Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

 

Derry City v Cork City: Match Preview (4th April 2025)

Derry City FC v. Cork City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 8, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday 4^th April 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

It’s a battle of the Cities for the first time in 2025 as Cork City brave the long journey north to face Derry City on Friday. Both sides will be gunning for victory to maintain space between them and the relegation zone, whilst looking to extend unbeaten records. Derry are coming off the back of a hard-fought draw away to Shamrock Rovers, whilst Cork City have lost just one game all season.

Derry City:

I have to start this preview by apologising. At the end of last week’s preview ahead of the Shamrock Rovers match, I went on record saying that “There are always goals in this tie and… I suspect Friday night will be no different”. What we got was the first 0-0 between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers in almost three years – whoops. In honesty though, with City winning just once in Tallaght in the league since 2017, a point away to Rovers isn’t a bad result at all.

The first glimmer of an opportunity for either side came seven minutes in when Michael Duffy whipped a ball towards the back post. An easy enough ball for Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal, but the flight of the ball caught the former Sligo Rovers keeper out. He spilled it and was lucky that Danny Mullen wasn’t more alert to prod home. The first of two flashpoints in the game came 23 minutes in when Paul McMullan fed an inch-perfect pass into the path of Danny Mullen. McGinty mistimed his approach to gather the ball and was stuck between a rock and a hard place – either handle the ball outside of the box or take down Danny Mullen. The keeper went for the earlier option, a choice which saw him receive a straight red card, leaving his side with ten men for the remaining seventy minutes or so.

Derry’s man advantage didn’t last for long, only seventeen minutes or so. Scottish striker Danny Mullen, booked earlier in the half, was adjudged by referee Paul McLaughlin to have clipped a Rovers midfielder and stopped a counter attack. Contact was minimal if any at all and the City forward clearly tried to back out of the challenge. McLaughlin flashed another yellow at the 30 year old before pulling the red card out of his back-pocket. A dubious decision to say the least, which saw Rovers and City level with ten men each on the field going into the second half.

Tiernan Lynch rolled the dice at half time, introducing Liam Boyce and Sean Patton in an attempt to clinch a goal in the second period. Michael Duffy’s looping free kick from range proved to be City’s best opportunity of the game and forced a good save from substitute keeper Leon Pöhls. Ronan Boyce came closest for City ten minutes later when he sliced a volley marginally wide from inside the box - the right back looked promising when adding an extra body to the City attack.

Roberto Lopes had the home side’s best opportunity of the evening on the 72^nd minute when Dan Cleary’s knock-down from a Jack Byrne corner fell kindly for the Cape Verde international at the back post. Brian Maher found himself positioned well to smother the ball despite Lopes’ proximity within the six yard box. Even though Stephen Bradley introduced Rory Gaffney and starlets Michael Noonan and Victor Ozhianvuna late on in the half, they failed to threaten Brian Maher’s goal as the sides settled to share the spoils come the final whistle on the 95^th minute.

Aside from the controversy surrounding Danny Mullen’s sending off, which may leave City light on centre forward options on Friday given the exclusion of Pat Hoban against Shamrock Rovers, more positives came out of Tallaght than negatives for Derry City. The scoreless draw meant that City have now kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since August 2024, after getting their first against Sligo Rovers in the game prior. City’s away records against both the Rovers in the past few years have been poor. The recent win in Sligo was our first there since 2021 and we’ve won once in eight years in Tallaght. Looking at it from the bigger picture then, four points and two clean sheets from those two ties are a good return. We’re still seventh but are just five points off the top of the table given the competitive nature of the early stages of the 2025 season.

On the topic of clean sheets, City’s defence was the biggest concern six weeks ago when the season began. We conceded seven in our first four games but have conceded just once in the three following. It’s clear that defensive structure is a key focus of Lynch and co’s training sessions, with three centre halves fielded in each of those last three games. It’s obvious, therefore, that the extra man in defence has been key to our newfound solidity. Hayden Cann was the standout against Shamrock Rovers on Friday. Arriving from a relegated Dundalk last term, the Englishman looked assured and played a key role in those successive clean sheets. He’s not afraid to put his body on the lin or go flying into tackles or headers. With the experience of Kevin Holt and Mark Connolly in the back-line, alongside the balance that Sam Todd provides, it seems City’s defensive woes may a thing of the past.

Adding an extra man into defence does mean taking one away from the midfield or forward line. Finding that sweet-spot will clearly be of upmost importance for Tiernan Lynch and his management staff in the coming days. Michael Duffy was once again key to everything good that City did going forward on Friday night. He’s been phenomenal for us this year and has been given real attacking freedom by the manager. The wait for a goal from open play will now go on a week further though. City haven’t scored from open play since the opening day of the season – February 14^th. With the investment in attacking areas in the off-season, it’ll be a worry for the City faithful that some of our forwards have yet to get going. Gavin Whyte has been an unused sub in the last two, whilst Pat Hoban has started just twice this year. Danny Mullen was given his first start of the season in Tallaght but will have to wait another week for his next after being sent off 40 minutes into the game against Rovers. You can tell Liam Boyce has real class on the ball and is a very technical player, but he is yet to score after his arrival from Hearts. Dom Thomas, another arrival from Scotland, has contributed to just one goal all season and was also unused against Rovers. Sean Patton, who scored five in preseason, looked lively playing alongside Boyce up front in the second half on Friday. Once those players click, and I’ve said this already this year, I can see us blow a team away and really get going. For the City faithful, we’ll be hoping that we see some goals in front of the new North Stand on Friday. With the new stand opening at 50% capacity against Cork City, there’s a bumper attendance in store at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. 

Cork City:

Two years on from their last stint in the topflight of Irish football, Cork City are back in the big-time after winning last year’s First Division by a twenty-two point margin. The second tier in 2024 was something of a walk in the park for the Rebel Army, who began the campaign with a 17 game unbeaten streak before wrapping up the title in early September. Irish champions as recently as 2017, last season marked the club’s second promotion to the Premier Division in three years. Relegated in 2020, Cork City won the First Division in 2022. The following season, however, saw the Munster side struggle back in the topflight, finishing second bottom; albeit 20 points above bottom side UCD. The play-offs brought heartache for City, who lost to rivals Waterford in extra-time, sealing their fate. With last year’s dominance bringing a confidence and swagger to Tim Clancy’s side, their return to the Premier Division has gotten off to a decent start.

After six games, Cork City have lost just one, drawing four and beating Bohemians in the highlight of their year to date. They’re unbeaten at home and have drawn with champions Shelbourne and FAI Cup victors Drogheda United. 2025’s only loss for the Rebels came against rivals Waterford; a late goal again claiming Munster glory for the Blues. With eight scored and eight conceded, Cork’s likely aim this year will be to maintain their Premier Division status - they haven’t began poorly by any means.

The coups of two former fan favourites in the summer of 2024 showed that City were serious about their ambitions. With the First Division title all but wrapped up, eleven time Ireland international Sean Maguire was signed from Carlisle United – warding off interest from Premier Division clubs. He scored 38 goals in 50 games for Cork between 2016 and 2017 before leaving for Preston North End after making himself a key cog in City’s title winning side. Ruairí Keating, nominated for the PFAI Player of the Year after bagging thirteen for Cork City in 2023, returned to the club just eight months after leaving for St. Pat’s. He has scored seven eight his return, as has Maguire – two strikers of real calibre in the Cork front-line. The latter, however has been out since early March with a hamstring injury.

City’s business wasn’t bad going into 2025 either. The most impressive signing came in the form of winger Alex Nolan from St. Pat’s. The 22 year old chose Cork over Bohemians and scored in the 2023 FAI Cup final. Former Oldham Athletic wing back Benny Couto signed from Ashton United and has become a fan favourite. He’s been joined at the club by goalkeepers Conor Brann and Tein Troost, on-loan from Swindon Town and NAC Breda respectively. Also joining the Turner’s Cross side on loan are Rio Shipston from Sheffield Wednesday, Freddie Anderson from Stoke City and Kitt Nelson from Preston North End. French defender Milan Mbeng put pen-to-paper from Zébra Élites, too.

Strength in depth seems to be the way forward for Tim Clancy. He has a big squad but managed to retain a number of his key players – despite an exodus of five to neighbours Cobh Ramblers. Included in said exodus to their Munster rivals were captain Cian Coleman and midfielders Barry Coffey and Jack Doherty, who scored sixteen between them last year. Former Derry City midfielder Evan McLaughlin signed for Cork City ahead of the 2024 campaign and was deployed at left-back, ultimately earning himself a place in the First Division Team of the Year after racking up twelve goal involvements in the league. He hasn’t featured in 2025 following a pre-season injury, however. Veteran midfielder Greg Bolger is still key to the midfield at 36 years of age, whilst 20 year old Englishman Rio Shipston has impressed by making two assists so far. Malik Dijksteel is a tricky winger and exciting to watch, whilst Cathal O’Sullivan was the star of the show for City last year. He came off injured on the opening day this year and only returned to the squad last week. The seventeen year old scored seven goals in the league last season. Left-footed and with the technique of a player a decade his senior, the winger isn’t short on confidence and has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s elite. His highlight reel already makes for some viewing.

Cork City haven’t won in the Brandywell since 2018 but will be energetic and determined given the nature of their young squad. Their quality in attacking areas and ability to grind out a result would make any team in the league wary. With three draws from their last three, Tim Clancy will be hoping that his side enact revenge on Derry City after defeat in the FAI Cup meeting between the two last year.

Round-up:

It’s a first league meeting between these two in almost eighteen months as both Derry City and Cork City look to climb the Premier Division table with three points on Friday. The visitors have drawn each of their last three games, whilst Derry are desperate for only a second home win of the season. The Candystripes dumped Cork out of the FAI Cup via a Sam Todd header on their way to the final in 2024 and will look to extend a twelve game unbeaten streak against the Rebel Army, dating back to October 2018. Cork City have scored just once against Derry in the last six meetings between the sides, but have bagged three more than their hosts this season and have lost only one game all year. With the opening of the new North Stand adding an extra factor to Friday night’s game, the home side will be gunning for three points and extension to their clean sheet record. It’s City against City for the first time in 2025…

Pól O'Hare - 31st March 2025

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15th March 2025)

 

Sligo Rovers v Derry City: Match Preview (15^th March 2025) 

Sligo Rovers FC v Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 6, Sligo Showgrounds, Saturday 15^th March 2025, kick-off 7.45pm

Tiernan Lynch’s start to life as a League of Ireland manager hasn’t gone quite to plan, with his Derry City side sitting bottom of the Premier Division table after five games. It’s early days though, and with a promising showing in a 1-1 draw with Galway United last week, he’ll hope that his side earn a win over bogey-side Sligo Rovers on Saturday.

Derry City:

Coming into last Friday's tie with Galway United, a side unbeaten in their first four and with the second best defence in the league last year, Derry City would have needed a much improved performance to avenge back-to-back defeats in their previous two. With key midfielder Carl Winchester suspended, Tiernan Lynch gave a debut to Hayden Cann and set out with a back five in defence. City started the brighter too, holding most of the ball in the early stages. Dom Thomas came painfully close with a snapshot which flashed just wide of the post within three minutes, before Liam Boyce nodded a cross from the Scotsman narrowly wide fifteen minutes later. Derry’s peppering of the Galway goal continued as Michael Duffy, Kevin Holt and the aforementioned Thomas each worked Brendan Clarke within the first 40 minutes.

In typical fashion, and despite dominating the first half, City found themselves a goal down going into the break. A long throw from Ed McCarthy found its way to New Zealand international Moses Dyer at the back post, who poked in to give the away side an advantage just minutes before half-time. City’s fortunes turned six minutes into the second half though. When a bouncing ball was caught on the volley by Sadou Diallo, it deflected off the upper-arm of Pat Hickey and went wide. Referee Neil Doyle duly pointed to the spot and flashed a yellow card at the American. It looked dubious from the replay, you can see why the travelling support found themselves hard done by. Michael Duffy made no mistake from the spot however, as he rifled one into the roof of the net to level the scores.

Despite the finding the equaliser, Derry failed to truly threaten Brendan Clarke’s goal in the remainder of the second period. Deep into injury time at the end of the half, a misjudged bounce from Kevin Holt saw Jimmy Keohane nip in to go one on one with Brian Maher. The veteran midfielder tried to clip the ball over the Derry stopper, but was denied by a strong right hand from the 24 year old. A major heart-in-mouth moment for City, who picked up a fourth point of the season.

Friday night didn’t yield the win that the City faithful are so desperate for, but the first half in particular showed that when this team click’s the attacking football can be impressive. Dom Thomas, Liam Boyce and Michael Duffy caused The Tribesmen’s defence all sorts of issues before the visitor’s scored.  The Candystripes sit bottom of the table, but there isn’t a panic-stations factor that you might expect from a team in that position. I’m convinced that this team will click and give someone a hammering, but there are no easy games in this division anymore. With just one win, one draw and three losses from the opening five, City will hope to come out firing with a huge performance to beat John Russell’s Sligo Rovers on Saturday and pick up a first win in three weeks.

Michael Duffy’s penalty was his fourth goal of the season, but City’s wait for a goal from open play will extend past the one month mark when they kick-off in Sligo. Duffy’s header from a Dom Thomas cross on the opening day of the season is City’s only goal from open play this year; there has been a free kick and two penalties since then. With the attacking quality in this team, City will surely begin to climb the table when the likes of Liam Boyce, Pat Hoban and Danny Mullen manage to find goals from central areas.

Going into Saturday’s game, City are without the suspended Carl Winchester, who serves the final of his two game punishment. Cameron Dummigan is City’s only long-term injury concern, whilst new signings Gavin Whyte and Shane Ferguson made the bench last week. Paul McMullan spent the full 90 on the bench, that’s the first game of his Derry City career in which he hasn’t been involved. Hayden Cann showed that he’ll provide good cover in centre back, whilst Ben Doherty and Ronan Boyce looked promising as wingbacks should Lynch continue to employ the back-five system. Brian Maher will also be on the hunt for just his second clean sheet of the season, after conceding eight in the first five. With a two week break, then an away game with Shamrock Rovers after this one, Tiernan Lynch will be hoping that City can clinch a first competitive win in Sligo since August 2021.

Sligo Rovers:

After a 6^th placed finish in 2024, Sligo Rovers’ 2025 campaign hasn’t got off to the start they wanted. After five games, Sligo find themselves in the relegation zone. They’ve conceded twelve in those fives, but launched set out on launching comebacks against both Waterford and St. Patrick’s Athletic which resulted in tense finishes. A first victory of the season at home to Shamrock Rovers, followed by a point away to Cork City, showed that Rovers’ season may be on the turn.

That opening game against Waterford in the Showgrounds saw the home side go 2-0 down within 33 minutes, before scoring five minutes into the second half and missing a penalty which would’ve had them level on the 57^th minute.  Waterford eventually ran out 3-2 winners, but Rovers showed fight to come close to their visitors and pressed hard late on to find an equaliser. It was a similar story two weeks later in Inchicore, when they conceded twice in as many minutes, before pulling one back through an own goal to go into half-time 2-1 down. It was 3-1 on the 52^nd minute, but a Cian Kavanagh double saw Sligo level in the 78^th minute. By the 80^th though, Pat’s were ahead again and held on for a 4-3 win. A 3-0 loss away to FAI Cup winners Drogheda United means that they’ve conceded 10 in their last two against the Louth side.

John Russell, after becoming Sligo Rovers manager in July 2022, quickly proved that he could do a job on a low budget. His first experience in management, aside from a gig at Westport United, Russell has Sligo Rovers playing direct football and grinding results over the line. Their ten draws was the third lowest in the Premier Division last season, whilst they won thirteen and lost thirteen of the other 26. Russell would have been happy enough with a 6^th placed finish, despite winning just one of their last six. Their 51 goals conceded was the second worst in the division, although seven of those came in one match away to Drogheda United in September. Being tighter at the back will have been a big aim for Sligo in 2025.

The summer losses of Max Mata, to Auckland FC, and Fabrice Hartmann, whose loan from RB Leipzig expired, saw Sligo Rovers lose two players who contributed to 15 goals in the first half of the season. Midfielder Ellis Chapman stepped up, scoring nine and assisting three to become the Bit’O’Red’s talisman from the centre of the park. The Englishman swapped the west coast for North Dublin in the off-season though, signing for Shelbourne and representing a big loss for Russell’s men. Wilson Waweru, signed last season from Galway United, scored seven in the league, whilst Simon Power and Conor Malley both notched four.

Sligo Rovers had a tough preseason in terms of departures, losing some of their key players. Ed McGinty’s loan from Oxford United came to an end before he signed for Shamrock Rovers. Winger Simon Power and captain Niall Morahan left for St. Pat’s and Bohemians respectively, whilst JR Wilson and Kailin Barlow joined promotion hopefuls Athlone Town. Highly rated 16 year old Aidan Gabbidon left for pastures new too, signing for Malmo in Sweden, who will have to pay compensation for the youngster.

Losing a number of his best players, it would always be a tough window for Sligo Rovers. The marquee signing is ex-Ireland U21 midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes, who made 50 appearances for Scottish side Hibernian after signing from St Mirren in 2021. If they can keep him fit, they have a player with Scottish Premiership quality entering the prime of his career. Winger Francely Lomboto, who made more than 90 appearances for Galway United, signed to provide width, as did New Zealand international Oskar van Hattum. The 22 year old spent his entire career to date with Wellington Phoenix and featured in all of his nation’s matches at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Ronan Manning also made the switch from Galway United, joined in the midfield by Matthew Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and 18 year old Brazilian by Guilherme Rego Priosti from Esbjerg, Dundalk and Longford Town respectively.

Former Derry City striker Cian Kavanagh joined from St. Pat’s and has scored twice this season – unfortunately already missing two penalties. Defender Harvey Lintott joined on loan from Northampton Town after making 16 appearances in League One last season, whilst the shrewd acquisition of Sam Sargeant from Waterford is a good replacement for Ed McGinty between the sticks.

With a necessary rebuild in key positions, Sligo Rovers have brought in talent, but their start to the season shows that it hasn’t quite gelled just yet. Similar struggles for Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the early stages of 2025. Level on points with the Candystripes at the bottom, scoring four more but also conceding four more, this game looks like it will be entertaining though. The Bit’O’Red still look quite light in defence, although could have scraped draws against Waterford and St. Pat’s if Cian Kavanagh converted his spot-kicks. They’re always a bogey team for Derry City and are on the hunt for a second home win of the season, opening a further buffer on the Candystripes at the bottom of the table.

Round-up:

As the two-teams occupying the bottom two spots of the Premier Division table meet on St. Patrick’s weekend, fans of both Derry City and Sligo Rovers will be hoping for sunshine, blue skies and entertaining football on Saturday. Both sides desperate for a win after picking up just four points from the first five games, Sligo Rovers have the worst defensive record but are the highest scorers, while only Shamrock Rovers have scored less goals than Derry - they’ll both be looking to go all-out at each other in the Showgrounds. Derry City will be hoping that their preseason win over Sligo Rovers will spur them on to a first competitive victory there in three and a half years, while Sligo Rovers look to extend said record until the next meeting in Connaught between the two in July. We’re bottom of the league, haven’t won here since 2021 and Rovers are encouraging fans to dress as leprechauns for a world record attempt. What could possibly go wrong?

Pól O’Hare – 11^th March 2025

 

 

A Deep Dive into Derry City's 2022 Squad

 

Derry City’s 2022 Team: Where are they now?

 

Following a start to the season which saw Derry City bottom after six games in 2021, Ruaidhrí Higgins replaced Declan Devine as manager at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. The Limavady man’s arrival saw a new dawn for the club, who finished 2021 in fourth place and secured European football. 2022 was Higgins’ first full year as manager of Derry City, and it didn’t end too badly either. The Candystripes lifted the FAI Cup in November with a record breaking 4-0 win over Shelbourne in the final, as well as finishing second in the league. That season began less than three years ago, but with Tiernan Lynch’s reign opening a new chapter for City, I’ve had a look at the squad of 2022 to see how their careers panned out before and after joining the Candystripes. I’ll begin with the squad for the first game of the season, a 2-2 away draw with Dundalk in February.

 

BRIAN MAHER: A product of St Kevin’s Boys and St. Patrick Athletic’s youth academies, Brian Maher spent two years at Bray Wanderers in 2020 and 2021, making almost fifty appearances before his 21^st birthday. One of the most promising young keepers in Ireland, Maher made more than thirty appearances in Ireland’s U17s, U19s and U21s. City signed Brian Maher ahead of the 2022 season, immediately becoming the club’s first choice stopper thanks to his range of passing, comfort on the ball and reaction saves. After making more than 100 appearances for Derry City and keeping the most clean sheets in the Premier Division in both 2022 and 2023, Maher signed a two-year contract extension in December 2024, keeping him at the Brandywell until 2026. His re-signing was a statement of intent from Tiernan Lynch, committing Maher to the Cansystripes despite interest from Scottish clubs and Shamrock Rovers.

CIARÁN COLL: Versatile defender Ciarán Coll spent a year at Hearts of Midlothian in 2008 after starting out with Kildrum Tigers, before returning home to join Finn Harps in 2009. The Letterkenny native was key to the Finn Harps defence for the best part of a decade, making almost 300 appearances and taking the captain’s armband. He crossed the north-west divide in 2019, when Declan Devine brought him to the Brandywell. Reliable and consistent at both left back and centre back, Ciarán Coll was a key part of the Derry City squad for five seasons, making 170 appearances in red and white. Declan Devine, now manager of Glentoran, once again snapped up the 33 year old on a two-and-a-half year contract following the expiration of his contract with Derry in November 2024.

CAMERON MCJANNET: Milton Keynes native Cameron McJannet spent almost a decade at Luton Town as a youngster before signing for Stoke City in 2016. Despite a loan at Curzon Ashton during the 2018-19 season, McJannet was released in 2020 and joined Derry City on a free transfer in August, going on to make 142 appearances at left-back at centre-back. One of the best defenders in the Premier Division, McJannet made more than 50 appearances as City captain in his almost four year spell at the club. Now 26, McJannet assisted Danny Mullen for a 95^th minute winner away to Bohemians in June 2024 on his last appearance for the club. He joined Grimsby Town later that month, as Derry City cashed in on a much-fancied player whose contract expired at the end of the year. McJannet has since made 25 appearances in League Two, and City’s failure to truly replace him likely factored in their failure to win the league or cup in 2024. He recently scored his first league goal for Grimsby when he opened the scoring against Port Vale in late December, before going on to pick up the Man of the Match award in a 3-0 victory.

EOIN TOAL: Centre back Eoin Toal made his debut for Armagh Town at 16 years of age in 2015 and made more than 50 appearances for the club before Kenny Shiels brought him to Derry City in 2017. He became a Candystripe regular in 2018 and was made captain in 2021, going to on to make 155 appearances as he grew to become one of the most impressive defenders in Ireland. A regular in Northern Ireland’s U19 and U21 set-ups during his time at Derry, Toal played through the pain barrier of an ankle injury to make his last appearance for City away to Riga FC in Latvia in the UEFA Conference League in July 2022. Later that month, Toal joined League One side Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed transfer fee, believed to be around €100,000 including add-ons. He has since made over 70 appearances for Bolton, including starting the 2023 EFL Trophy final in which Wanderers beat Plymouth Argyle 4-0. He signed a contract extension until 2027 last year and broke into the Northern Ireland senior team in 2023.

CAMERON DUMMIGAN: Lurgan man Cameron Dummigan left Cliftonville as a 16 year old in 2012 to sign for Burnley, failing to make a senior appearance for the Clarets despite being named on the bench in the Premier League. A loan spell to League One side Oldham Athletic in 2015-16 saw him make 26 appearances before signing permanently ahead of the 2016-17 season. Naturally a right-back but more than adept in defensive midfield, the 18 time Northern Ireland U21 international joined League of Ireland champions Dundalk in 2019, where he picked up four trophies in three seasons. Dummigan was a statement signing for Derry City ahead of the 2022 campaign and was integral to the side, earning an inclusion in the PFAI Team of the Year alongside winning his second FAI Cup. Despite injury hit 2023 and 2024 seasons, Dummigan signed a two-year contract extension keeping him on Foyleside until 2026, staving off interest from Linfield in the Irish League.

CIARON HARKIN: Signed by Declan Devine alongside Ciarán Coll ahead of the 2019 season, Ciaron Harkin quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Brandywell due to his dogged nature in the midfield of the park. A youth player at the Candystripes, the Creggan man impressed at Institute between 2015 and 2017, causing fellow Co. Derry side Coleraine to sign him January 2017. Harkin was central to the Bannsiders’ side which won their sixth Irish Cup in 2018, and their first since 2003. He was closing in on 100 appearances for Derry City when he picked up an ACL tear at home to Shamrock Rovers in February 2022. Later that year, the midfielder aggravated the injury during rehab – a heartbreaking setback which saw him miss the entirety of the 2023 season. Harkin made just four appearances for Derry in the summer of 2024 as he continued towards full fitness, before rejoining Coleraine on loan – where he has since surpassed a century of appearances. With a contract running until the end of 2025, the 28 year old will hope to return to City’s first team set up upon his return from Coleraine in January.

DANNY LAFFERTY: Danny Lafferty joined Celtic in 2006 from Oxford United, also playing for Ayr United on loan. He signed for Derry City in 2010 after being released by Celtic and made 12 appearances as the Candystripes won the First Division. After a further 34 appearances in red and white, Championship side Burnley snapped up the left-back for £150,000 and gave him the number 3 shirt. He made 40 appearances for the Clarets, also playing for Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United on loan. Sheffield signed him permanently in 2017 and loaned him to Peterborough United in 2019. He returned to Ireland that summer, signing for Shamrock Rovers. Lafferty won the FAI Cup that November, and the Premier Division title in 2020. Declan Devine brought him back to Derry ahead of the 2021 season, before Lafferty left for Sligo Rovers in 2023 after winning the FAI Cup with his hometown club in 2022. Aged 35, the former Northern Ireland international currently lines out for Ballymena United after playing the second half of the 2023/24 season at Institute.

WILL PATCHING: Stockport native Will Patching joined the Manchester City academy at just six years of age, spending fourteen years there before joining Notts County in 2018. During his time in Manchester, Patching made 25 appearances for England’s youth teams, representing his country at the U17 World Cup in Chile in 2015. Patching played with Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho, and Real Madrid’s Brahím Diaz whilst at Manchester City and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards and Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi with England. He struggled to nail down a spot at Notts County before signing for Dundalk in 2020. Patching shone whilst on loan at Derry City in the first half of the 2021 season, before scoring in both legs of Dundalk’s qualifiers and play-offs for the UEFA Conference League after returning to the club in July. Patching joined Derry City permanently in 2022, proving to be one of the most exciting midfielders in the league as he contributed to 68 goals in 130 appearances. In fact, Derry City never lost in a match that Will Patching scored in. His highlights reel makes for great viewing, but an injury-hit 2024 saw the 26 year old leave Ireland at the end of the season, signing for League Two’s bottom side Carlisle United in January on a two-and-a-half year deal.

JOE THOMSON: A youth player for both Rangers and Celtic, Paisley native Joe Thomson made his professional debut and only appearance for Celtic in a 3-1 victory away to Dundee United in August 2015. The midfielder, who has a rocket of a right foot, left Celtic in 2018 to sign for Dunfermline Athletic following loans to Dumbarton, Queen of the South and Livingston. Aged just 21, Thomson was named Fans Player of the Year in his first season at Dunfermline but was released in May 2020 as the COVID pandemic hit the club’s finances. Derry City swooped to land the Scotsman, who scored against FK Riteriai on his UEFA Europa League debut as the Candystripes lost in extra-time. With game-time limited in the second half of the 2022 campaign, Thomson bowed out with an FAI Cup triumph as he was included in the swap deal along with Micháel Glynn to sign Ben Doherty from Larne. After ten goals in 79 appearances at Derry, Thomson won back-to-back NIFL Premierships in 2023 and 2024 with Larne, alongside contributing to their run to become the first ever Northern Irish side to qualify for European group-stages when they made it to the UEFA Conference League league-phase in 2024.

BRANDON KAVANAGH: City signed Dubliner Brandon Kavanagh from Shamrock Rovers prior to the 2022 season. The winger came through the ranks at Bray Wanderers before signing for Bohemians in 2016 and, after impressing back on loan at Bray in 2021 alongside Brian Maher, Ruaidhrí Higgins swooped to sign the then 21 year old on a three year contract. A versatile midfielder who can play in both the number 10 slot and on either wing, Kavanagh failed to nail down a starting berth at the Brandywell. He made more than 70 appearances in red and white, scoring ten goals, before transferring to St. Pat’s ahead of the 2024 season for a fee of around €25,000. Kavanagh had a stellar season in Inchicore and has shone under Stephen Kenny as Pat’s went unbeaten in their last eleven league games to leapfrog Derry City and finish third in the Premier Division. To rub salt into the City wounds, it was Kavanagh’s goal which denied the Candystripes the chance to win the league going into the final game. The 24 year old finished 2024 with twelve assists in the league, as well as six goals, topping the assist chart for the Premier Division.

JAMIE MCGONIGLE: Dungiven native Jamie McGonigle was Ruaidhrí Higgins’ marquee signing in the summer of 2021. He left Dungiven Celtic for Coleraine in 2014, making his debut in 2015 and scoring more than 50 goals before joining Crusaders in 2019 for a then Northern Irish record transfer of £60,000 – breaking a 21 year record. At Coleraine, McGonigle won the Irish Cup alongside fellow Derry teammate Ciaron Harkin in 2017-18 and scored 16 in the league as the Bannsiders finished second. Derry City splashed the cash to land McGonigle for a rumoured fee of £35,000 in June 2021, a worthwhile price as he scored eight goals in seventeen to help City to a fourth-placed finish. 2022 saw McGonigle given the number nine shirt as he became the first Derry player since Alex Krstic in 1986 to score in five games in a row. That fifth goal was a stoppage time winner into the top corner against Shamrock Rovers, showing that Derry meant business in the title race. After bagging a hattrick in a 7-1 win over UCD in April 2022, and a brace in a 4-0 win away to St Pat’s a week later, McGonigle only scored two more league goals all season as City’s title hopes died out. He did, however, net in four of Derry City’s five FAI Cups games, including the opener in the final. 2023 saw McGonigle bag five goals in 29 games in all competitions, as he left Derry City in early 2024 with two years left on his contract to rejoin Coleraine – allowing the Candystripes to land Pat Hoban. He has since scored 12 goals for Coleraine in less than a year – taking his haul for the Bannsiders to 69 goals as he approaches 200 appearances in blue and white.

SUBSTITUTES

NATHAN GARTSIDE: After overcoming serious illness while on the verges of the Watford first team, Nathan Gartside signed for Derry City in the summer of 2018 to rival Gerard Doherty for the number one spot. Once back-up to Heurelho Gomes at Watford, who he joined from Institute as a 16 year old, Gartside became City’s first choice keeper ahead of the 2021 season after being utilised mostly as a cup goalkeeper in his first two-and-a-half years. He made 46 appearances for Derry and broke into the Northern Ireland U21 side in 2019. A paperwork error denied him a call-up to the senior team after he was named in the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Bulgaria in 2021 after an impressive season as Derry’s number one. Following the arrival of Brian Maher, Gartside made just two appearances in 2022 and moved to Cliftonville in July of that year. Despite a positive start in Belfast, former St. Pat’s and Drogheda United goalkeeper David Odumosu was preferred to the former Watford man in goal. After making 54 appearances for the Reds, including the majority of the 2024 Irish Cup final which Cliftonville would go on to win 3-1 in extra-time, Gartside left to join Loughgall, who currently find themselves rooted to the foot of the Premiership table. The 26 year old was recently named the NIFL Premiership Player of the Week after saving two penalties away to Carrick Rangers in mid-December.

PATRICK MCELENEY: Originally coming through the ranks at Foyle Harps, Patrick McEleney joined Sunderland in 2008 before coming home to sign for Stephen Kenny’s Derry City ahead of the 2010 campaign. After winning the First Division in 2010 and FAI Cup in 2012, and despite interest from England, Kenny brought McEleney to Dundalk ahead of the 2016 season. Ten trophies, including three Premier Division titles and an inclusion in the 2016 PFAI Team of the Year followed, either side of a nine game spell at Oldham Athletic in England. The midfielder also played a part in both of Dundalk’s Europa League campaigns in 2016 and 2020, before being brought back to the Brandywell ahead of the 2022 campaign. McEleney surpassed the 300 appearance mark in red and white back in October 2024, playing in two cup finals in his three seasons back in Derry, winning in 2022 but coming off injured and losing in his ninth cup final of his career in 2024. That loss against Drogheda United also drew his Derry City playing career to a close, as he joined Ballymena United in November. The 32 year old has, however, been linked with a return to City in a coaching capacity.

SHANE MCELENEY: Derry man Shane McEleney rejoined Derry City in 2022 alongside his brother Patrick, after first signing a professional deal with the club under Stephen Kenny in 2010. After five years with the Candystripes, in which he won a First Division title, League Cup and FAI Cup, the big centre half joined St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2015. He picked up back-to-back League Cups in Inchicore, leaving to join Ottawa Fury in America in late 2016. A year later and McEleney had returned back to Ireland, first spending two years at Larne before signing for Finn Harps in 2020. Signed to provide cover to City’s back-line, he was part of the tightest defence in the Premier Division in both 2022 and 2023, picking up the second FAI Cup of his career in doing so. Coming 34 in January, McEleney was announced as a new signing by Glentoran in the NIFL Premiership in December 2024.

JAMES AKINTUNDE: A cult hero at the Brandywell, English striker James Akintunde played most of his early career in the English National League. Declan Devine brought Akintunde to the Brandywell from Maidenhead United in July 2020. After scoring on his debut against St. Pat’s, he went on to find the net eleven more times for City before leaving after the cup final triumph of 2022. He chose to sign for Bohemians in 2023, scoring six goals under Alan Reynolds after leaving the Brandywell for Dalymount. The Englishman scored the winner for Bohs against Derry in March 2024, but stoppage time winners against Bohemians and Finn Harps were highlights of the 28 year old’s time on Foyleside. Akintunde recently left Bohs following the expiration of his contract and could prove a wise pickup for a League of Ireland side in search of a striker.

JACK MALONE: A product of Derry City’s academy, midfielder Jack Malone netted his first City goal in July 2019 when he fired in a strike from distance to seal a 3-0 win at home to Sligo Rovers. He featured in all eighteen Premier Division games during the COVID struck 2020 season, before playing a large part in during the 2021 campaign. The strong midfield additions ahead of the 2022 season saw Malone’s gametime limited to just three appearances in Ruaidhrí Higgins first full season, opening the door for him to leave for Glenavon in August. Then 22, the Derry man made the deep-midfield role his own, taking the number 8 shirt. Malone was named Glenavon’s Player of the Year in 2023-24 – a testament to his performances in the NIFL Premiership as he approaches ninety appearances in two-and-a-half years.

CAOIMHIN PORTER: Derry man Caoimhin Porter spent time at Ballymoor and Trojans before joining Derry City’s academy, eventually making his debut for City as a nineteen year old in April 2021. That was an eight minute cameo against Shamrock Rovers, where he replaced fellow academy graduate Brendan Barr. Porter had to wait until September of 2021 for his next senior appearance, when he came on for Ronan Boyce in a 3-0 home win over Longford Town. 2022 saw marginally more time in the first team for the right back, who impressed going forward as well as in defence. He assisted two of Derry’s three goals in a 3-2 win against Bohemians in Dalymount Park in July, one week after completing ninety minutes in the 1-0 away victory over UCD. The full back spent the 2023 campaign on loan at Finn Harps in the First Division, gaining experience by making thirty appearances as the Donegal side’s first choice right back. Porter joined Institute following the expiration of his contract with Derry in January 2024, and has made 33 appearances for Stute, scoring three times – including a half-volley which clipped the crossbar before going in to open the scoring in a 3-1 win over Bangor in December.

ORRIN MCLAUGHLIN: A youth player at Foyle Harps, Orrin McLaughlin joined Derry City’s U19 squad in 2019. The midfielder, who was part of the Enda McGuill Cup winning side of 2021 alongside the aforementioned Caoimhin Porter, made the bench for the senior team on seven occasions between 2020 and 2022 but never made a competitive appearance. McLaughlin joined Institute permanently in August 2022, playing more than sixty games before leaving for Dergview in the summer of 2024. The 21 year old recently signed for Portstewart FC, who are managed by his former coach at both Derry City and Institute, Mo Mahon.

LIAM MULLAN: After leaving Maiden City to join the Candystripes’ U17 side in 2021, Liam Mullan was awarded with a three year professional contract ahead of the 2022 campaign. Making the bench in 29 of City’s 36 league games in 2022, Mullan was loaned to Institute ahead of the 2023-24 NIFL Championship campaign. Making 33 appearances in all competitions for Stute, Mullan’s Derry contract was extended in July 2024, keeping the 20 year old at the Brandywell until 2027. He recently returned to City after a loan spell with NIFL Premiership newcomers Portadown FC, where he has made thirteen appearances in the league and cup. With almost fifty senior games under his belt, Mullan may see gametime under Tiernan Lynch in the coming seasons.

GERARD STOREY: Belfast born midfielder Gerard Storey was signed by Derry City in August 2021 after impressing boss Ruaidhrí Higgins in a friendly when he was on the opposing side, in Cliftonville colours. After making his debut for Portadown at sixteen, he left in 2019 to join League One side Portsmouth, before going on loans to Gosport Borough and Carrick Rangers. Storey made one appearance for Portsmouth, as a substitute in a 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Cheltenham Town, before joining the Candystripes. With just three appearances in a year on Foyleside, he returned to Belfast to sign for Cliftonville. He made a further three appearances for the Reds, before loans to Annagh United and Lisburn FC. Aged 22, Storey now lines out for Newington and recently scored a 93^rd minute winner against Institute in the NIFL Championship.

OTHER SIGNINGS AND APPEARANCES

MICHAEL DUFFY: A product of Derry City’s youth academy, Michael Duffy broke into the first team at the Brandywell as an exciting winger back in 2012. After goals in the Europa League, and a hat-trick on his 20^th birthday, Duffy signed for Celtic in 2015 before joining Alloa Athletic that summer on loan. An equaliser against Rangers and a winner against Hibernian saw him loaned to Dundee in 2016. Duffy was back in Ireland with Dundalk ahead of the 2017 season, where he won eight trophies and the PFAI Players Player of the Year award in 2018. He featured in the Europa League group stages in 2020 and rejoined Derry ahead of the 2021 campaign, where he is approaching the 50 goal mark in more than 160 games as a Candystripe. The 2022 FAI Cup triumph was Duffy’s eighth career trophy and his first at his hometown club. Highlights of his second spell at the Brandywell include winners against KuPS in the UEFA Conference League in 2023 and an FAI Cup semi-final brace away to Bohemians to send City to the final in 2024.

MARK CONNOLLY: Centre back Mark Connolly cost Bolton Wanderers £1m when they signed him from Wolves back in 2010, although the Clones man failed to break into the senior team. He made 175 appearances for Crawley Town between 2012 and 2019, either side of a two year spell at Kilmarnock. Dundee United swooped for Connolly in January 2019, where he played with current Derry City winger Paul McMullan. After a loan at Dunfermline Athletic, Connolly joined Dundalk on loan in 2022. He scored his only goal for the Lilywhites against Derry City in the 2-2 draw, before being recalled by Dundee United in July. City agreed an undisclosed fee to bring the defender to the Brandywell that same month. Connolly scored on his debut against Oliver Bond Celtic and has been an ever present in the backline since – winning the FAI Cup in 2022 and making almost eighty appearances to date.

RYAN GRAYDON: Dubliner Ryan Graydon came through the youth ranks at Bohemians, before making his senior debut for the Phibsborough side against Cabinteely in 2018. After failing to score for the senior team, the winger signed for Bray Wanderers in 2020 before switching to Longford Town in 2022. Derry swooped for the 23 year old just six months into his time in Longford, paying €10,000 for his services in July 2022. After a year as City’s first choice right winger, known for his pace and darting runs in behind, Graydon made the switch to Fleetwood Town for a fee believed to be around £125,000 in July 2023. He has played in all but one of Fleetwood’s league games this term, registering nine goal involvements. With a contract expiring in June 2025, he could be a quality signing if persuaded to return to Ireland.

MATT SMITH: Former Celtic forward Matt Smith made the move to Ireland in 2020, joining Waterford after appearing for Dundee United, Montrose and Cove Rangers in Scotland. Impressing during the COVID disrupted campaign of 2020, Smith netted twice in Munster before signing for St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2021. A key part of their FAI Cup winning side that year, it seemed that Ruaidhrí Higgins had pulled off a real coup in bringing the striker to the Brandywell in 2022. Despite scoring twelve goals for Pat’s the year before, it didn’t quite work out for Smith in Derry. He scored three goals in twenty appearances and was sent off against Riga FC in European qualifiers for an altercation with Congolese international fullback Ngonda Muzinga. He joined Shelbourne on loan in July 2022 before signing on a permanent basis in 2023. Smith’s memories of the Brandywell became more positive in November 2024, when he was part of the Shels side which lifted the Premier Division trophy there. Now 27, the Scotsman left Damien Duff’s side to return to Waterford on a long-term contract ahead of the 2025 season.

SADOU DIALLO: Born in Guinea, Sadou Diallo joined Manchester City’s youth team at thirteen in 2012. The midfielder spent time in the same City team as Will Patching and future Derry signing Jacob Davenport, sharing the pitch with current Chelsea duo Jadon Sancho and Tosin Adarabioyo, Phil Foden, Brahim Díaz and German international striker Lukas Nmecha. After six years in Manchester, Diallo was signed by Wolves in 2018. He failed to make a senior appearance in Wolverhampton, but scored in the 91^st minute to beat Manchester United’s reserves 3-2 to clinch the Premier League 2 for his club in 2020 following a three month loan move to Accrington Stanley. A move to Forest Green Rovers followed in 2021, where Diallo appeared nine times as they won League Two. The former England U19 international was announced by Derry City following the 2-0 loss away to Riga FC in the UEFA Europa League in July 2022. With another year left on his contract, and following an impressive spell in the centre of the park towards the end of the season, the holding midfielder will look for an injury free campaign after the start of his 2024 season was curtailed by a pre-season knee injury sustained against Finn Harps.

DAITHÍ MCCALLION: Coming through the ranks at Tristar, versatile defender Daithí McCallion became the youngest player in City history to sign a professional contract with the club when he penned a three-year deal in January 2022. He made his debut in April, replacing Ronan Boyce in a 7-1 win over UCD in the Brandywell. McCallion didn’t play competitively again for Derry City, but impressed on loan at Finn Harps in 2023. A regular in Northern Ireland’s U19 setup, he joined Ballymena United on loan in early 2024. That loan deal was made permanent for an undisclosed fee in August, with Derry City stressing that a buy-back clause was inserted in McCallion’s three year contract. At just 19, the defender has already racked up sixty senior appearances, and he’s one who I wouldn’t be shocked to see back in Derry City colours in the future.

JORDAN MCENEFF: Winger Jordan McEneff left Derry City’s academy in 2016 to join English giants Arsenal, where he would spend almost six years rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s finest. An Arsenal player at the same time as the likes of Mesut Özil, Alexis Sanchez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, McEneff also lined out for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at youth level. As a 21 year old, the midfielder joined Shelbourne on loan at the beginning of the 2022 campaign and made thirteen appearances before signing for Derry City in August. McEneff’s first goal for City came in the form of a 92^nd minute penalty in the FAI Cup final, compiling his former side’s misery as Derry hit Shelbourne for four. 2023 proved to be the midfielder’s most fruitful year in senior football, as he scored eight league goals to fire himself to the top of Derry City’s goalscoring chart for the year.  An ankle injury curtailed the 23 year old’s 2024 season as he appeared just eleven times before joining Larne for an undisclosed fee in August. McEneff is yet to open his account for the Invermen but can add UEFA Conference League group stage appearances to his CV during his time with the Irish League champions.

EVAN MCLAUGHLIN: Coming through the ranks at Foyle Harps and later Derry City’s academy as a midfielder, Evan McLaughlin was first involved with the City first team when he was named on the bench against Cork City in November 2020. His competitive debut came in the summer of 2021, when he started on the wing and scored just before half-time to open the scoring at home to Waterford. McLaughlin would go on to make thirty more appearances in red and white before joining Coleraine on loan in July 2022. A debut brace at home to Cliftonville gave the Bannside faithful a glimpse of what they could expect. Then 20, McLaughlin would score twice more for Coleraine before returning to the Brandywell. 2023 saw McLaughlin’s gametime limited due to health issues, before Tim Clancy brought the Derryman to Cork City ahead of the 2024 First Division campaign. Deployed as an attacking left-back, McLaughlin contributed to twelve goals in all competitions in Munster as Cork won the league by a 22 point margin. An inclusion in the First Division Team of the Year has seen the 22 year old’s stock rise, although his contract has recently expired. A versatile operator across the midfield and at full back, McLaughlin would be an astute signing for clubs across the Premier Division.

CIAN KAVANAGH: Dublin native Cian Kavanagh began his career with St. Pat’s before joining Hearts of Midlothian in Scotland as a sixteen year old in 2019. After failing to break into the senior team, and a loan to Cowdenbeath, Kavanagh returned to Ireland to sign for Waterford in 2021. He scored nine goals in 33 in Waterford before signing for the Candystripes in July 2022. Two of Kavanagh’s five Derry goals came home and away against KuPS in Europa Conference League qualifying last summer. The big striker returned to St. Pat’s ahead of the 2024 campaign but failed to make an impact, scoring once in seventeen league games. 22 at the start of January, Kavanagh was recently announced as a new arrival for 2025 by Sligo Rovers, who have signed him on a two-year deal.

DECLAN GLASS: Edinburgh born midfielder Declan Glass joined Dundee United as a fifteen year old in 2015 and made his senior debut against Dumbarton just two years later. After loans at Aidrieonians, Cove Rangers, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock, Glass joined Derry City on loan in July 2022. A sixteen minute first half hat-trick in the 7-0 FAI Cup thrashing of Oliver Bond Celtic FC on his debut was certainly a first appearance to remember. Despite the fast start, Glass found gametime at Derry limited as he played just five more times for the club before returning to Dundee United at the end of the season. Now 24, the Scotsman was loaned to Cove Rangers again in January 2023 before signing permanently for the Scottish League One club in July 2024. With six goal involvements in thirteen games this season, a ‘Star Man’ inclusion in the final SPFL Team of the Week of 2024 (alongside Celtic’s Arne Engels in midfield), and Cove sitting within the play-off spots, Glass will hope for a strong finish to the campaign and promotion to the Championship.

 

Pól O’Hare – 4^th January 2025

Galway United v Derry City: Match Preview (30th August 2024)

 

Galway United v Derry City: Match Preview (30^th August 2024)

 

Galway United FC v. Derry City FC., League of Ireland Premier Division Round 29, Eamonn Deacy Park, Friday 30^th August 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

Derry City find themselves going into a League of Ireland game top of the table for the first time in almost six months after beating Waterford last Friday. Ben Doherty’s speculative header, dropped over the line by the Blues goalkeeper, separated the sides and saw the Candystripes capitalise on Shelbourne’s draw with Bohemians. City now travel to their third away game in a row as they prepare to face Galway United, a team pushing for European spots.

Last time out - Waterford 0-1 Derry City:

The Candystripes lined out in Waterford knowing they’d been victorious in five of the last six meetings between the two sides. Former Liverpool and Derby County defender Andre Wisdom went straight into the starting eleven at right back, allowing Cameron Dummigan to play in his more favoured central midfield role. It was an experienced back line for City with Ben Doherty the only man of the four to be under 30 years of age.

City started on the front foot, utilising the pace on the counter of Paul McMullan and Michael Duffy. Thirteen minutes in and Derry had their first opportunity, Michael Duffy driving through the middle of the park before spreading the Waterford defence with a pass to McMullan. The Scottish winger’s ball in was dangerous but was just behind the two Derry men in the box. Ten minutes before the end of the half and McMullan found himself inches away from opening the scoring. With space behind the left back again, McMullan drove a low shot off the near post after being played through by Adam O’Reilly, playing in a more advanced position than usual. The home side had a big opportunity of their own on the break of half-time. After some scrambling in the box, former City trialist Rowan McDonald’s low shot was saved superbly by Brian Maher in the City goal. Both Mark Connolly and Ciarán Coll put their bodies on the line at the near post to deny the following Waterford efforts and keep the scores level going into the break.

The early stages of the second period saw both sides have their fair share of opportunities. Waterford’s Christie Pattison rattled the same post as Paul McMullan less then ten minutes into the half when he spun Mark Connolly on the edge of the box and saw his left footed effort whistle past Brian Maher before striking the upright - City and Waterford both denied by the same post. The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark as Cameron Dummigan floated a ball deep towards the far post. Caught by the wind, the ball was met by the head of Ben Doherty. The full back’s looping header troubled Louis Jones in the home side’s goal, who struggled to get a safe grasp on the ball and dropped it before quickly picking it up. After a second or two, the linesman flagged for a goal – much to the dismay of the home support. 1-0 City and a slice of luck to put the Candystripes top of the table.

After some resolute defending, the City faithful were nearly heartbroken in added time when Gbemi Arubi poked past Brian Maher in the six yard box. The linesman came to the aid of the Candystripes, flagging for offside and securing the points for Derry by doing so. It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t have to be. That’s four wins against Waterford in 2024 for Derry City, who kept four clean sheets and scored nine goals in doing so. Bellissimo.

Derry City:

Friday night saw the introductions of two new recruits for Derry City. Andre Wisdom, a shock mid-week signing and a player of real pedigree. It was a signing which, for some reason, was very much scrutinised as a stat did the rounds claiming that the 31 year old played 12 games in 3 years. Turns out that wasn’t true, as Wisdom played 30 odd games in the National League last season and completed a full pre-season with League Two side Salford City. He looked solid at right-back, particularly in the second half after getting up to the speed of the game. Defensively sound and forward thinking in terms of his passes, he looks like he’ll be a great addition to the squad. Wisdom knows the task at hand too, it’s not often you see a former Premier League player celebrating a late tackle on their League of Ireland debut.

Another man who made his debut against Waterford was Sean Robertson, brought on to replace Paul McMullan late in the second half. The 23 year old Englishman looked lively too. A natural wing-back, he looked quick and skilful playing higher up the pitch and won a free kick in a dangerous position after beating his opponent with a deft flick before being fouled. He could be a good rotational option at right back or right wing. A former Crystal Palace youth player, Robertson played alongside Sadou Diallo for Forest Green Rovers in 2022 and spent 10 games on loan at Crewe Alexandra last year. He hasn’t got many senior games under his belt but his energy may be useful going into the final stages of the campaign. The third addition of last week was 22 year old left-sided centre back Duncan Idehen. The defender spent time in the youth ranks of Norwich City, Lincoln City, Grimsby Town and Birmingham City before joining Bristol City. Idehen played two senior games in Bristol, lining out for Yeovil Town and Bath City in the National League before signing for Derry. With Sam Todd following Jordan McEneff to Larne on loan, it seems like Idehen could be the answer to the left-sided centre back issues going into the future.

City looked good going forward against Waterford but had to show a different side of themselves when the going got tough. We saw it against Cork City two weeks ago too, we took a big chance when we got it and defended well to get us over the line. Two tough wins in two tough games down in Munster. Will Patching had more freedom in the midfield, showing energy and quality throughout. Adam O’Reilly played further forward than usual, whilst Cameron Dummigan looked composed in the middle of the park. The injury to Dummigan in the second half didn’t look too good, as he hobbled off to be replaced by Sadou Diallo with it later being revealed that the Lurgan man’s season is over. Dummigan will be a big miss, but the introduction of Andre Wisdom and return to fitness of Ronan Boyce may see the likes of Jacob Davenport given game-time in the middle. The Englishman has only played 45 minutes of football since signing from Morecambe in June but looks to be of real quality. After a worrying transfer window where our business was minimal at best, the introduction of three new players in the past week has given us more squad depth in stretched areas. Top of the league with eight to go and City are getting used to grinding out results away from home. Keep it up and we’ve got a proper title race on our hands folks.

Galway United:

I can’t do a preview of Galway United without mentioning the season they had last year. 30 wins from 36 in the league, just two losses and a goal difference of +80 saw the Tribesmen cruise to finish 25 points above Waterford in second place to win the First Division title. A first season back in the Premier Division since 2017 and United seem to have gotten into the swing of things quickly. Despite winning just two of their first six, Galway kick started their season with an away win over Derry City in late March – inflicting the Candsytripes’ first home loss of the season and triggering a run in which John Caulfield’s men lost just one of their next ten games. Defensive solidity has been the way forward for Galway – they’ve conceded just 20 goals in 27 games, a figure bettered only by Shelbourne (18).

The experience of Brendan Clarke between the sticks, supported by a quality defensive structure and energetic, hard-hitting midfielders, United have mastered the art of solidifying a place in the top flight after getting promoted for the first time in seven years. It mightn’t always be pretty, but it’s effective. Galway have only lost twice to teams outside of Dublin this campaign and find themselves sixth in the league, seven points clear of St. Pat’s in seventh. They don’t need to worry about going near the First Division again for the foreseeable, the Tribesmen’s sights are set on European horizons. Galway are a point behind Waterford in third and have a game in hand on their fellow promoted side. It’s been 22 years since European football graced the shores of Galway’s Atlantic coast, but they’re very much in the running to change that this time round.

Brendan Clarke has played all 27 league games for Galway United, keeping 13 clean sheets this term. Centre half Rob Slevin, a rumoured target of Derry City, and Killian Brouder have been mainstays in the defence, whilst Jeannot Esua has shown his quality at right full back. American Patrick Hickey has come off the bench fourteen times this season and opened the scoring away to Shamrock Rovers last weekend. The signing of Greg Cunningham, a former Ireland international left back who played in the Premier League for Cardiff City and made more than 300 appearances in the EFL brought another experienced head to the defensive line. Jimmy Keohane, a diminutive attacking midfielder, returned to the League of Ireland after leaving Cork City for Rochdale in 2019 and has started six games since signing for Caulfield’s men in July.

Conor McCormack, formerly of Derry City, is still going strong as one of the league’s finest midfielders at 34, whilst the signings of Bobby Burns and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe from Glentoran added something different going forward. Junior, who won the Premier Division golden boot with Derry City in 2019, scored his first goal in maroon in the 6-0 cup win over Longford Town, whilst Bobby Burns’ pace down the flanks gives Galway a real threat on the wing. Ed McCarthy, similarly, has four goal involvements from the right wing this term.

It's in front of goal where Galway have struggled in 2024, which is surprising seeing how lethal they were last year. Their 23 goals scored is the second lowest in the division, above only bottom-side Dundalk’s 19. For reference, Derry City have played just one more game than Galway but have converted 19 more goals. Stephen Walsh, who netted in the Brandywell in March, is the Tribesmen’s top scorer with seven so far. Only centre back Maurice Nugent and the formerly mentioned Ed McCarthy have managed to bag more than twice this season. David Hurley, who scored 22 and assisted 6 from attacking midfield last year has only contributed to two goals in 2024 as he’s struggled for form in the Premier Division. Deep lying central midfielder Conor McCormack tops the assist charts for Galway with three. Sometimes though, you just have to Roll With It, and United’s solidity has them in good stead heading into the latter stages. If Caulfield’s men find some attacking flair and land a quality number 9, they could be seriously good in 2025.

Round-up:

I started writing this when Oasis weren’t back, and now they are. They released ‘Be Here Now’ in August 1997, three months and two days after Derry City last won the Premier Division. As a Derry fan, where else would you rather be now than here? Felix Healy’s men won the league with two games to spare 27 years ago, whilst I doubt we’ll manage that in 2024, it’s been a long time since we were top with eight games to go. Maybe that’s The Masterplan, make it as nerve-wracking as possible for three months leading up to it. Friday night won’t be any easier, Derry City haven’t beaten Galway away from home in more than nine years. The previous encounter in Eamonn Deacy Park this year was a 0-0 draw in May, whilst The Tribesmen were victorious in the Brandywell in March. City can take solace in knowing that they took all three points in the most recent meeting between the two when Will Patching and Pat Hoban converted in the second half in the Brandywell back in June. Shelbourne, who still have a game in hand on City and sit behind only on goal difference, travel to bottom side Dundalk on Friday. Every game really has to be a must win for City from now on in, but Galway know that a win for them could put them firmly within the European places. Don’t Go Away, there’s definitely a title race on, maybe.

Pól O’Hare – 27^th August 2024

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview (23rd August 2024)

 

Waterford v Derry City: Match Preview

 

Waterford FC v. Derry City FC, League of Ireland Premier Division Round 28, Waterford Regional Sports Centre, Friday 23^rd August 2024 kick-off 7.45pm

 

After advancing to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup following a 1-0 away win over Cork City, Derry City face their second away game in Munster in seven days as they face high-flying Waterford in the Premier Division. The Candystripes evoked the spirit of the late and great Jim McLaughlin, who passed away last Thursday, in their win in Turner’s Cross. It was a 1-0 win over Cork City in the 1989 FAI Cup final which saw Jim McLaughlin’s City side clinch a historic domestic treble – a feat which, 35 years on, is yet to be equalled. Felix Healy scored the winner that day, but it was a Sam Todd header that clinched the win last Friday, a goal which sees Derry face Shelbourne in the Brandywell in a huge last-eight tie.

Last time out – Cork City 0-1 Derry City:

It certainly wasn’t a pretty affair, but winning tough games when you’re under the cosh is a sign of a good team. Cork, who sit fifteen points clear in the First Division, welcomed the Candystripes to Turner’s Cross on Friday night having conceded just ten goals in their previous 28 domestic fixtures this term. Tim Clancy’s men hadn’t tasted defeat at home all season and looked dangerous going into the game with their new look attack of Ruairí Keating, Sean Maguire and 17 year old Cathal O’Sullivan.

It was a scrappy affair from the start, with City coming close through Paul McMullan after a disguised free kick from Will Patching just six minutes in. Seconds later and a late tackle from Pat Hoban brought Darragh Crowley to the ground, much to the dismay of the Cork fans. An early yellow card for the City striker. The home side had an opportunity of their own two minutes later when a loose ball in the box fell to Ruairí Keating, who blazed over from short range. Sean Maguire had his own close effort before the quarter hour mark – Cork’s star men showing their attacking prowess early on. The rest of the first half had a real cup tie feel, the home side wouldn’t let Derry settle and had the better of the chances. Sean Maguire’s dink over Brian Maher on the stroke of half-time looked like it would open the scoring, but Ciaran Coll’s hooked clearance kept City level going into the break.

The away side came out fighting in the second spell as the introduction of Sam Todd for the booked Adam O’Reilly saw Ciaran Coll move to right back and Cameron Dummigan into midfield, as well as giving City more height in the back line. Derry looked like a threat from set pieces in the second spell – Ben Doherty’s inswingers were narrowly diverted wide on two occasions. With twenty minutes left to go, one was finally nodded in. It was Sam Todd who made the run into the centre of the box before rising highest to see his header clip the underside of the bar and go past Bradley Wade in the Cork goal. A first goal in red and white for Todd, and a precious lead for City in their quest for cup glory. After a scare in the 84^th minute when Keating’s ball across the face of the box was knocked wide at the back post, City held on to claim victory and progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the competition in 2022.

Derry City:

As I said earlier, the performance against Cork wasn’t one for the football purist. It was a proper cup tie. City rode their luck at times but pounced when they really needed too, and kept a clean sheet against a side who have scored, on average, 1.53 goals per game this term. The defending was resolute, whilst Brian Maher was to thank for some big saves throughout the game. Sam Todd was the unlikely hero, but there’s something authentic about a big centre-back converting a corner to progress in cup football. With only eight teams now remaining in the cup, four of whom play in the First Division, City will fancy their chances at cup glory. Shelbourne, who we can’t go a game without mentioning this year, will set their sights on a first cup triumph since 2000. Bohemians, who scraped past Kerry FC on penalties, and Drogheda United, who put nine past Wilton United, are the other two Premier Division teams. Neither of those would be easy wins. UCD provided the shock of the round, aside from Kerry taking Bohs to penalties, as they beat Sligo Rovers 2-0 in their own backyard. Athlone Town beat Friday’s opponents Waterford late in extra-time, whilst Treaty United beat Pike Rovers 7-0 and Wexford put Ballyfermot United to the sword with a 3-0 win.

There’s been one in and one out of the Brandywell in the past week. I’ll start with Jordan McEneff, Derry’s top scorer last season. He joined UEFA Conference League group stage (sorry, ‘league phase’) hopefuls Larne FC on Monday for an undisclosed fee. The 23 year old scored nine times in two years for City, including the fourth goal in City’s 2022 FAI Cup final victory over Shelbourne. McEneff struggled for game-time this season after breaking his foot in April and, getting a fee for a player who could leave for free come November isn’t the worst business in the world.

Never in a million years did I think Andre Wisdom would be lining out for Derry City when he broke into Liverpool’s first team under Brendan Rodgers in 2012/13, but here we are. Now 31, Wisdom played 14 times for the Anfield side and appeared in the Premier League around 50 times in spells with Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion. A £3m switch to Derby County in July 2017 followed an impressive loan spell in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg. Wisdom made 130 appearances for Derby before taking a career break after being stabbed in 2020. Most recently plying his trade for Worthington in the National League North, Andre Wisdom is looking to get his career back on track with the Candystripes. The former England U21 captain is a natural right back but can deputise at centre back, offering Ruaidhrí Higgins much needed defensive cover. The deal works for all parties, City get the experience of a former Premier League defender and Wisdom gets a short-term contract to keep his options open at the end of the current LOI season. At 31, he could be an astute signing if he impresses in red and white and is offered a new deal for 2025. There are also rumblings of another addition before the end of the month too...

Jacob Davenport, impressive in his debut against Dundalk two weeks ago, was the glaring omission from the team sheet against Cork City. The Englishman has had a niggle or two since signing from Morecambe in July. Ronan Boyce was another omission, as was Mark Connolly – two players who Higgins will want to keep fit from now until the end of the season. Danny Mullen started alongside Pat Hoban in the City attack, but was marshalled well by the home side’s defence. Hoban will come up against his closest rival for the golden boot on Friday when he faces Waterford’s Padraig Amond. Amond sits one goal behind Hoban with eleven this season.

 

Waterford:

Promoted to the Premier Division via the play-offs last season, Waterford have settled nicely into life back in the top flight. After scoring 84 goals in 36 league games in 2023, Keith Long’s men took a while to get going in the Premier Division. After winning just one of their opening six, the Blues went on a run of winning eight of their next twelve league games to climb the table heading into the summer. Despite hitting a rocky patch of late, winning just two of their last five domestically and being knocked out of the FAI Cup by First Division promotion hopefuls Athlone Town, Waterford find themselves firmly in the hunt for European football. They currently find themselves in third place after 27 games, joint on points with Sligo Rovers in fourth and six behind Derry City in second. The Munster-men are out for revenge after they were denied a licence to play in Europa League qualifiers in 2019, as they aim to compete in European competition for the first time since losing 6-1 to Bordeaux over two legs in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1986-87.

Waterford’s current tally of 37 league goals scored has them as the second highest scoring team in the Premier Division, behind only Derry City. A big portion of that, well 35.1% to be exact, is down to the exploits of former EFL stalwart Pádraig Amond. The 36 year old striker, who scored against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City during his 13 year spell in England, has contributed to 13 goals for Waterford this term – 11 goals and 2 assists. He finds himself behind only Derry City’s Pat Hoban in the goalscoring charts. Amond scored both Waterford goals in their recent cup defeat to Athlone. His 105^th minute strike to put the hosts 2-1 up looked like it would have sealed the game before Aaron Connolly (not the former Hull City striker) and Peter McGregor scored twice in the last five minutes of extra time to send The Town through – late, late heartbreak for the Blues.

One player who stood out in a Waterford shirt this campaign was winger Maleace Asamoah. His return of 7 goal involvements in 17 games showed promise, so much so that Fleetwood Town recalled him early from his loan in order to link up with former Derry winger Ryan Graydon at the League One side.  Aside from Amond’s eleven goal haul and Asamoah’s impressive six from the wing, Christie Pattison’s four goals sees him third in the club’s scoring chart for the campaign. The goals are spread about the pitch for Waterford though, with eleven different players bagging in the league in 2024, including three defenders.

Connor Parsons’ curling effort lifted the roof in Tallaght last November, being the goal that sent Waterford back to the Prem for the first time in three years. The Englishman has featured in 27 league fixtures this season and is dangerous as a number 10 or as a winger. Northern Ireland youth international Barry Baggley is tidy in the centre of the park and returned from a three month injury at the end of July. Another NI youth player at Waterford is Samuel Glenfield, whose inch perfect 81^st minute strike away to Bohemians in Dalymount completed a 3-2 comeback after being 2-0 down at half-time two weeks ago. Left back Darragh Leahy leads the assists chart with three goals and will play on Friday despite being sent off against Athlone Town after a successful appeal from his club. Some say that a successful appeal to the FAI is rarer than that moon we saw this week.

Waterford are a team with good fighting spirit and threats across the pitch. They’ve come back to win or draw after going behind five times this season – two of which have been turning 2-0 deficits to 4-2 and 3-2 wins against Drogheda United and Bohemians respectively. They also survived a scare when our neighbours to the west, Cockhill Celtic, went 1-0 up in the RSC in the FAI Cup second round a month ago. The Blues have failed to beat the current top two this season, failing to score against Derry City since 2021 and being winless against Shelbourne since 2020. Fellow promoted side Galway United are the only other team that Waterford have failed to beat this term.

Round – up:

I’ll probably have jinxed this, but Derry City are the only team who Waterford haven’t taken points off this term. In the three previous meetings between the two this year, City have won 3-0 twice and 2-0. That’s an aggregate score of 8-0, keeping three clean sheets against the side closest to them in terms of goals scored and league position. It’s an extremely impressive record if you’re of a Derry persuasion, especially when you consider that the Blues haven’t beaten City at home in four and a half years. Waterford have only drawn four games this season, compared to the Candystripes’ ten – the joint most in the league. With just nine league games left for Derry City to overcome the two point gap between themselves and Shelbourne, whilst avoiding the likes of Waterford, Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers pushing them in a late race for the title, it really is crunch time in the Premier Division. A win for City on Friday would do wonders in keeping Waterford at arm’s length. It's a second against third with just over two months of the campaign to go, it's a bigger game than people may think. A loss could see Shelbourne step a foot closer to lifting the title should the beat Bohemians in Tolka, whilst giving up precious ground to the teams on the peripheries of European spots. This football craic is bad news for the blood pressure
Pól O'Hare - 21st August 2024

Cork City v Derry City: FAI Cup Match Preview

 

Cork City v Derry City: FAI Cup Match Preview

 

Cork City FC v. Derry City FC., FAI Cup Third Round, Turner’s Cross, Friday 16^th August 2024, kick-off 7.45pm

 

Derry City conceded precious ground in the title race last Friday when relegation-scrapping Dundalk held the Candystripes to a 1-1 draw in the Ryan McBride Brandywell. In a game where a win would’ve put Derry top, for a day at least, City have only gained one point on top-of-the table Shelbourne. Hopeful of progression to the quarter-finals, Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men now face a long trip south to face runaway First Division leaders Cork City in the Third Round of the FAI Cup - a side who City haven’t faced since the Rebels were relegated from the top flight last season.

Last time out – Derry City 1-1 Dundalk:

In Dundalk's previous visit to the Brandywell, City dispatched the Louth side with a dominant 4-1 win. Sitting 9^th in the league, just two points above bottom going into the game, the City faithful expected something similar this time round – knowing that a win by any margin would have put Derry top of the table. The home side started the better of the two in the first fifteen, with Ben Doherty and Michael Duffy troubling Dundalk’s defence down the flank. The two linked up on the ten minute mark when Doherty’s cross was met by Duffy who headed into the ground and over the Dundalk goal. Ten minutes later and the away side opened the deadlock as they grew into the game. Daryl Horgan’s whipped corner was glanced into the bottom corner by captain John Mountney, a precise header to give the away side an early lead.

Ten minutes before half-time and Derry really should have had a penalty. Cameron Dummigan’s driven ball into the box struck the hand of Sean Keogh but Rob Harvey waved away claims of a City penalty – much to the dismay of the City crowd. Dundalk could, and probably should, have had two goals before half-time though. Horgan broke down the right hand side before sliding the ball across the box. Robbie Benson’s dummy meant the ball came to the feet of Robbie Mahon, who’s left footed effort flew narrowly over the crossbar. A big scare for City going into the break.

Derry started the second half with vigour and energy, two traits missing during most of the first half. The introductions of Jacob Davenport and Danny Mullen gave Derry more dynamism going forward. Less than twenty minutes into the half, and Mullen collected the ball from Davenport before curling into the bottom corner. Both the City subs involved in equalising the tie. The Candystripes pushed on throughout the second period and really should have won took all three points. Derry’s Scottish striker could have had a hattrick when he found himself 1v1 with Goddard twice in the space of five minutes. After a defensive mishap, Mullen got onto the end of a loose pass back before Felix Goddard saved well. Andy Boyle’s defensive header looped over his centre back partner and in the path of Mullen again minutes later. The 29 year old tried to clip it over Goddard but didn’t connect with it cleanly and watched as the ball landed on the roof of the net. Two big opportunities which could be decisive at the end of the season. One more point on the board, but two lost in the title race for Derry City.

Derry City:

Derry were let off the hook by Shelbourne on Saturday when the league leaders lost 2-1 away to Sligo Rovers – a result which kept the Candystripes in the title race. A Shels win would have put them five points clear with a game in hand, leaving City with a mountain to climb. Shamrock Rovers, despite having three games in hand on Derry going into their match against Drogheda United on Sunday, failed to make ground on the top two as the bottom side held them to a draw in Tallaght - it seems like no-one wants to win the league this year. Waterford, Sligo Rovers and Galway United are three other teams fighting for European spots with just two points now separating third and sixth.

In honesty, the Candystripes need to be beating teams like Dundalk in order to mount a serious title charge. With Sligo beating Shelbourne, a win on Friday night would have put Derry top of the table going into the FAI Cup bout with Cork City. The upcoming cup game gives City a break from the tension of the title race, but they’re facing the leaders of the First Division. After winning the cup in 2022 with a record breaking 4-0 win over Shelbourne in the final, City crashed out at this stage last year – losing on penalties to eventual winners St Pat’s after beating Athlone Town 3-0 in the second round. It’s now been more than three years since the Candystripes had an FAI Cup campaign in which they didn’t face a First Division team, and it’s been thirteen years since we last lost to a First Division team in cup action. That loss came in the form of a 4-1 drubbing away to Wexford Youths in 2011, ouch.

City come into the cup tie with a mostly clean bill of health and no new injury woes. Jordan McEneff has been in the matchday squad for the past two games as he returns from a broken foot, meanwhile Jacob Davenport made his debut for the Candystripes when he replaced Adam O’Reilly at half-time against Dundalk. The English midfielder didn’t look like he hadn’t played since April, showcasing his silky first touch and composure on the ball. He seems like a quality operator and a tidy defensive midfielder, the former Man City man is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Patrick McEleney is reportedly edging closer to a return following an arm injury whilst Collie Whelan is on his way to returning to full fitness. Whelan bagged the winner against Cork City on his Derry debut last year. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Danny Mullen start on Friday after he picked up his ninth goal of the season against Dundalk - the Scotsman seems to bag for the Candystripes when it really matters.

Cork City:

After a dismal campaign in the Premier Division last year in which Cork City finished 9^th before losing to rivals Waterford in the play-offs, the Rebels have turned round their fortunes this year. Tim Clancy’s men are runaway leaders of the First Division, sitting on 60 points. That’s 15 points more than Athlone Town in second place. They’ve all but guaranteed their immediate return to the top flight, and they’re doing it in style. Of their 27 league games, Cork City have lost just one, drawn nine and won the other seventeen. They’re rock solid at the back too, conceding only ten goals in the league this season. They haven’t conceded more than once in a single domestic game this term, with their only heavier defeats coming in friendlies – namely a 5-0 loss to Championship side Stoke City in mid-July. City will need to be on top form to beat the Munster side on Friday.

Jack Doherty, a winter arrival from neighbours Cobh Ramblers, is Cork’s current top scorer with seven goals. His three additional assists mean that he’s the only player in the City squad to have contributed to ten or more goals this term. Charlie Lyons, a left-sided centre back who also signed from Cobh Ramblers, is Cork’s next highest scorer with five goals. He’s the second highest scoring defender in both League of Ireland divisions this term, behind only UCD’s Éanna Clancy, who has netted six. Derry man Evan McLaughlin, who left the Candystripes to join Cork at the end of last season, has scored five and assisted a further three in 2024. An attacking midfielder by trade, the 22 year old has impressed at left-back for the Rebels. Former Celtic and Cliftonville midfielder Barry Coffey is another tidy midfielder, whilst Dutchman Malik Dijksteel’s first goal of the season was an effort from outside the box to beat Finn Harps in the previous round of the cup. 24 year old English goalkeeper Bradley Wade has played all of Cork’s 28 games in league and FAI Cup action, keeping an extremely impressive 18 clean sheets. That shows not only his quality, but the quality of the defence in front of him.

Cork City’s two combative central midfielders, Greg Bolger and Sean Murray, are two players who won't shy away from a big game. The former has made over 400 appearances in the LOI, winning three Premier Divisions, four FAI Cups and will likely add a second First Division winner’s medal to his collection this term. He’s an experienced midfielder and a master of the dark arts. 36 in September, he’s still more than capable of performing at this level. Sean Murray is a former Ireland U21 international who made more than 150 appearances in the English Football League with Watford, Wigan Athletic, Swindon Town and Colchester United. A Premier Division and League Cup winner with Dundalk in 2019, as well as an FAI Cup winner in 2020, Murray signed for Cork after a spell at Glentoran and has made 22 appearances this term.

The Rebels have quality all over the park, and their two most recent signings are statements of intent of the highest order. First came the return of Ruairí Keating. Keating was nominated for the PFAI Player of the Year last year after bagging thirteen goals in the Premier Division. The 29 year old turned down Derry City to join St. Pat’s in the off-season but terminated his contract to return ‘home’ to Cork City after scoring four goals this term – one of which came against Derry in the Brandywell. The next big name to return to the club was none other than Sean Maguire. His 38 goals in 51 appearances for City between 2016 and 2017 saw him pick up the PFAI Young Player of the Year award in 2016 and the top scorer award in 2017 as Cork won their first league title since 2005. After moving to Preston North End in the summer of 2017, where made more than 150 appearances, Maguire went on to make 11 appearances and score once for the Republic of Ireland senior team. Now 30, the striker has returned to Cork after a year at Carlisle United. Two formidable forward signings for Cork City, and two men who Derry’s centre backs will need to be on top form to handle.

Cathal O’Sullivan is another one to watch for the Munster side. At just 17, O’Sullivan’s highlights reel is something special and he’s one of the most promising players on the island. Of his five league goals, two were nominated for the July Goal of the Month award.  A skilful attacking midfielder, and the only nominee for the July Player of the Month to play in the First Division, O’Sullivan is a rumoured transfer target for some of Europe’s elite and can move to the UK when he turns 18 next March. He could follow in the footsteps of fellow Cork-man Jaden Umeh, who recently sealed a move to Portuguese giants Benfica, with City in-line for compensation and future add-ons.

Round-up:

In a way, both teams will fancy their chances on Friday. Derry will be favourites but need to respect the First Division side. Cork’s solidity in front of their own goal, and clincality in front of the opposition’s, will be of concern for Ruaidhrí Higgins. Both sides are also in good form. In the ten games after losing to Athlone Town in late May, Cork City have won seven and drawn the other three, scoring fifteen and conceding just three. They are a serious outfit for the First Division. Derry, who play their first away game in the FAI Cup since a loss to Finn Harps in August 2021, have lost just one of their last ten domestic games and put last year’s winners St. Pat’s to the sword in the previous round.

The two sides met in the FAI Cup in 2022, with Derry beating ten-man Cork 2-0 in the Brandywell. Cork City haven’t beaten the Candystripes since October 2018 when they put three past City in Kenny Shiels’ last home game as manager. In the eleven meetings since, Derry City have won nine, including beating Cork in all four league meetings between the sides in 2023 with an aggregate score of 8-1. Derry City have aspirations to go all the way in both the league and cup this year, whilst Cork City certainly wouldn’t say no to progressing to the quarter-finals. This is gearing up to be a proper cup tie, and a battle of the two cities for the first time in ten months.

Pól O’Hare – 14^th August 2024