Conor McCormack: 'We're very optimistic, but we know that it's going to be a mountain to climb'

None

Conor McCormack Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from the Aviva Stadium

Galway United are set to do battle once again in the FAI Cup when they host Bohemians at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.40pm).

This time a place in the FAI Cup Final in the Aviva Stadium is on offer as the Tribesmen contest their first semi-final since their 2008 losing effort against Derry City.

It’s been quite the season for Galway United – the club have secured promotion back to the Premier Division via an outstanding First Division campaign which saw them win the title with five games to go after six long years in the second tier.

Club captain Conor McCormack has been pleased with the season and he’s optimistic for his side’s chances despite heading into Saturday as the underdog.

“We've had a good season so far. The main objective was to get promoted this year and we've accomplished that, thankfully, with a couple of games to spare. So we're able to concentrate on the cup at the minute,” he said speaking to extratime.com at the Sports Direct FAI Cup Semi-Final Media Day on Wednesday.

“We are only delighted to be in the semifinal, it's going to be a really tough ask, it's going to be a mountain to climb. Bohs will obviously be the favourites. You know, Premier Division, team, they've a lot of experience, they've a very experienced manager, a very good manager, a lot of good players but we'll do everything we can.

“We'll work really hard and hopefully if a few things go our way on Saturday, like anything can happen. We're very optimistic, but we know that it's going to be a mountain to climb.

United’s record speaks for itself this year, they’ve lost just two games this season in all competitions, and they have won all of their home games – 17 including their 4-0 trouncing of Dundalk in the FAI Cup quarter-finals – McCormack puts it down to the winning mentality coming from the top down at the club.

“It's a credit to the staff, like when John comes in, he installs this winning mentality and it's something that Galway haven’t had over the years, you know, it's a bit of a sleeping giant over there. It's a great club and great facilities. It's a great place to play football.



“So, John and the management team, obviously Ollie (Horgan) he’s another experienced man. You know, like they don't accept anything else. They want everyone to improve. They want the best for everyone. And they've done that. The club are going places slowly but surely, but we got over the line this year, which was really important to win the First Division.

“It’s great for us obviously to have that home record. We've built a bit of a fortress this year, which is good. But obviously we have this massive game now on Saturday. So it's really going to test us. But look, we’ll give it our best shot. As I said there anything can happen in cup games.

The midfielder is one of the most experienced players at Galway United. McCormack has won every major domestic honour in his career during spells with Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City and he’s well placed to know how much reaching the Aviva Stadium would mean to a player.

“Every professional football player playing in the League of Ireland like it's the pinnacle. Playing a cup final and even to win it, it's a fantastic feeling. The whole day, the whole atmosphere. The whole build up to it for a club in that as well.

Look, I've played in it before. I've lost in it. I've lost in the final. I've won it in the final, so I know how it feels.

“It is very tough to win it but look to get to the final in itself would be an achievement with Galway in the First Division and look like if we went one step even more it'd be incredible, it would be something that dreams are made of but we’ll not get carried away. We have a massive game on Saturday and all eyes are on that.”



About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile