'We don't make it easy on ourselves' - Bigirimana

Dungannon Swifts midfielder Gael Bigirimana cut a delighted figure as his side came through on penalties to return to the Irish Cup final, but admits Cliftonville's late equaliser for force spot kicks "got to me". It seemed the holders were on their way when Kealon Dillon fired home in the first period of extra time following a scoreless 90 minutes, but the north Belfast side scrambled home an equaliser in the last act. It could have proven to be a hammer blow to the Dungannon side, but they regrouped to hold their nerve and keep their hopes of back to back Irish Cups alive.

"I'm an optimistic person but that goal got to me," Bigirimana told BBC Sport NI. "It was almost like 'maybe this isn't going to be our day' because we've had chances and then to concede like that. "The gaffer got us into a huddle and reminded us of what is happening outside of football and how precious life is.

We wanted to do it for ourselves, our families, our kids and the community. "Sometimes when you have achieved something big, the mentality, determination and disciple to go even further is not easy, we've put ourselves in another final. " Dungannon made a slow start to the season, but have ensured a top-half finish in the league and are 90 minutes away from another Irish Cup triumph.

"We don't know how to make it easy on ourselves," Bigirimana continued. "It's been a tough season as a part-time club. We were delighted to have the Conference [League] experience but the season didn't start well for us with injuries, some players stepping out and new ones coming in.