Irish Cup: Queen’s defender McGuinness hoping to write new chapter to sisters’ underdog fairytale

So, can Queen’s beat Glentoran and cause that almighty upset that they and the McGuinness family are dreaming of? Well, they have previous, of course. And very recent previous, too.

They ran the Glens desperately close with a courageous performance at the same stage of the cup two years ago, before falling to a gallant 3-2 home defeat courtesy of a Robbie McDaid hat-trick.

That, though, came just a few weeks after Thompson’s side recorded one of the biggest ever Irish Cup shocks by deservedly beating Linfield 2-1 in the round before.

“Can we win? Why not? I believe we can,” asserted Caomhan, who has played a leading role in the league wins over Knockbreda, H&W Welders and Ards that followed the cup victory against Newington.

“I believe that on our day we can put it up to any team, especially on our home pitch. If we play to our strengths and their weaknesses, it can be done. You just never know.

“Our manager always has a plan for every game. He enjoys the tactical side and doesn’t mind changing our shape when required. To go into every match knowing exactly what is asked of us is a big boost for players.”

With his two sisters cheering him on from the sidelines, of course, Caomhan has an added incentive.

“It would give me something to talk about at the family dinner table. My claim to fame has always been that Kirsty and Caitlin are my sisters but that could change, even just a little bit, if we beat the Glens.”

And will Kirsty have any precious pieces of giant-killing advice come Saturday morning? Well, returning to the dinner table theme, it was more of a warning, really.

“Caitlin and I are more than happy for Caomhan to have his time in the spotlight this weekend, absolutely. But I’ll be telling him not to expect any dinner if they don’t win.”

No pressure, then. Big sister’s watching.