Tennent’s Irish Cup final: Cliftonville v Coleraine (today, Windsor Park, 2.30pm)
TOMAS Cosgrove has revealed an emotional letter written by a Cliftonville supporter that was read out at a recent training session has given the Reds players extra impetus to end their 39-year wait for the Irish Cup.
Cosgrove, who picked up a runners-up medal in the 2013 Irish Cup decider, is praying the class of 2018 can go one step further at Windsor Park this afternoon.
The defender insisted the ‘Spirit of ‘79’ – the last time the north Belfast club won the competition – won't create any extra burden on the current group of players.
If anything, Cosgrove says, the stories of the 1979 Irish Cup winning team can drive them to victory against Coleraine today.
Manager Barry Gray read out the supporter’s letter to his players, with Cosgrove acknowledging the emotional impact it had on the squad.
“We received a letter from a Cliftonville fan and he wrote a big statement about what the Irish Cup means to the supporters and I think that got the message across to some players about what this cup really means to the them because it’s been so long since we last won it.
“I’m from Ardoyne and older people would tell you their memories of the ‘79 cup final. Everyone remembers where they were that day.
“The letter sunk in with me and I already know a lot about the club because I come from the area and what it means to Cliftonville people.”
The club’s right back added: “I don’t think the ’79 thing creates any more pressure but it’s the one medal I want to get.”
Cosgrove is one of five surviving members of the side that lost the 2013 final to Eddie Patterson’s Glentoran side.
The defender was an 82nd minute substitute for Stevie Garrett who also remains part of Gray’s Irish Cup panel bound for south Belfast this afternoon.
Jaimie McGovern and Joe Gormley are the two others, while Ryan Catney is on his way back to full fitness after a bad leg break sustained last season.
“I remember all the boys were buzzing for the 2013 final,” said Cosgrove, who was part of the Reds side that clinched the league title the previous month.
“We all had our suits and were looking forward to the game but it ended on a sour note.
“We were on a high after winning the league and we thought we were going to win the cup as, but it didn’t happen.
“I think we were a bit leggy in the second half against the Glens. Maybe the season took its toll on some of the players. I just remember the crowd at the game was incredible.”
Cosgrove moved to the Reds in 2011 and soon nailed down the right back spot in Tommy Breslin’s all-conquering team.
One of his finest performances in a red jersey came against Celtic at Parkhead in the 2013 Champions League qualifier.
“At that time we were winning everything. It was an incredible time for me to come into the squad. We weren’t used to losing. But over the last few seasons I’ve appreciated that success more.”
Gerard Lyttle, Breslin’s successor, won the League Cup and secured European football at Solitude before Barry Gray stepped into the breach just over 12 months ago.
The former Warrenpoint Town manager has had to rebuild the first team squad, while simultaneously guiding the side to a fifth place finish and reaching today’s Irish Cup final.
“All the older players went on to retire,” said Cosgrove.
"I had to become one of the senior players really quickly in a short space of time. I think people were spoiled with what we won, but I think as a squad we expected more of ourselves than what we’ve done this year. Hopefully we can win the Irish Cup which would make it a good season for us.”
