Avondale and Cherry Orchard for Cup Showdown

Every significant Cup has it’s ‘specialists’ and the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup is no different. Avondale Utd. from Cork are featuring in their third final in a row, a remarkable achievement considering the quality that exists in the competition. Avondale’s rivals for the title of cup specialists are Cherry Orchard, their opponents on Sunday.

Avondale know all about losing in the intermediate cup, they were here in 2010 facing a dominant Crumlin side that were chasing a two in a row. Avondale were vanquished that day but returned last year to claim the title that they had lost the previous year. The Avondale story echoes that of Cherry Orchard who lost last year’s final but have a chance to make up for it this year against the same opposition.

Both of these sides have a great history in the competition, Avondale could win their fourth title in seven years whilst Cherry Orchard won the title back in 1998. These two sides are amongst the most famous in the country and are responsible for the development of some top class talent right throughout their histories.

Neither team is lacking for motivation for this final. Avondale captain, Karl Caulfield missed out on their success in 2010 but was back last year ‘I was away for a year when we won in 2010 and came back with the aim of returning to the Intermediate cup final so it was fantastic to win it last year and now, as captain this year, I am determined to get that cup back.’ Avondale manager, John Cotter, points out that Avondale are facing into the unknown to a certain extent ‘ In previous years we have won the cup without having to leave Cork so it will be a little bit unusual to travel to Dublin but this is a one-off winner takes all game and with it being the intermediate cup we will need no extra motivation.’

Cherry Orchard lost last year’s final to Avondale so are delighted to get another crack at the same opposition in the final ‘The Intermediate Cup was always the focus to make for last year’s disappointment and with it being Avondale in the final it will be even more special,’ according to Cherry Orchard captain Paddy Collins. Cherry Orchard manager, Peter Doyle has guided his team through a series of difficult tests on the way to the final and is using the same determined approach to the final ‘we are concentrating on our own performance and working on what we have to do to win the Intermediate cup.’

FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup Final

Cherry Orchard v Avondale FC

Tallaght Stadium, Sunday, May 13th

Kick Off: 15:00

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