Derry City fans the best Barr none says Conor!
CONOR Barr is hoping Derry City can repay the Brandywell club's supporters with silverware this Sunday having spurred the team to another Aviva Stadium showpiece.
The Candy Stripes can end a tumultuous campaign with a memorable seventh FAI Cup victory when they take on Waterford at the National Stadium in Dublin this Sunday.
Over 30,000 supporters will be in attendance including Barr's family and friends and he hopes to make them 'proud' after they stuck with the team through 'a rocky patch' this year.
"The fans have been brilliant all season, even during the rocky patch they still stuck with us," said the right-back. "They've spurred us on towards the end of the year and they got us to where we are.
"There's just some buzz about it now and especially with my family and my parents. It's a proud moment for them to be watching their son play because they do everything for me really. If I'm able to hopefully go and win it for them, it would be unbelievable. The fans have been brilliant.
"You want to be playing in front of those crowds, especially Derry fans – they're mental. You see the big games; they sell them out and I'm sure this one will be even better. Honestly I can't thank them enough for the season and their support."
Barr is one of just four current players who were named in the 2024 FAI Cup Final squad; Cameron Dummigan missed out that year due to injury. Both Barr and Dummigan will compete for the right-back position on Sunday, but the Derry man is delighted to have the opportunity to make up for the defeat to Drogheda two years ago.
The Northern Ireland U21 international left Derry after that final for productive loan spells with Ballymena United and Cliftonville before returning to pen a new two-year contract with his hometown club in January.
This year has been his breakthrough season with the first team, making 31 appearances in all competitions. His sensational first senior goal against Bohemians at Celtic Park has been a highlight alongside his European bow against CSKA Sofia.
"Being from here you know what Derry City Football Club means to the city and going around the schools seeing the buzz on the kids' faces is unbelievable. As a kid I used to look up to the Derry players and being actually involved in the cup final means the world.
"Once I got my chance I just knew I wanted to take it. This is where I want to be playing and I want to be playing week in, week out. I'm thankful for the opportunities I got this year and I want to keep pushing on and cement my place."
He's had competition for the right back berth from Barry Cotter, Dummigan and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster this term but he welcomes the competition.
"If you want to win leagues and cups you need that competition. 'Dummy' is in there at the minute and you just learn from his experience. He's been brilliant and it makes everyone better when you're fighting for the same position.
"Everyone is working really hard to get into the team. We've picked up a few good results and everyone is in good form and confident. As long as we get the job done, everyone will be happy.
"When I first made the team Ruaidhri [Higgins] pulled me a few days before the cup final and told me I was going to make the bench and I was buzzing. Obviously we were disappointed to lose but I'm eager now to turn that into a win and feel like I can make an impact."