Newmarket Celtic go in search of an historic fifth Clare Cup title win in a row, they go into Saturday’s Prego Menswear Final vs Avenue United B as overwhelming favourites.
Eoin Hayes insists despite being favourites they won’t be complacent or take the Ennis club for granted. “I don’t think any of us are complacent. We have played Avenue B a few years ago in the Cup and they brought us all the way to extra time and it wasn’t down to complacency I mean they’re really good. I haven’t seen them play this year but I believe they’re just as good as they were. I can understand how we can be favourites but at the same time we’ve a bunch of lads that won’t be complacent this weekend”.
It’s been a hectic season for Celtic and with a number of wins under their belts in recent weeks, momentum is rising in their camp. “Preparations are going well, the last few weeks we’ve been flat out with games in different competitions, the Munster Junior, FAI they’re all over now so it’s just the domestic, we’ve had a few league games there recently and played the Cup semi-final last weekend. We’re going well at the moment, we’ve a lot of wins under our belts in the last few weeks so we’re just looking to keep the momentum going” Hayes told Clare FM.
Celtic have had a season to remember with long runs in the FAI Junior and Munster Junior Cup. However they have no trophies to show for their season to date and Hayes who scored the match-winning goal in their semi-final win over Tulla United states this is a great opportunity to collect some silverware.
“It’s been a long season, we’ve been in all them competitions and we’re coming away from it without any trophy. This year already we’ve beaten the likes of St Michaels, Janesboro, Clonmel and Pike Rovers but at the end of the season at the moment we’ve nothing to show for it so that’s motivation in itself, this weekend is a chance for us to put a trophy on the board and that’s the motivation we need.”
Mike O’Malley’s men will be boosted by Friday’s draw between Bridge Utd and Avenue Utd A which means Newmarket are still in with a chance of securing back-to-back league titles. Kick off for Saturday’s Cup Final is at 18:30 in the County Grounds, Doora.