Andy McGrory wants to experience winning feeling yet again with local club Ballymacash Rangers in Steel and Sons Cup final
Andy McGrory says he wants to experience a winning feeling yet again as Ballymacash Rangers meet Holywood in the final of the Steel and Sons Cup.
The festive cracker, which is played on Christmas Day, will take place at Seaview as Premier Intermediate side Ballymacash take on their opponents from Division 1A of the Northern Amateur League.
McGrory won two Irish Cup crowns during his time at Glenavon and he has his eyes set on another winner's medal come the end of play.
"The two Irish Cup final successes are brilliant memories," he said.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't add to that during my time at Ballymena as we were on the losing side of every final.
"It's been great to win a couple of trophies but I want to win again with Ballymacash.
"I'm a local boy and the club hasn't had many of these days. They deserve it and hopefully we can bring the trophy back to the Bluebell.
"I don't know too much about Holywood personally but we've had them watched. The feedback is that they're a dangerous side and we have to be aware of what they're capable of."
Ballymacash have defeated Bangor Amateurs, Larne Tech OB, Shankill United, Lisburn Rangers and Crumlin Star en-route to the showpiece decider.
McGrory, who recently turned 34-years-old, remarked how his Christmas Day plans are set to be different this time around.
He explained: "It is a weird feeling as I've always been used to playing on Boxing Day but I suppose not many people are in the fortunate position of playing on Christmas Day.
"I live with my wife and the routine has always been going up to my mum's for breakfast with the whole family, and whilst that will remain the same, I won't be there.
"It'll certainly be strange but there's a great buzz around the club. We've had a difficult route to get to the final as we had an all-Lisburn derby and then Crumlin Star have been one of the best teams at that level."
Ballymacash are managed by Gary Hamilton who was in the dugout when McGrory came through the ranks at Glenavon.
So, what's it been like to work under his former boss yet again at the Bluebell Stadium?
"It's been very good," McGrory replied.
"I know how he works, what he likes and doesn't like, so I was able to pass that onto the rest of the squad.
"He has brought professionalism to the club, along with a squad which is blended with youth and experience.”
Holywood have defied the odds to reach the final, overcoming top intermediate teams along the way including East Belfast, Ballyclare Comrades, Willowbank and Rosario YC.
Holywood FC Co-Manager Jonny McKay commented: “As a club, to reach the final of the Steel and Sons Cup is absolutely fantastic and credit is due to the players who went above and beyond in our match against Rosario, which are in the division above us so, to make it through to the final is testament to the hard work our boys put in.
“We are very much looking forward to taking part in the final on Christmas Day and just to be part of and to experience one of local football’s most coveted cup competitions is a great achievement for the club.”