Drogheda brace for Shamrock Rovers in FAI Cup clash
By ArdeePost Reporter
FAI Cup preview: Holders Drogheda United face formidable Shamrock Rovers in quarter-final showdown
The Sports Direct FAI Cup quarter-finals kick off this weekend with all eyes on Drogheda, where Drogheda United welcome Shamrock Rovers in what promises to be the tie of the round.
While Ballybofey and Tralee also host major matches tonight, the spotlight will shine brightest on Weavers Park, where Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda United, the surprise package of the competition, attempt to defend their crown against Ireland’s most dominant side.
A formidable test for the holders
Shamrock Rovers, unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with Drogheda, have their sights firmly set on a domestic double. Stephen Bradley’s men already have one hand on the League of Ireland Premier Division trophy, and progression in the Cup would move them closer to a historic season.
The Hoops have only been defeated by two clubs in Ireland all season—Bohemians and Sligo Rovers—a measure of their strength and consistency. Their most recent encounter with Drogheda ended in a 2–1 victory at Tallaght Stadium, but Bradley is refusing to underestimate the Boynesiders.
Bradley praises Drogheda resilience
Speaking ahead of the clash, Bradley said fans could expect an enthralling contest:
“It will come down to moments in the game and who takes them. Drogheda will have theirs and we’ll have ours, but it should be a good game with two teams going to win it. Kevin Doherty has done a fantastic job up there, and they’ve responded brilliantly after their European disappointment. They always bring energy and intensity.”
Other quarter-final ties
Elsewhere in the Cup:
- Kerry FC host Sligo Rovers at a sold-out Mounthawk Park in what is being billed as the biggest match in the club’s short history.
- Finn Harps take on Cork City in Ballybofey, with both sides battling for survival and momentum.
- On Sunday, St Patrick’s Athletic face Galway United at Richmond Park, where Stephen Kenny will meet long-time rival John Caulfield.
High stakes across Irish football
Beyond the Cup, the race for European qualification in the league is intensifying. If Shamrock Rovers lift the Cup, a second-place league finish could be worth over €700,000 in Europa League prize money, adding further drama to the run-in.
For now, though, attention in Drogheda is squarely on whether United can spring a surprise against the country’s most successful club and keep their Cup defence alive.