Connolly reflects on 'whirlwind' year after cup win

From an unused substitute in Coleraine's Irish Cup triumph in May to lifting the FAI Cup as Derry City's interim manager in November, Mark Connolly's footballing journey has taken quite the turn in six months.

The 34-year-old stepped up from his role as Director of Football to become manager on an interim basis in August following the departure of Tiernan Lynch.

Connolly took charge of a side that was short of confidence, struggling for consistency and appeared to be drifting away from the high expectations that had surrounded the club at the start of the season

However, during his successful tenure, he helped the Candystripes steady their league campaign to finish fifth and lift the FAI Cup to secure European football for next season.

"You never know what will happen in life, you genuinely don't. Life itself is crazy and football is crazy," Connolly told BBC Sport NI.

"It's been a whirlwind year, but what I would say to past Mark Connolly or any player, especially when they're older, is that you just don't know what will happen.

Source: BBC Sport