GREENCASTLE take their first steps into the national rounds of the FAI Junior Cup tomorrow afternoon.
For the first time ever, The Greeks are into the fifth round and have a date with Rush Athletic from the AUL’s Division 1C.
Pat McLaughlin’s team sit fourth in the Jackie Crossan Premier Division at the moment after a good start to the season, although it is perhaps a measure of their ambition that the manager feels they could be at a loftier perch.
“It probably sounds crazy, but we could be doing better,” McLaughlin, whose team are just two points behind Clonmany Shamrocks, says.
“We drew 3-3 with Clonmany and it was criminal that we conceded three goals that day; then we lost 1-0 against Buncrana and should have got something out of that game.”
[adrotate group=”88″]This is McLaughlin’s third season at the helm in Chapel Lane, but they’ve been boosted by the return of some familiar faces.
Kevin McLaughlin, who lives just a couple of doors from the manager, is back home after being based at Carlow IT, where he obtained his UEFA B licence, and is the Greencastle trainer.
“He’s been a huge asset,” Pat McLaughlin says. “Everything that he does is so professional and he’s really added to our squad.”
[adrotate group=”80″]Christopher Hegarty has returned to the fold, having been in France for the last couple of years.
Jamie McCormick and Ciaran Moore are available this week, the pair just back from America in time for the game.
Lifford Celtic, Keadue Rovers and Raphoe Town have been beaten by Greencastle to get this far and they’ll leave the banks of the Foyle at 7am tomorrow.
“It’s our first time ever at this stage so we really want to make the most of it,” McLaughlin says.
“We have had great support from the people of Greencastle and the general area. Everyone is rowing in behind us.
“The FAI Junior Cup is massive and we’re really looking forward to the game.”
The experience of Joe Doherty and Sean Cavanagh will be vital for Greencastle, whose midfield tripo of Sean Doherty, James Henry and Matthew Henry has been in fine fettle this term.
Michael Barr and Mark Henry are among the other key cogs for Greencastle, with Gavin Harkin an unsung hero at right-back.
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