Castlebar Celtic chasing Mayo history as Kilkenny's Evergreen stand in their way
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Evergreen captain Mikey Drennan plied his trade with Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Carlisle before continuing his career in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers. Inset: Castlebar Celtic manager Stevie Gavin has his sights set on creating even more history. PHOTOs: SPORTSFILE Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILEImage 2 of 2
Castlebar Celtic manager Stevie Gavin will have his sights set on creating even more history. PHOTO: SPORTSFILE. Tyler Miller / SPORTSFILECastlebar Celtic will discover exactly what stands between them and a first-ever FAI Junior Cup final when they host Kilkenny's Evergreen in the semi-final tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m., with the tie set to be played at Umbro Park, Milebush.
Stevie Gavin's side booked their place in the last four with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Gorey Rangers in Wexford, Celtic's goals cancelled out twice by the Wexford side before substitute goalkeeper Peter Basquille - on for the injured Stefan Hester - saved the decisive spot-kick to see Celtic through 5-3 on penalties.
It's been a season to remember for the reigning Connacht Junior Cup and Super League champions, who are chasing the one honour still missing from their 101-year history.
Standing in their way are a Kilkenny District League side who have been one of the form teams of this year's competition.
Managed by Gary Maher, Evergreen have accounted for Kildare Town, Kildrum Tigers, Colga and Pike Rovers on their way to the last four, with David Grincell and former UCD and Dundalk striker Dara Keane on the scoresheet in their own win over Pike Rovers in the previous round.
They arrive in Mayo unbeaten domestically in the Kilkenny District League this season, and with genuine pedigree in this competition - they've reached the FAI Junior Cup final twice before, most recently losing out to Sheriff YC in 2017, without ever getting their hands on the trophy.
Kilkenny native Mikey Drennan, who came through the club as a youngster before a professional career that took in Aston Villa, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic, remains a key figure for Evergreen following his latest return to the club, while Grincell and Ify Nzewi have both chipped in with important goals throughout the run.
With a place in the October 4 final at stake for both sets of Hoops - Coachford face Trim Celtic in the other semi-final - Sunday's tie at Umbro Park promises to be a serious examination of Celtic's credentials.
It's also the biggest test yet for a side who are off the back of a Benson Cup win and look destined to clinch their fourth successive Super League title.