Derry City Claims FAI Cup with 1-0 Victory Over Waterford
Derry City concluded a challenging season on a high note, securing the FAI Cup with a 1-0 victory against Waterford in the final held at Aviva Stadium. The win marks Derry City’s return to silverware after a four-year drought and ensures European football next season.
Despite dominating the first half, Derry City struggled to convert their chances, but the breakthrough came in the second half. Darragh Burns found the back of the net in the 69th minute with a composed finish, sealing the victory for Graham Coughlan’s team.
The season had been tumultuous for Derry City, featuring managerial changes and the return of James McClean, which did not meet expectations. However, interim manager Mark Connolly has successfully guided the team since taking over in August.
The cup final got off to a cautious start, with Waterford’s Stephen McMullan making an early save against Michael Duffy’s strike from the edge of the box. Derry’s goalkeeper, Brian Maher, was also tested, tipping a free-kick from Benardo Couto onto the crossbar.
Derry thought they had scored first when Duffy found the net in the 29th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out due to offside. As the half progressed, Waterford gained momentum, dominating possession and presenting threats from set-pieces. They missed a clear opportunity to score when Tommy Lonergan headed wide from close range after a long throw.
Following the break, Derry continued to push, with Noonan’s shot narrowly missing the mark. The decisive moment came when Burns seized the ball at the edge of the box, skillfully shifting to his left foot to drive a low shot into the bottom corner, marking his first goal for the club.
With Derry City ahead, the game opened up, with both teams attempting to find further goals. Noah Mawene came close, but his low shot went just wide, while Waterford’s Kevin Dos Santos failed to convert at the other end.
In their first cup final appearance since 2004, Waterford put forth a commendable effort but could not breach Derry’s defense. As the final whistle blew, the victory ensured that the FAI Cup would be adorned with red and white ribbons for the seventh time in Derry’s history.
