This Sunday’s FAI Senior Cup second round clash in Cockhill could be Donal O’Brien’s last game as manager of the Inishowen giants as he confirmed his decision to step down as manager after their League Cup win in Letterkenny last Sunday.

The Cockhill players will be doing all they can to make sure that isn’t the case as they bid to avenge their two defeats in the FAI Intermediate Cup against St Mochta’s (Kick off 2.30pm).

The former Derry City and Finn Harps man’s place in local football history is already secured as he has overseen arguably the most successful period any Inishowen club has experienced.

Four league titles and now an incredible three doubles in a row means Cockhill are the top Ulster Intermediate side of their generation but, speaking after the game, the Dubliner typically preferred to heap the praise on his players.

“That’s me from next week or when the FAI Cup run comes to an end,” he confirmed.

“I’m delighted with the team and the effort. Three doubles in the last three years and I don’t think that will ever be done again.

“I’ve taken the team as far as I can. I’m taking a year out and we’ll see what develops then.

“I’ve given it everything I have for the last six or seven years and I need to recharge the batteries.

“I think it’s only fair to the players and the club that I allow someone to come in to bring a bit of freshness to it.

“I’ll always be a Cockhill man. I’ll still be going down to coach the under 8s like I do every Saturday and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

Defender Peter Doherty was the hero in Sunday’s final as he headed home Gerry Gill’s free kick in the 76^th minute to give his side a 2-1 win.

Greencastle man Matty Henry had given Cockhill the lead in the first half as he latched onto a Derek Doherty throw in and made space for himself in the box before rifling home a trademark finish on 19 minutes.

The joy was short lived for Cockhill however as the concession of a penalty on 26 minutes got Bonagee back in the game.

Tommy McAree pointed to the spot after Ryan Varma handled the ball inside the box and before Frankie McBrearty sent Cullen the wrong way from the spot.

Reflecting back on the game, O’Brien admitted that his players came into it somewhat flat after an exhausting three years without a meaningful break.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “We’ve had a few hard seasons and the boys are a bit tired but once again we showed a bit of stubbornness, and a bit of desire, and I think we deserved it on the play.

“We were against the breeze in the first half and we seemed to have a few chances and in the second half we used our height more and our physical strength.

“We’re not playing as much football as we would ideally like, but I think that’s because we’ve pushed the lads hard this season.

“Usually we don’t send Peter up, but he got the shout to go and he scored and he’s done that at College level as well, coming up with crucial goals.

“Gerry’s free kicks and deliveries are excellent – what a player. I just feel so lucky to work with him, Malachy (McDermott) and the other lads.

“What they give to the club is unbelievable – coming 30 miles to training. That’s what you want – lads that want to test themselves and win things.”

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