Kelleher eyes cup win to keep 'special journey' going

It's close to a decade since Fiacre Kelleher left Ireland to join Celtic. And while he did not make his mark with the Bhoys, stints at a number of English League clubs followed.

And now he's back home.

On Sunday next he will lead out Cork City against Shamrock Rovers in the Sports Direct FAI Cup final.

Kelleher, no doubt echoing the views of many, sees it as a "David v Goliath" clash.

The Premier Division champions against the side who propped up the table, with relegation for the Leesiders confirmed a few weeks out from the season's end.

But speaking to RTÉ Sport in advance of the Aviva Stadium showpiece, the 29-year-old does not accept that Goliath will have it all their own way, and said: "We play this fixture ten times and Rovers will probably win nine times.

"But like the rest of the Cork City fans travelling up on the day, we are full of hope, it's a one-off and we will fancy our chances. If we're at our best and have a little bit of luck on our side, the day can be ours. Hopefully."

Getting to a cup final has softened the blow of a third relegation in six seasons for Cork, a renewed focus for all involved, with Kelleher adding: "It has given us all something to look forward to, something that the club needed and us as players needed after the relegation. It has come at a good time, the guns are firing and we are ready to go for Sunday.

"Seani (Maguire) has been telling us how big a day it is and how enjoyable it can be for us and our families. The realisation of how big an occasion it actually is really dawning on me now and we need this to be a big day for us."

After a season with Celtic and then a year on loan at Peterhead, Kelleher's career took him south where he had spells at eight different clubs. He was there when Ryan Reynolds and co brought a touch of Hollywood to Wrexham and more cash. As he put it himself they were then able to "afford players that were more experienced than me".

His final season in England saw a promotion push that fell just short with Colchester in League Two.

In June of this year, the Blackrock native signed a long-term deal with the Turner's Cross outfit.

And Kelleher still feels he has lot more to give.

"It's not done yet," he boasts. More chapters to follow after what has gone before.

"It's been crazy, magical, all sorts. I've seen everything. I've played down in the lower divisions and have met all sorts of characters. It has been special, my own journey, one that I have enjoyed. I'm still incredibly proud that I get to play football every day and it's something that I really don't want to give up, even though some day it will happen.

"Coming home and playing with my home club is extra special and to top it off you get to play in a big final."

One man who will not be present at the Dublin 4 venue on Sunday owing to his presence between the posts for Brentford in the Premier League will be Kelleher's brother Caoimhín.

The older sibling very much in awe of what the latter has achieved so far in his career.

"I don't think anybody is as laid back as him. I'm a bit more emotional and intense and that's why he is so good, he can keep it under wraps.

"He is nothing but full of support for me. He's gutted he can't be there because he plays on Sunday.

"It's probably something we don't appreciate at the moment. He does all these special things; it's one thing after another, he just keeps topping it.

"In a few years when he's done we will then only realise what a special career he has had. I mean, what a special career he has had all ready.

"I took my own little boy over to his first Brentford game against Manchester City. It's incredible, to have my own brother who has played for Liverpool and is now a No 1 goalkeeper in the Premier League is special."

Taking his place at the heart of the Cork City defence, Kelleher will be tasked with keeping tabs on those who will provide the firepower for Shamrock Rovers.

It's a big task, but much homework has been done by Ger Nash and his backroom team on how the Hoops' threat can be quelled, with Kelleher saying: "We've done a lot of prep. The relegation came a few weeks ago, which was difficult.

"In the week or two after it has given us enough time to focus on this fixture, to focus on our preparation, on their threats and on how they might hurt us.

"I feel I'm more than prepared to deal with the likes of Burke (Graham) Gaffney (Rory) and Mandroiu (Danny), all those wonderful players. On the day anything is possible and we do fancy ourselves."

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