The Blues move their focus to the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup this Friday, with the welcome of Donegal junior side Cockhill Celtic FC to the RSC for our second round clash, and we have all the information you need to know about tomorrow’s opponents below!
Who are Cockhill Celtic FC?
Cockhill Celtic FC are a junior league side based in Buncrana town in county Donegal, who play in the Inishowen Football League. Founded almost 55 years ago in 1970, Cockhill defeated Gorey Rangers FC in the 2023/24 FAI Junior Cup Final in Eamonn Deacy Park in May 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time to be crowned junior champions.
Eleven-time champions of the Ulster Senior League, Cockhill now play their home games at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Ground which opened in 2003 for the Donegal outfit & are managed by former Finn Harps captain Gavin Cullen.
How have Cockhill Celtic got to the FAI Cup second-round?
After being crowned FAI Junior Cup champions in May, Cockhill were entered into the first round of this year’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup competition as they hosted Ayrfield United FC of Dublin and defeated them by seven-goals-to-one to secure their place into the second round of this years competition.
Is this Cockhill Celtic’s first time appearing in the FAI Senior Cup?
No, Cockhill in fact have experience in playing against regular League of Ireland opposition over the last decade in cup competitions.
Their most stand-out result came against Galway United FC in the 2011 EA Sports Cup at Eamonn Deacy park, as a Paul McKinley brace was added to William O’Connor’s early equaliser saw Celtic secure a famous victory.
Since then, Cockhill have played against Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United, Longford Town, Finn Harps & UCD AFC, but unfortunately came out on the wrong side of the result each time.
Who are Cockhill Celtic’s star men?
The Donegal outfit have a hosts of former underage League of Ireland & amateur internationals including Harry Doherty, Peter Doherty, Oisin McColgan & Lee McColgan.
James Bradley is the Cockhill Celtic skipper, who plays a crucial role in the heart of their midfield, as he guided the Dongeal side to a historic FAI Junior Cup crown earlier this year.
Waterford FC wishes everyone at Cockhill Celtic a safe journey down to the RSC this Friday! Tickets for the game remain on sale HERE.
