It’s fair to say that a double dream didn’t occupy Philip Lowry’s mind when he was fighting for Institute.
It’s also fair to say that a double dream didn’t even dominate his thoughts while wearing a Linfield jersey — particularly when storm clouds gathered over Windsor.
Lowry has had to develop the winning mentality at Linfield, an environment where the pressure can be intense.
As David Jeffrey indicated after the Irish Cup win, talented players have donned the famous jersey but struggled to cope with the insatiable demands of the Blues faithful.
Lowry’s first Irish Cup final got off to a dream start when he headed in the second goal to put Linfield firmly in command of the final.
Kevin Braniff replied for Ronnie McFall’s men but Lowry’s strike proved decisive and a season in which he has blossomed into a wonderful player ended on a real high.
“I can’t really remember the goal at all,” he said. “Damien placed the ball down and before the match I was told to go to the front post, that’s what I done and was able to get a free header in.
“One of the defenders asked who was picking me up and as soon as I heard that I made the dart and the ball just came right on top of my head.
“Four or five months ago a double wasn’t thought of. People would have questioned you but since Christmas we have been deserved winners in the league and cup. The whole season has been quite unbelievable and I’ll just enjoy it as long as it lasts.”
Lowry came to the Blues to win trophies and his first season has been a roller-coaster ride.
There was little time to settle in as fans demanded silverware after last season’s trophyless campaign.
It’s been a long hard struggle for all the players, particularly the younger ones like Lowry who are still being educated in the art of winning trophies.
“I knew when I signed I would be challenging for leagues and cups but now that is has happened it is just so unreal,” added the 20-year-old.
“I can remember sitting in the manager’s office and talking about all the great things that could happen at Linfield. It’s just surreal to see things happen this way.
“It does whet the appetite. Once you taste success and see the fans celebrating of course you want that to happen again and again.
“This success will galvanise us and it bodes well for the future.”
South Africa’s police commissioner Bheki Cele said the theft of the seven trophies and several jerseys at the Soccer City complex in Johannesburg appeared to be an inside job.
