Duffy Stresses Importance of FAI Cup Victory After League Title Bid Falters

Derry City winger Michael Duffy has stated that an FAI Cup final triumph “is needed now,” following the Brandywell club’s unsuccessful bid for the Premier Division title in the concluding phase of the season. Duffy was a member of the Derry City team that defeated Shelbourne in the 2022 final. The Candystripes secured victories in only two of their final 11 league fixtures, transitioning from contenders for the championship to a significantly disappointing fourth-place finish in the standings. Ruaidhri Higgins’ squad now has a chance to partially compensate for this outcome when they confront Drogheda in Sunday’s decisive match at the Aviva Stadium, where a spot in European club competition is also at stake. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Duffy remarked, “It was a tough few weeks for everyone involved with the club. You go from being two games away from winning the league to finishing fourth, which is a bit mad.” He added, “We move on from that now and we’re excited for trying to win this trophy. Hopefully we can go and do it.” Duffy further expressed, “To get that trophy back in Derry next week and see everyone enjoy the moment and celebrating together would be special.” Duffy is set to leverage his experience from being a member of three previous FAI Cup-winning teams, twice with Dundalk and once with Derry, as he participates in Sunday’s match. The Candystripes achieved a 4-0 victory against Shelbourne in the final two years prior. Recalling the 2022 final, Duffy stated, “I remember walking out before the game and Derry supporters were everywhere. I couldn’t believe the turnout and it drove us on on the day big time.” He continued, “The nerves were settled when we saw the amount of fans there and we were glad to get over the line.” Looking ahead to the upcoming match, Duffy commented, “Anything can happen in a cup final and Drogheda have put it up to us this season in a few games we have played them, so we just go down looking forward to the game.” Derry midfielder Patrick McEleney, a former teammate of Duffy at Dundalk, is getting ready for his notable ninth FAI Cup final. He has accumulated four winner’s medals from his prior eight appearances in these significant matches, with two secured during his time at Dundalk and two with Derry City. McEleney stated, “When you play for Derry there’s always that expectation to win things and compete, so we’re going down there to win.” Regarding their opponents, he noted, “Drogheda are a good side. They have caused us problems at their place and they have their own threats. We respect that but we’re trying to put our stamp on the game.” He also shared his anticipation for the venue, saying, “The Aviva is the best place in the country to play your football. The pitch is amazing, it’s massive. We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the job done.” McEleney also holds positive memories of Derry’s 2022 cup triumph in Dublin, describing it as “an amazing day out.” In their current FAI Cup campaign, Higgins’ team has advanced by defeating St Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City, Shelbourne, and Bohemians, notably achieving this without conceding any goals. He concluded by emphasizing the team’s focus and the significance of the occasion: “You look at your own family, your own friends, that’s what you think about. But it’s down to the players now, we need to produce and we’ll be doing our best. We’re confident.” He further added, “It’s no secret the back end of the season, we fell short, way too short, but we’ve been amazing in the cup. We haven’t conceded a goal and this is a big day for the players, the club, the fans, so hopefully everyone can rally round now and give us a big push.”