Cameron Palmer says the disappointment of last year’s BetMcLean Cup final defeat can help drive them on to glory this season.

Glentoran lost out to a 99th minute Joe Gormley strike as Cliftonville secured the trophy in front of a bumper crowd at the Clearer Twist National Stadium.

Twelve months on, the Glens are back in the showpiece final once again as they take on old rivals Linfield with Palmer insisting the experience of last year will be in their minds.

“Nobody likes losing games but it’s much tougher when it’s a final and last year’s defeat was a tough one for us to take,” said Palmer.

“It was such a tight game. There wasn’t much to choose between the sides on the day and I don’t think there were a lot of chances.

“The longer it went on it just felt like one goal was going to win it and unfortunately it was Cliftonville who scored it and not us.

“There’s never a good time to concede but when you get that far into the game it’s tough. We did rally towards the end of extra-time and had a couple of chances to level before the end but it just wasn’t our day.

“It was hard to take, especially as there was such a big crowd and our own fans were magnificent as always.

“On reflection though it was another important learning process for us because as a footballer you have to understand that there will be lows as well as highs throughout your career.

“That feeling at the final whistle will always stick with me and the rest of the guys who were involved that day, but it’s a feeling we really don’t want to experience again.

“That’s the perfect motivation for us this time around. We want to come away from Sunday’s final with positive memories for the players, the fans and our families, and make it a day to remember for all the right reasons.”

Palmer is all too aware of the history of the club and the success it has tasted down the years and he feels that they are building something at the BetMcLean Oval.

However, the former Rangers player knows they will ultimately be judged by the honours they win.

“This club is steeped in history and has had so many successful teams and managers down the years,” said the 25-year-old.

“They are all proudly remembered at this club because they won so much and brought so much joy to the fans.

“Winning things is what it is all about as a player or a manager, you want to be able to look back on your career and remember those big trophy winning moments.

“I still remember the scenes after winning the Co Antrim Shield last season, it was amazing to be able to share that joy with the fans and see what it means to them.

“But we want more. We want more big days with the fans and to be able to celebrate being successful.

“There’s no better time than now to step up and start delivering. Decky has brought together a very talented squad and he has laid out his vision of what he wants to achieve here.

“We are on a journey and are progressing well, but we know when we get the opportunity to win a trophy we have to take it.

“Bringing home more silverware will be another big step forward for this team and it would be the perfect boost ahead of what is going to be a fantastic finale to the league campaign.

“This feels like a pivotal moment for this squad and now it is up to us to deliver come Sunday.”

There is the added spice of a ‘Big Two’ derby thrown into the mix as the old foes meet in a final for the first time since 2010.

The Blues came out on top in the most recent meeting between the sides last month but Palmer doesn’t think it will have any bearing on Sunday’s final.

“It might be a cliche but I don’t think form or previous results really matter when Glentoran and Linfield meet,” said Palmer, who has played for both sides of the Big Two.

“The rivalry is so intense that everything gets turned up a notch or two compared to other games, and then you throw a final into the mix and that raises it even higher.

“There is such a will to win these games on both sides and Sunday’s final has all the ingredients of being a classic.

“Yes Linfield won the last meeting between the sides back in February but we left feeling very hard done by as we all felt we had played well over the 90 minutes. We just couldn’t get the vital goal on the day.

“I expect there will be little between the sides again come Sunday as there is a trophy as well as bragging rights up for grabs.

“As a player there’s no better game to be involved in than a final against your rivals. It’s going to be a packed house and the atmosphere is going to be electric.

“Winning a trophy on a day like that will be one that lives long in the memory for all the right reasons. That’s what our objective will be.

“We want this to be a day the Glentoran fans will savour for years to come and as I say hopefully it’s the start of another successful period for the club.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup Final against Linfield at the Clearer Twist National Stadium, a limited number of tickets are available to purchase at:  https://nifl.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/bet_mclean_cup_final_2026