Listen: Derry delight as City clinch first Knockalla Cup in 23 years

SHAUN Holmes praised Derry City Reserves’ character as they twice came from behind to defeat Letterkenny Rovers in the Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup final.

Oran Kennedy won the game 3-2 for Derry with a deflected goal on 73 minutes after Sean McDermott and Patrick Ferry struck to cancel out goals by BJ Banda and Matty Harkin.

“We’re delighted,” Holmes told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub afterwards.

“It was a hard-fought game but the youth in the team came through in the end. I’m delighted with the boys.

“We showed great character. Some of these boys are only 17 and learning the game against a good, experienced side. They found a way to win.”

The win sealed a first Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup success for Derry since the 1996/97 season – when current Candystripes senior boss Declan Devine was in goal for a final win over Fanad United – and a third overall for the Maiden city side.

Holmes said: “We have lots of young talent and we give boys opportunities. They didn’t disappoint and they backed it up. They deserve all the credit.”

Listen to the full interview …