Parkhill relishing chance to lead Carrick to another final

First up is the Irish National Cup semi-final which takes place tomorrow (August 2). For Iain, it’s a huge match and he has reminded his team-mates they can become “legends” at Middle Road if they can reach the showpiece.

“This means a lot to me personally and to Carrickfergus as a club. This year is the first time we have had the opportunity to play in the competition and I know what a prestigious final it would be to be involved in if we get there,” he said.

“At the start of the year it was one of the objectives we had. I know from talking to the likes of Ryan Eagleson and also Indrajeet Kamtekar what a great day it is. Kami already has a winner’s medal from his time at Muckamore.”

He added: “We have won a trophy already this season (Twenty20 Trophy), are through to the final of the Ulster Shield and I really want to make it three. Believe me, I will live with the fixture backlog. We won a bowl-out in the first round after travelling to North Kildare.

“In the second we beat Bangor and in the last round it was Co. Galway. We get to visit new grounds, play different teams, but perhaps we do need to look at reducing our league fixtures.

“Years like this do not come along too often; I have reminded the lads that we have the chance to become absolute legends of the club if we can get through to the final.”