Kildrum Tigers goalkeeper Shaun Friel says he had almost quit the game before he joined the double winners in January.
Friel saved two penalties in a shoot-out as Kildrum overcame Kilmacrennan to win the Brian McCormick Cup final in Bonagee this afternoon.
Kildrum came from two down to draw in dramatic style. Kevin McHugh’s free kick and a last-gasp Jonny Carlin leveller forced extra time before Kildrum prevailed in the shoot-out to add the Cup to the Premier Division crown they captured last weekend.
“I put pressure on myself and set the standards high,” Friel said.
“I always expect to save at least two – if I don’t I’m disappointed.
“From last week to now, it’s hard to put into words. There’s a special group now.”
Friel won the Foyle Cup at Under-19 level with Kildrum last summer before penning with the Tigers after Christmas.
Friel said: “It’s great. I was close to packing in football. Jonny McGinty has been asking me for years to sign for Kildrum. I came in in January and I’m finally enjoying my football again. I love it.”
Listen to the full interview below …
