Sunnyside Belfast Celtic 9-1 Dromore Amateurs Bryansburn Rangers 1-3 Crumlin United Chimney Corner 5-1 Laurelvale Comber Rec 2-0 Bangor Amateurs Cookstown RBL 2-3 Glebe Rangers Cookstown Youth 0-5 Newington Downshire YM 2-0 Rectory Rangers Dromara Village 3-6 Coagh United East Belfast 3-1 St Mary’s Fivemiletown United 2-3 Ardstraw Grove United 2-4 Newcastle Holywood 1-4 Newbuildings United Iveagh United 1-3 Lurgan Town Limavady United 3-0 Ballynure OB Maiden City 3-2 Bourneview Mill Rosemount Rec 2-3 Dunmurry Rec Saintfield 0-2 Banbridge Rangers Sirocco Works 2-2 Seagoe (3-4 pens) St James’ Swifts 4-1 Abbey Villa St Oliver Plunkett 2-2 Ballymacash Rangers (2-3 pens) Suffolk 3-0 St Luke’s Trojans 3-1 Desertmartin Tullyvallen 2-2 Dunloy (3-4 pens) Craigavon City 5-0 Seapatrick Crumlin Star 8-0 Kilmore Rec Malachians 1-2 Moneyslane Mossley 4-1 Markethill Swifts Moyola Park 11-0 Colin Valley Rosario YC 0-1 Killyleagh YC

SECOND ROUND FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 Glebe Rangers 1-1 Chimney Corner (3-4 pens) SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2019 Aquinas 2-1 Craigavon City Ardstraw 4-1 Wakehurst Armagh City 2-1 Dunloy (AET) Ballymacash Rangers 2-1 Dunmurry YM Ballymoney United 2-3 East Belfast Banbridge Rangers 0-3 Bangor Brantwood 4-3 Moyola Park (AET) Comber Rec 2-4 Coagh United Crewe United 3-4 Crumlin United Dollingstown 5-0 Lower Maze Dunmurry Rec 3-2 Newbuildings United Greenisland 2-0 Albert Foundry Islandmagee 5-2 Shorts Killyleagh YC 1-0 Downshire YM Limavady United 2-0 Immaculata Lisburn Distillery 3-2 Strabane Athletic Lurgan Town 0-4 St James’ Swifts Maiden City 1-3 Tullycarnet Moneyslane 9-0 Mossley Newcastle 0-5 Banbridge Town Newtowne 0-2 Newington Portstewart 0-1 Belfast Celtic Rathfriland Rangers 4-2 Seagoe Richhill 0-3 Valley Rangers Shankill United 1-4 Lisburn Rangers Suffolk 1-4 Larne Tech OB Tandragee Rovers 5-7 18th Newtownabbey OB (AET) Tobermore United 5-1 Oxford Sunnyside Woodvale 1-7 Annagh United SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2019 18th Newtownabbey OB 2-3 Coagh United Ardstraw 1-2 Islandmagee Banbridge Town 2-1 Dunmurry Rec Belfast Celtic 3-1 Annagh United Brantwood 4-3 Crumlin United Chimney Corner 0-3 Valley Rangers Crumlin Star 1-0 Greenisland Dollingstown 2-1 Lisburn Distillery Hanover 3-2 Killyleagh YC Limavady United 3-0 Aquinas Moneyslane 1-5 Bangor Newington 0-3 East Belfast Rathfriland Rangers 3-0 Lisburn Rangers St James’ Swifts 0-4 Ballymacash Rangers Tobermore United 1-3 Larne Tech OB Tullycarnet 4-3 Armagh City Postponed/cancelled games: Crumlin Star v Trojans (Crumlin Star progressed to R3) Hanover v Oxford United Stars (Hanover progressed to R3) THIRD ROUND

Wakehurst 3-1 Ards Rangers Woodvale 5-1 Windmill Stars

Postponed/cancelled games: Crewe United v Donegal Celtic (Crewe United progressed to R2) Hanover v Lurgan Celtic

(Hanover progressed to R2) Newtowne v Drumaness Mills (Newtowne progressed to R2) Richhill AFC v Ballywalter Rec (Richhill AFC progressed to R2) Strabane Athletic v Ballynahinch United (Strabane Athletic progressed to R2)

Byes: 18th Newtownabbey, Aquinas, Ballymoney United, Brantwood, Dollingstown, Dunmurry YM, Greenisland, Immaculata, Islandmagee, Larne Tech. OB, Lisburn Distillery, Lisburn Rangers, Lower Maze, Oxford United Stars, Portstewart, Rathfriland Rangers, Shankill United, Shorts, Tandragee Rovers, Tobermore United, Tullycarnet, Valley Rangers.

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FOURTH ROUND SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2019 Banbridge Town 3-2 Ballymacash Rangers Belfast Celtic 2-1 Larne Tech OB Brantwood 2-5 Rathfriland Rangers East Belfast 7-1 Islandmagee Limavady United 1-3 Bangor Valley Rangers 1-5 Hanover FIFTH ROUND SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020 Ards 1-3 Carrick Rangers Ballinamallard United 1-0 Dollingstown Ballyclare Comrades 2-1 H&W Welders Ballymena United 2-0 Crumlin Star Banbridge Town 2-2 East Belfast (5-4 pens) Coagh United 0-1 Crumlin Star Dollingstown 6-0 Tullycarnet

SIXTH ROUND SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2020 Ballyclare Comrades 0-1 Larne (AET) Carrick Rangers 1-5 Crusaders Cliftonville 3-1 Rathfriland Rangers Coleraine 3-0 Banbridge Town Dungannon Swifts 4-2 Newry City AFC (AET) Knockbreda 2-5 Ballinamallard United Queen’s University 2-3 Glentoran Warrenpoint Town 1-2 Ballymena United QUARTER-FINALS FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2020 Larne 2-3 Coleraine SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2020 Ballinamallard United 0-2 Ballymena United Dungannon Swifts 1-2 Cliftonville Glentoran 2-1 Crusaders SEMI-FINALS

Cliftonville 6-0 Hanover Crusaders 3-0 Dundela Glenavon 0-2 Coleraine Glentoran 2-2 Portadown (5-4 pens) Institute 2-3 Dungannon Swifts Knockbreda 3-2 Dergview Larne 8-0 Belfast Celtic Loughgall 1-2 Rathfriland Rangers Newry City AFC 3-1 Bangor Queen’s University 2-1 Linfield Warrenpoint Town 3-1 PSNI

MONDAY 27 JULY 2020 Ballymena United 1-1 Coleraine (3-1 pens AET) Cliftonville 1-1 Glentoran (6-7 pens AET)

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T H E H I S T O R Y O F T H E I R I S H C H A L L E N G E C U P

The trophy was first awarded to Moyola Park when they beat Cliftonville 1-0 in the final at Cliftonville Cricket Ground, Belfast, on 9 April 1881. Linfield have won the trophy a record 43 times, while Belfast rivals Glentoran have won it 22 times. Other winners are: Distillery 13; Belfast Celtic 8; Cliftonville 8; Glenavon 7; Ballymena United 6; Coleraine 6; Ards 4; Crusaders 4; Shelbourne 3; Derry City 3; Portadown 3; Queen’s Island 2; Bohemians 1; Moyola Park 1; Willowfield 1; Dundela 1; Carrick Rangers 1; Gordon Highlanders 1; Ulster FC 1; Bangor 1. Inaugurated in 1881 and now in its 139th season, the Irish Cup is the fourth-oldest national cup competition in the world.

RESULTS IN PREVIOUS FINALS

1881 Moyola Park 1-0 Cliftonville 1882 Queen’s Island 1-0 Cliftonville 1883 Cliftonville 5-0 Ulster FC 1884 Distillery 5-0 Wellington Park 1885 Distillery 3-0 Limavady 1886 Distillery 1-0 Limavady 1887 Ulster FC 3-0 Cliftonville 1888 Cliftonville 2-1 Distillery 1889 Distillery 5-4 YMCA 1890 Gordon Highlanders 3-1 Cliftonville (replay - first game 2-2) 1891 Linfield 4-2 Ulster FC 1892 Linfield 7-0 The Black Watch 1897 Cliftonville 3-1 Sherwood Foresters 1898 Linfield 2-0 St Columb’s Hall Celtic 1899 Linfield 2-1 Glentoran 1900 Cliftonville 2-1 Bohemians 1901 Cliftonville 1-0 Freebooters 1902 Linfield 5-1 Distillery 1903 Distillery 3-1 Bohemians 1904 Linfield 5-1 Derry Celtic 1905 Distillery 3-0 Shelbourne 1906 Shelbourne 2-0 Belfast Celtic 1907 Cliftonville 1-0 Shelbourne (replay – first game 0-0) 1908 Bohemians 3-1 Shelbourne (replay – first game 1-1) 1909 Cliftonville 2-1 Bohemians (replay – first game 0-0) 1893 Linfield 5-1 Cliftonville 1894 Distillery 3-2 Linfield (replay - first game 2-2) 1895 Linfield 10-1 Bohemians 1896 Distillery 3-1 Glentoran

(second replay – first two games ended 0-0) (second replay – first two games ended 1-1 and 0-0)

1919 Linfield 2-1 Glentoran

1920 Shelbourne awarded cup;

(semi-finalists Belfast Celtic and Glentoran were dismissed from competition)

1921 Glentoran 2-0 Glenavon 1922 Linfield 2-1 Glenavon 1923 Linfield 2-0 Glentoran 1924 Queen’s Island 1-0 Willowfield 1925 Distillery 2-1 Glentoran 1926 Belfast Celtic 3-2 Linfield 1927 Ards 3-2 Cliftonville 1928 Willowfield 1-0 Larne (replay - after 1-1 draw) 1929 Ballymena 2-1 Belfast Celtic

1930 Linfield 4-3 Ballymena 1931 Linfield 3-0 Ballymena 1932 Glentoran 2-1 Linfield 1933 Glentoran 3-1 Distillery 1934 Linfield 5-0 Cliftonville 1935 Glentoran 1-0 Larne

(second replay - after two 1-1 draws)

(second replay - after two 0-0 draws) 1936 Linfield 2-1 (after extra time) Derry City (replay - after 0-0 draw)

1937 Belfast Celtic 3-0 Linfield 1938 Belfast Celtic 2-0 Bangor (replay - after 0-0 draw) 1939 Linfield 2-0 Ballymena United 1940 Ballymena United 2-0 Glenavon 1941 Belfast Celtic 1-0 Linfield 1942 Linfield 3-1 Glentoran 1943 Belfast Celtic 1-0 Glentoran 1944 Belfast Celtic 3-1 Linfield 1945 Linfield 4-2 Glentoran 1946 Linfield 3-0 Distillery 1947 Belfast Celtic 1-0 Glentoran 1948 Linfield 3-0 Coleraine 1949 Derry City 3-1 Glentoran 1950 Linfield 2-1 Distillery 1951 Glentoran 3-1 Ballymena United 1952 Ards 1-0 Glentoran 1953 Linfield 5-0 Coleraine

1910 Distillery 1-0 Cliftonville 1911 Shelbourne 2-1 Bohemians (replay – first game 0-0) 1912 Linfield awarded cup; other clubs suspended for breaking IFA rules

1913 Linfield 2-0 Glentoran 1914 Glentoran 3-1 Linfield 1915 Linfield 1-0 Belfast Celtic 1916 Linfield 1-0 Glentoran (replay – first game 1-1) 1917 Glentoran 2-0 Belfast Celtic 1918 Belfast Celtic 2-0 Linfield

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1954 Derry City 1-0 Glentoran

1986 Glentoran 2-1 Coleraine 1987 Glentoran 1-0 Larne 1988 Glentoran 1-0 Glenavon 1989 Ballymena United 1-0 Larne 1990 Glentoran 3-0 Portadown 1991 Portadown 2-1 Glenavon 1992 Glenavon 2-1 Linfield 1993 Bangor 1-0 Ards 1994 Linfield 2-0 Bangor 1995 Linfield 3-1 Carrick Rangers 1996 Glentoran 1-0 Glenavon 1997 Glenavon 1-0 Cliftonville 1998 Glentoran 1-0 (AET) Glenavon 1999 Cup awarded to Portadown 2000 Glentoran 1-0 Portadown 2001 Glentoran 1-0 (AET) Linfield 2002 Linfield 2-1 Portadown 2003 Coleraine 1-0 Glentoran 2004 Glentoran 1-0 Coleraine 2009 Crusaders 1-0 Cliftonville 2010 Linfield 2-1 Portadown 2011 Linfield 2-1 Crusaders 2012 Linfield 4-1 Crusaders 2013 Glentoran 3-1 (AET) Cliftonville 2014 Glenavon 2-1 Ballymena United 2015 Glentoran 1-0 Portadown 2016 Glenavon 2-0 Linfield 2017 Linfield 3-0 Coleraine 2018 Coleraine 3-1 Cliftonville 2019 Crusaders 3-0 Ballinamallard United (second replay - after two 1-1 draws) 2005 Portadown 5-1 Larne 2006 Linfield 2-1 Glentoran 2007 Linfield 2-2 (AET) Dungannon Swifts (Linfield won 3-2 on pens) 2008 Linfield 2-1 Coleraine (final not played as Cliftonville played ineligible player in semi-final)

(second replay - after 2-2 and 0-0 draws)

1955 Dundela 3-0 Glenavon 1956 Distillery 1-0 Glentoran

(second replay - after 2-2 and 1-1 draws)

1957 Glenavon 2-0 Derry City 1958 Ballymena United 2-0 Linfield 1959 Glenavon 2-0 Ballymena United (replay - after 1-1 draw) 1960 Linfield 5-1 Ards 1961 Glenavon 5-1 Linfield 1962 Linfield 4-0 Portadown 1963 Linfield 2-1 Distillery 1964 Derry City 2-0 Glentoran 1965 Coleraine 2-1 Glenavon 1966 Glentoran 2-0 Linfield 1967 Crusaders 3-1 Glentoran 1968 Crusaders 2-0 Linfield 1969 Ards 4-2 Distillery (replay - after 0-0 draw) 1970 Linfield 2-1 Ballymena United

1971 Distillery 3-0 Derry City 1972 Coleraine 2-1 Portadown 1973 Glentoran 3-2 Linfield 1974 Ards 2-1 Ballymena United 1975 Coleraine 1-0 Linfield (second replay - after 0-0 and 1-1 draws) 1976 Carrick Rangers 2-1 Linfield 1977 Coleraine 4-1 Linfield 1978 Linfield 3-1 Ballymena United 1979 Cliftonville 3-2 Portadown 1980 Linfield 2-0 Crusaders 1981 Ballymena United 1-0 Glenavon 1982 Linfield 2-1 Coleraine 1983 Glentoran 2-1 Linfield (replay - after 1-1 draw) 1984 Ballymena United 4-1 Carrick Rangers 1985 Glentoran 1-0 Linfield (replay - after 1-1 draw)

Crusaders won the Irish Cup in 2019

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S Q U A D S

1 2 4 5 8 9

1 2 3 4 7

Ross Glendinning GK Anthony Kane Jonathan Addis Scott Whiteside Ryan Harpur Cathair Friel James Knowles Steven McCullough Kenneth Kane Andrew Burns Andrew McGrory Kofi Balmer Jude Winchester (c) Jim Ervin Adam Lecky Leroy Millar Reece Glendinning Aaron Burns Joshua Kelly Ross Lavery Jordan Williamson GK

Elliott Morris GK William Garrett Marcus Kane (c)

Gavin Peers Jonny Frazer

11 15 16 19 20 21 22 26 30 31 32 33 34 35 41 42 43 46 47

Robbie McDaid Patrick McClean Conor Pepper Navid Nasseri Malachy Smith Joe Crowe Steven Gordon Paul O’Neill

10 11 12 14 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 31 32 36 38 41 46 47

Marijan Antolovic GK Paul McLaughlin GK Keith Cowan Elvio Van Overbeek Ciaran O’Connor Lewis McGarvey Ruaidhri Donnelly

Corai Quinn Jake Wallace Seamus Duffy Matthew Lusty

Connor Friel GK Spencer Beattie Dean Lewis Arynn Annett Jordan McMullan Max Davidson

M A N A G E M E N T

Manager : David Jeffrey

Head Coach : Mick McDermott

O F F I C I A L S

Referee : Tim Marshall Assistant Referee : Paul Robinson Assistant Referee : Stephen Bell

Fourth Official : Shane Andrews Reserve Asst Referee : Adam Jeffrey

Irish Football Association President David Martin Deputy Presidents Jack Grundie and Crawford Wilson Chief Executive Patrick Nelson Advertising Irish Football Association Pictures Press Eye

Official Publication by Irish Football Association National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Donegall Avenue, Belfast, BT12 6LW Editor Nigel Tilson Head of Communications Danny Lynch Design and Print Minprint Ltd, 401 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, Co Down, BT5 6QP Tel: 028 9070 5205 www.minprint.co.uk

Please note that the views in this programme do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish Football Association.