Coleraine captain Lyndon Kane is determined to lift the Irish Cup himself this year after watching from the sidelines in 2018. Kane missed the 3-1 victory over Cliftonville through injury, forcing him to spectate as his team ended a 15-year wait for silverware. "I got halfway down [the touchline for the pile on] and had to meet them on the way back!" Kane told BBC Sport NI. "As a player you want to play every big game, but probably my connection with the club and the fact we still won it, I know how much it means to the people and the town."

Six years later, Kane and Jamie McGonigle are the sole survivors from that 2018 squad. Coleraine come into Saturday's final against holders Dungannon Swifts in completely different circumstances. The club has been transformed since Henry Ross became majority owner in December 2024, ushering in a full-time model. They've won their last nine games in all competitions, scoring 21 goals across their five cup matches this season.

The Bannsiders finished second in the league, three points behind champions Larne, who they beat 2-1 in the semi-final after extra time. This represents their best chance of a trophy since the 2020 League Cup. "Without a doubt we are at the start of our journey," Kane said. "Hopefully we can win the cup and send it on its way."