Dungannon Swifts star highlights unsung hero after yet another penalty shoot-out triumph

In last season’s showpiece decider against the Reds, Dunne successfully saved two spot-kicks as the Swifts secured a maiden Irish Cup crown, and was once again in top form at the weekend, denying Joe Sheridan’s effort.

Just like 12 months ago, Dungannon produced a perfect set with Kealan Dillon, who also scored in extra-time, Adam Glenny, Gael Bigirimana and Sean McAllister making no mistake.

While penalty shoot-outs are often described as a lottery, it can also be a case of making your own luck – pre-match research from Dungannon’s goalkeeping coach Cooke being a prime example.

Prior to Friday’s match, Cooke scrolled back through previous penalties taken by Cliftonville players, jotting down any trends and patterns to help Dunne prepare for the potential outcome.

Dunne studied the analysis and had a quick refresher moments before the shoot-out got underway, returning to the changing room to look back through Cooke’s printed notes.

It’s those marginal gains which can make a massive difference – as displayed twice in the past year – and Dunne outlined the significance of having Cooke leading their goalkeeping unit.

"He always gives me a sheet with where the boys have hit their previous penalties,” said Dunne. “He keeps saying to me that I should have went left for Ryan Curran’s because that's where he had it written down!

"But in that moment, sometimes you have to feel that he might go the other way, and that's what I did.

"He does a lot of the research, he helps me a lot, so a lot of credit goes to him as well.

"He sends me the research the night before...I have a read over it the night before, and then he has a sheet there.

"You can sometimes (remember it in the pressure situation), yeah, but, that's why when it goes to penalties, I run into the toilet and just have a wee minute to have a look through it all, get away from the mayhem of being out on the pitch.”

Dunne, who turned 26 a matter of days before the semi-final success, joined Dungannon from Cliftonville in 2022 and had to endure some tough times initially.

In his first full season, Dungannon narrowly avoided Premiership relegation after beating Annagh United in a play-off, but under Rodney McAree, they’ve established themselves amongst Northern Ireland’s elite.

"I think my first two years at Dungannon we were fighting relegation, it wasn't pretty,” he added. “We've got a team now that Rod's built, that the backroom staff have built, and we all know what we're doing.

"We know on our day we can beat anyone. To be going to another cup final, it's unbelievable.

"You see everyone around here, what it means, not just the players – the players are obviously buzzing, but it’s for the fans that have supported the club their whole life, all the people in the backroom staff, the board.

"It's unbelievable for them.”