John Connolly wins POTM

Irish Cup hero John Connolly has been named Championship Player of the Month for March by NIFWA.

The Ballinamallard United FC goalkeeper helped his club to their first-ever Irish Cup final with a number of fantastic saves against Dungannon Swifts in the quarter-finals and Warrenpoint Town in the semi-finals.

The 42-year-old shot stopper also kept a clean sheet in the Mallards 3-0 win over Harland & Wolff Welders in the Championship.

A delighted Connolly said, "It's been a fantastic experience for the club. The two penalty shoot-out wins were incredible. I'm just glad I was able to play my part in this cup run.

"It's honour to pick up this trophy but I think a lot of the credit has to go to Harry McConkey and his staff. We made a slow start to the season but we stuck together and we have reaped the rewards.

"Obviously Crusaders will be favourites to win the final, but we will be well prepared for the final and give it our all."