Knocknacarra FC face Westport United B in the Connacht Junior Shield final at Lecarrow on Sunday (2pm ).
Tony Knight's team has defeated Ballinasloe Town B, Athenry B, Kiltimagh-Knock, and Shiven Rovers to reach the decider.
"The Shiven Rovers game, the semi-final, was a real battle," Knight says.
"We went to their place, they have a lovely set-up. We were lucky enough to come through that, it is a great experience for the lads to travel around a little bit, to play against new players they aren't coming up against week after week. It has been great."
The competition affords clubs an opportunity to play throughout the province and has been a welcome addition to the calendar in recent years.
"We are really looking forward to it, the lads are excited about it, and it is a nice end to the season," Knight responds. "They had a tough start, but really worked hard, and now hopefully they will get a bit of a reward for their efforts.
"It is a nice change of scene, it gives the lads a chance to have a trip away now and again. It is a good competition, the likes of us wouldn't be competing too long in the Connacht or FAI Junior Cup, it allows them to keep it going."
Knocknacarra competed in a strong division one locally during the 2021/22 campaign. "Division One is very competitive, all of the teams in it are pretty good," Knight says.
"It looks like it will be even more competitive next year with four teams coming down from the premier. There certainly are no easy games in it and it is hard to get out of and a fight to stay in it."
Before then Knocknacarra will be striving to secure Connacht Junior Shield glory.
**Listen to the full interview with Knocknacarra FC manager Tony Knight on this week's 'Cian on Sport' podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
