Village, Kinvara Set For Emigrant Cup Showdown

By Mark Stokes

Emigrant Cup holders, the Irish Village.

The Kinvara, who will fancy their chances in next Friday's final.

The Irish Emigrant Cup will be staying in Brighton this year thanks to the exploits this season of that area’s best two teams.

The Irish Village are no strangers to Emigrant Cup glory, having won the competition on five occasions, while Michael Graham’s Kinvara team have sneaked up along the rails to surprise everyone by reaching this year’s final.

On paper John Stack’s team have the preferred pedigree ahead of next Friday night’s decider (Moakley Stadium, South Boston, kick off 6pm), but few who have witnessed their underdog opponents in this season’s competition will bet against the Kinvara.

Their never-say-die attitude has been a staple of the side this season from goalkeeper Ken Mullane right through to brilliant midfielder, Scott Benowicz , Doug Charton on the wing and the super-skilled Paul Fomenky in attack. The African striker hit a wonder strike against Paddy Barry’s in the semi-final which remains a leading candidate for goal of the tournament.

On the other side of the ball Joey Parrish and Paul McCann are rocks in the Village defense while Nate Houghton is a workhorse in the middle of the park. Kevin Rodgers has a keen eye for goal but the Greens’ X-factor throughout the tournament has been Brazilian playmaker ‘Denni’ whose skills on the ball are a sight to behold.

The Village were runners up in a group containing Paddy Barry’s, the Blackthorn and the Polish White Eagles before emerging as easy winners in a one-sided (5-1) semi-final against an injury ravaged Banshee team.

Kinvara got off to a slow start in Group B but stayed strong to reach the last four behind the Banshee. Michael Graham’s side had to fight hard through a six goal thriller with Paddy Barry’s, before eventually prevailing in sudden death penalties.

Fans who make the trip to South Boston next Friday evening are sure to see a keenly contested Irish Emigrant Cup final. Come on down!