O'Callaghan Chasing More Cup glory

25th Aug 2010

O'Callaghan chasing more Cup glory

Cork City midfielder George O’Callaghan is expecting a tough challenge on Friday night when Monaghan United arrive at Turner’s Cross for their fourth round FAI Cup clash (KO 7.45pm). The experienced midfielder is hoping that the Rebel Army can reclaim past Cup glory and ensure safe passage into the next round.

George in action last Friday night at the Cross.

O’Callaghan has never won the competition in City colours and predicts a tight contest against Mick Cooke’s men, the club who are currently leading the chase to catch Derry City at the top of the First Division standings. City boss Tommy Dunne is without Gavin Kavanagh, Shane Barrett and Eoghan Lougheed though, all of whom are Cup-tied.

“Anything can happen in the Cup and that’s why people love it so much,” O’Callaghan said ahead of the match. “Shocks happen in the FA Cup in England and they happen here too - a First Division team won the FAI Cup last year and that’s happened a couple of times now.

“Last Friday night (against Waterford United) was disappointing because I think we deserved something from the game. We’ve had a decent run in the league recently but now, with a couple of the lads Cup-tied, it’s a chance for others to come and show what they’ve got.

“I know Monaghan are doing well this year but this is a game we really want to win. We want to prolong the season as much as we can, so it’s important we win it for the club, the players and everyone involved. It’s all about what happens on the day and which team is hungrier. Against Monaghan it’s going to be two equal enough teams and we’ll both to be going at it from the very start.”

In an interview with Cork City’s match day programme Cross Eye (available for €3 on Friday night), the 30-year-old recalled his favourite Cup moments and explained what drives him on at this stage of his career. He is also well aware of just how important the additional benefits of a good Cup run are.

“Hopefully we’ll have a decent crowd but the most important thing in the Cup is to be in the hat for the next round and that is what we’re aiming for. It would be great to get a chance to win the Cup - you just need that bit of luck and you never know what could happen.

“There’s a European place up for grabs and that would be massive for the club. Some good results would put us back in the shop window and get us noticed again and that’s what the Cup can do for clubs. We’d also love to get a big draw and to bring the likes of Bohemians or Shamrock Rovers back to the Cross with a big crowd, just to see where we stand ourselves at the moment.

“I would love to get to the final, especially after the whole drama of the last couple of years. It would be a nice way to finish the season after all the hard work FORAS has put in. As I get older I realise that you don’t get too many chances in the Cup. I got to one Cup final and I don’t really remember much of it, so it’s all about trying to get those memories, starting with Friday night.”