Cleary Celtic make more history as they book place in the Junior Cup Final

Smashing records is what Cleary Celtic like to do, as evidenced by their clean sweep of five trophies in 2022 – a first in Carnbane League history. The only competition that has alluded this incredible team is the Junior Cup and this might be the year John Hogg's men rectify that.

They had already broken a record for the club by reaching the semi-final for the first time, but Cleary went one step further on Monday night at Stangmore Park where they beat Derry side Lincoln Courts 2-0 to book their place in the May Day final at Windsor Park.

Both goals came in the second half, the first a super finish from Davey Walker from the rebound when Decky Monaghan's shot was saved, which silenced the vocal Lincoln Courts supporters, and the second a sweet turn and tidy finish by Neil Barr set up by Cathal O'Reilly from a long Joe Goodwill kick-out.

Lincoln Courts missed a few chances of their own but Cleary were worthy winners and their travelling supporters joined in the joyful celebrations at the final whistle.

Hogg is a man of few words at the best of times and he was still taking it all in when he spoke to the Newry Reporter after the game but the delighted manager couldn't keep the grin off his face.

“Unbelievable, just unbelievable,” he said with a shake of his head.

“It's massive for the club. Another 90 minutes is all we need now.”

Hogg admitted he doesn't know that much about who they face in the final, the winners of Wednesday's semi-final between Enniskillen Rangers – who won the competition three times in a row from 2017 to 2019 - or Tummery Athletic.

“Other people like Robbie [Quinn] look at all that. I don't pay much attention to it, we'll just beat who's in front of us hopefully. You just know you're going to be up against quality so you just have to show up, and the boys showed up tonight.

“Owen Donaghy made a brilliant tackle. It was 0-0 at that stage and that probably won us the game in fairness. It was some tackle.”

Hogg was impressed with both goals and a strong defence too.

“Benny [Coulter] was brilliant and Stevie Quinn. The whole back four were brilliant. Jack O'Doherty was very good as well I thought.”

Monaghan took a knock when he shot for goal but Hogg said he's alright and the squad is in good shape.

“There are a couple of boys to come back. Sean Mooney's out but he could be back for the final.”

And this isn't the only final to consider either. Cleary are still on course to win every competition they're in, including retaining the league. Newry Celtic top the table at the moment but Cleary are second seven points adrift but with three games in hand. But before all of that and the Junior Cup final they have the small matter of defending their Mid-Ulster Shield title at Annagh United on Easter Monday when they take on Sandy Hill once again who Cleary beat on penalties last year.

“Everything is still there to be won,” said Hogg, “ But you can't count your chickens, you just have to play each game as it comes.

“This is the biggest thing now, after winning tonight but next Monday the Mid-Ulster Shield three years in a row. If we win that it's massive for the club, so we'll just concentrate on that for now and not look too far forward.”

For full match report see this week’s Newry Reporter, in shops tomorrow Wednesday March 27