Derry City defender Mark Connolly is using more longer-term memories than short as they aim to make up for a disappointing end to the Premier Division season by lifting the Sports Direct FAI Cup for the second time in three years.
Two wins in 12 league matches saw City throw away their chances of becoming champions.
Injuries struck at the worst possible time for the Candystripes, yet there was a feeling 2024 was the best chance they'll have to end a long way for the trophy.
The Cup has been solace for Derry – a place where they have fulfilled their potential – knocking out St Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians, Cork City and Shelbourne on the way.
It was 2022 when City looked like they had laid a marker down for the hopes in the league when lifting the FAI Cup after a 4-0 win over Shels.
Connolly holds a fond recollection of that day as he looks to win the competition again.
"Listen, ideally, you'd love that to happen on Sunday, but I'm not too sure it will. It'll be a difficult game against a strong team in Drogheda. It's something that we need to be ready for and something that we look forward to."
So what has gone wrong in the last number of months.
The Monaghan man has no qualms with the outcome, admitting his side did not do enough to come out on top over 36 matches.
"In the end, the consistency, unfortunately, it just wasn't there," he said frankly.
"he disappointment is you have the opportunity to do a double and It didn't work out that way.
"You probably sit at home and when you're going into training every day, you're thinking of that end goal of doing the double or winning a league that hasn't been done in 27 years. To fall short with two games to go is bitterly disappointing, but we've put ourselves in the position to win a cup.
"I think with disappointment can come real success and real belief in Sunday of having the chance to go and win another FAI Cup in the space of three years would be amazing for the city.
"It's something that we're looking forward to."
Connolly is entering the latter stages of his career and knows at 32 days he must appreciate the big occasions.
With over 35,000 to attend this decider, the stage is something he does not take for granted.
You grow up and as a young boy, you train and you play and your parents drive you across the length and breadth of Ireland to bring you to matches and training sessions.
"To be here, to be involved in these situations and people ask, is there pressure? There's pressure on every game you play, but it's how you handle that and how you deal with that. Like I said, it's a really privileged position we're in to be involved on Sunday.
"Derry is an amazing city. It's one that gets behind you.
"I think people maybe would have had questions about ourselves in Drogheda, how many tickets would be sold.
"I think we're breaking over maybe 35,000, which is absolutely incredible. It's brilliant to see."
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