FAI Cup Preview: Castlebar Celtic can make a mark on history

A huge crowd is expected in Castlebar on Sunday evening when the Kingpins of Mayo host League of Ireland side Longford Town in what will no doubt be an encounter recalled for years to come.

Back in May when Stevie Gavin’s Hoops got the better of North End United of Wexford, all eyes were on the second round draw. It could've been Shamrock Rovers, it could've been Salthill Devon, it could’ve been Shelbourne but it wasn't! When experienced Irish international Robbie Brady pulled Castlebar Celtic out of the bowl, the joy of a home tie was magical. Speaking exclusively to The Mayo News, Castlebar Celtic manager Stevie Gavin stated “I was glad for the club that it was a home draw. I suppose with the FAI Junior Cup and the senior cup, the last three years we've been in Waterford and Wexford so it's good that we got a home draw and it takes that expense out of it for the club.”

No doubt the clash will be a memorable one for the Celtic boss as he has links to the midlands club. Gavin enjoyed a spell as a player there some 20 years ago but the former Longford player played that down as his focus is all on his team and the game itself. “Yeah, it is nice, but at the end of the day it's very much about this group of players and what we're doing, links like that, it'll go out the window once the game starts, that's for sure.”

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WINNING MACHINE

Although Celtic’s opponents operate at a much higher level the Castlebar side can take confidence from a number of fronts. Celtic are seen as a winning machine here in Mayo and that can be backed up within the province also, with back-to-back Connacht Junior Cups in the trophy cabinet.

This season, they’re still undefeated in the Mayo Super League and have racked up a 100% win rate. 

On the flipside, Longford sit near the bottom in the second tier of the League of Ireland and have struggled thus far. That winning habit that the Mayo giants enjoy can be an advantage going into the game as The Hoops know how to find the net with goalscorers coming from all over the pitch in recent times. 

Gavin explained the difference in level but sees opportunities. “I suppose at the level they're at, they're having a tough season, there's no doubt about that, but a lot of them are on contracts and on money, so it'll be interesting to see. Obviously we're playing at a level a good bit below that, and now we're winning, so it'll be interesting to see how we match up on the day.”

At the back, Mark Cunningham has been outstanding all season and the vocal Castlebar defender has shown he knows where the net is also, while Brian Walsh and the veteran Ioseph O’Reilly have been solid all season. In terms of creativity, The Hoops have it in abundance. Oran Groarke, Fionn Mahon and Luke Kelly are all young players but they offer a lot going forward and that's not to mention Dylan Edwards and Johhnie Cocozza who have been excelling for the Mayo league leaders. Up top, Celtic have the clinical Jordan Loftus, a man that oozes in class. The players Stevie Gavin has available on the bench are full of quality too. They really are a well oiled machine when in full flow.

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THE OPPOSITION

Coming into the massive cup tie, The visitors are the favourites as they simply operate on a higher level. Their attacking midfielder, Aaron Doran is certainly one player to watch out for when they arrive at Celtic Park. Doran is the club’s top scorer this season with five goals, but he offers so much more than goals, as the 22-year-old is one of their most creative sparks. “De Town” are a young side similar to their Mayo opponents as the average age of the League of Ireland side is 22 with their usual back four being made up of two 21-year-olds, one 22-year-old and a 24-year-old.

The eldest starter for Wayne Groves` side is Luke Wade-Slater who is relatively young at 27 years of age. “They have a lot of youth, but they do have experience in the team, but as I said, it'll just be interesting on the day,” Gavin explained. “There's a lot of similarities there in terms of the age profile, so we'll see how it pans out when the game begins.

“Once the whistle goes, we have to make sure our attitude lands right. They're massive favourites, of course they've got quality and we respect them. But we have the likes of Mark, Oran, Stefan Hester, Jordan Loftus, Dylan Edwards, I definitely feel if they all hit stride that we would cause them problems.”

ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere in the Castlebar town-centre ground will be off the charts. With an enormous crowd expected, the home side can expect an atmosphere like no other. There was a big crowd present at the cup tie with Westport United earlier this season but this clash will be on another level. This historic encounter could be a bit of a battle and for the sake of all in Mayo football, many will be cheering on The Hoops. It will be an enormous lift to all involved in the county, if Castlebar Celtic can pull off a famous win and advance to the third round of the prestigious competition.

VERDICT: CASTLEBAR CELTIC