John Connolly is riding on the crest of a wave these days.
The veteran goalkeeper helped Ballinamallard United reach the final of the Irish Cup last weekend.
Connolly starred in the penalty shootout win over Warrenpoint Town at Mourneview Park, teeing up a massive cup final showdown with Crusaders on May 4 .
And to add some gloss to that success, Connolly has been named Championship Player of the Month for March by the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association.
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The Mallards shot-stopper helped his club to their first-ever Irish Cup final with a number of fantastic saves against Dungannon Swifts in the quarter-finals and Warrenpoint in the semis.
The 42-year-old also kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Harland & Wolff Welders in the Championship.
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A delighted Connolly said: "It's been a fantastic experience for the club. The two penalty shoot-out wins were incredible. I'm just glad I was able to play my part in this cup run.
"It's honour to pick up this trophy but I think a lot of the credit has to go to Harry McConkey and his staff.
"We made a slow start to the season but we stuck together and we have reaped the rewards."Obviously Crusaders will be favourites to win the final, but we will be well prepared for the final and give it our all."
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