Ahead of the FAI Centenary Intermediate Cup final between Rockmount and Bluebell United, we spoke to Rockmount manager Eddie Kenny and captain Ken Hoey.

Kenny ready for Rockmount to step up

Rockmount's manager wants his side to thrive in the Turners Cross atmosphere

Rockmount manager Eddie Kenny wants the FAI 2021/22 Centenary Intermediate Cup Final against Bluebell United to herald a new era for the club.

The Munster Senior League side head into today's final at Turners Cross looking to lift the Intermediate Cup for the first time since 2007/08 season where they defeated Douglas Hall in the final.

Rockmount have enjoyed a fantastic 2021/22 campaign and manager Eddie Kenny is determined to see his side cap off a wonderful season with victory today.

"It is a huge day for the club, if we go back to 1999, I was only a schoolboy with the club but it really galvanised the club for the next decade and the club went on to win the trophy on three occasions then so this could be the start of something for the club," said Kenny.

"The Intermediate cup is a huge occasion but it is still a game which has to be won. There is pressure on every match to win it but to be fair to the club, there has been no pressure from within to have to 'do a, b or c'. We've got to the final... now we have to go and win it.

"Whether we come second or knocked out in the first round, you get exactly the same prize, which is nothing. Now, we're in the final, it is up to us to go and win it."

Rockmount have had a tough route to the final which was capped with an impressive 3-1 win over Maynooth University Town in the semi-finals.

Kenny has tried to introduce young players into the squad this season and he hopes his young squad respond to the big crowd at the Cross today.

"It was a great semi-final to get through, your heart is in your mouth for most of the match of course. It was a great match to be fair and Maynooth were on top for periods of the match as well. The lads really stuck with it and we came through the match which shows the character the lads have developed," said Kenny.

"There is one or two elder statesmen in the team but we've gone young this year. The average age is 23-years old but the lads have no fear which is great. No fear at all and hopefully they can perform on the day.

"It is great that the match is down at the Cross but the pitch is always the same whether we play, the same dimensions and all that. Look, it will be nice that the lads are all sleeping in their own beds the night before and we can control what we can control. Hopefully we'll get a good bit of backing and give the supporters who turn up something to be proud of."

Hoey backs young squad to make mark

Rockmount captain Ken Hoey believes the young squad are ready to step up to the mark in the FAI Centenary 2021/22 Intermediate Cup Final against Bluebell United.

Hoey, a veteran of the Intermediate Cup, is going into his sixth edition of the final with the club in his 22nd year with Rockmount.

Hoey has previous experience of beating Bluebell United in an FAI Intermediate Cup final but has also suffered defeat against today's opponents.

Whilst most of the team has a young profile this season, Hoey has been one of the experience heads at the club and the skipper believes it is on the young players to get out and prove they can play on the big occasion.

"Since we've got out of the semis, there has been a real buzz about the place since getting into the final and we're really looking forward to getting into it now," said Hoey.

"I'll probably the most experienced player on the pitch on the day and sure, experience is important but you can only say so much to these young players really.

"They just need to go out there and do it themselves. But look, I'll be trying to give as much into it as I can, the build-up especially but I'm sure on the day, the lads will do their thing.

"They've really started to stand up to the mark to be fair to them. Great development over the year but I'll be making sure they know the importance of the occasion and that days like this might not come along that often so take advantage."

Not since the 2013/14 season has the FAI Intermediate Cup Final been hosted by Turners Cross, a 3-0 win for Avondale United and UCD Reserves that day. With the Munster Senior League set to turn out and support Rockmount at the Cross today, Hoey is looking forward to what should be a special atmosphere.

"Being at Turners Cross really gives it that extra level, once the crowd is there and in, it is a great atmosphere to play in and whilst we've got to enjoy it, we got to make sure we focus on the task," said Hoey.

"The atmosphere can't be a distraction or anything so it is important we use the crowd to our advantage.

"The Munster Senior League will get behind it, without a doubt. Hopefully we can do it for ourselves. I don't want to focus on Bluebell, I've played them before twice in finals. Look, they'll do their thing and we'll do our thing and we'll see who comes out on top on the day."