Caulfield’s not going to buckle!
JOHN CAULFIELD insists Cork City won’t be burdened by the weight of history in Sunday’s FAI Cup decider.
The Rebels have never won the double and Cork Athletic remain the last Leeside club to achieve it back in 1950/51.
In 2005, Damien Richardson’s Cork City clinched a thrilling league title on the last day of the season but lost the cup final 2-0 to Drogheda United.
But having wrapped up a first league title since then, Caulfield’s charges go into Sunday’s game with a sense of freedom.
No longer are they living in Stephen Kenny’s men’s shadow having finished runners up to them for three years running.
Last year’s cup final win was their stepping stone to bigger and better things and they now hone their sights on a first double for the club.
Caulfield said: “We always felt that this year we’d be very close to the league and so it proved – and the Cup has come on the back of that.
“It’s great for the club, great for our supporters to be back in the Aviva for a third time in-a-row and also to be going in as league champions.”
And Caulfield insists the failed double attempt of 2005 will have no bearing on this weekend’s game.
“They were different times,” he said. “We’re up against Dundalk and we’ve been the two standout teams over the last number of years.
“In a club’s history you don’t get too many opportunities to win league titles, never mind the opportunity to go for a double. So the players are all focused. We know what we have to do.” extra time but the fact the game falls on a Sunday gives them more time anyway. But the players have all put their hands up and said they’re fine.”
A crowd in excess of 30,000 is anticipated at Aviva Stadium and Cup final fever is gripping Leeside with 1.700 Cork City fans attending an open training