Drogheda United Stun Derry City to Clinch First FAI Cup Title Since 2005
Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda United Stun Derry City to Clinch First FAI Cup Title Since 2005
Drogheda United 2 (A Quinn 37, D James-Taylor 58 (pen)) Derry City 0
In an FAI Cup final marked by grit and resilience, Drogheda United defied the odds to beat Derry City 2-0, securing their first FAI Cup victory in nearly two decades. The underdog side delivered an impressive performance before a record-breaking crowd of 38,723 at the Aviva Stadium, the largest turnout for an FAI Cup final featuring two non-Dublin clubs.
Andrew Quinn opened the scoring for Drogheda in the 37th minute with a stunning volley that set the pace for a match where the Louth side consistently outmaneuvered Derry. A penalty converted by Douglas James-Taylor early in the second half solidified Drogheda’s lead, sealing an unforgettable victory for the underdog club. This triumph also marked Drogheda’s revenge over Derry, who defeated them decisively earlier in the season.
Drogheda’s head coach Kevin Doherty praised his squad’s fortitude after the match, noting that while celebrations were well-earned, the team must now refocus for a pivotal relegation playoff against Bray Wanderers next weekend. “We’ve shown the fight and belief in this squad to win big games, but our journey continues. We’ll be back to training on Monday, preparing for what lies ahead.”
The game tested both teams’ endurance, with physical confrontations on the pitch reflecting the high stakes. An intense clash just before halftime between Drogheda captain Ryan Brennan and Derry’s Patrick McEleney delayed play. McEleney, a key player in Derry’s 2022 FAI Cup-winning side, was forced off with a head injury, while Brennan played on, bandaged and determined, symbolizing Drogheda’s tenacity.
Derry, who had been targeting silverware this season after narrowly missing the league title last year, found themselves on the back foot early. Their few chances, including a backheel attempt by Danny Mullen and a strike from Sadou Diallo, were met with firm resistance by Drogheda’s goalkeeper Luke Dennison. Derry’s frustration deepened after conceding the penalty, awarded when Drogheda’s Conor Kane drew a tackle from Ronan Boyce in the 54th minute. James-Taylor calmly slotted the spot-kick past goalkeeper Brian Maher, all but sealing Derry’s fate.
Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins, who took over in 2021, now faces mounting pressure following this defeat and the team’s recent slide to fourth in the league standings. Derry’s billionaire benefactor Philip O’Doherty had invested in the club to challenge for the top spot, but Sunday’s loss marks the first time since 2020 that Derry will miss out on European competition.
Doherty commended Drogheda’s success, adding that their victory harkens back to the club’s proud tradition, with memories of their 2005 FAI Cup win brought to life by Sunday’s upset. As the club now focuses on securing their place in the Premier Division next season, supporters will savor a historic win that underscored their team’s resilience and resolve.
DROGHEDA UTD: L Dennison; E Ahui, A Quinn, D Webster, J Bolger, C Kane; D Markey, R Brennan (G Deegan 90), S Farrell (L Heeney 73); D James-Taylor, F Pierrot (A Foley 68).
DERRY CITY: B Maher; R Boyce (P Hoban 66), M Connolly, S McEleney, A Wisdom (J Davenport 82); S Diallo, A O’Reilly; P McMullan (S Robertson 57), P McEleney (W Patching 45+4), M Duffy; D Mullen (C Whelan 57).
Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin).
Attendance: 38,723.