Cup final excitement reaches fever pitch in Derry

Updated / Friday, 6 Nov 2026 07:05

The anticipation in Derry ahead of Sunday's FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium has brought excitement, joy and pride to a new generation of football fans in the northwest.

Ahead of the final against Waterford FC, the Candystripes have visited schools across Derry, including Ardnashee School and College, one of Northern Ireland's largest special schools.

In a scene of unbridled enthusiasm and happiness this week, students delivered a rousing rendition of the Derry anthem Teenage Kicks for the team and management.

Ardnashee's Director of Post-16, Darren Gibson, said it was fabulous for their students to meet their Derry City heroes, noting that many will make the journey to Dublin.

"I think about 90% of the school support the team, and the other 10% are going to support them after today," he said. "It's absolutely fabulous for them.

"It's special times and it's going to be some game," student Ryan Clements said, as the team heads into their third FAI Cup final in five seasons.

Fellow student Logan Doherty said there was "something special" about the build-up to the final as Derry chase a fourth FAI Cup in 20 years and the seventh in the club's history.

Although the club finished fifth in the Premier Division, the season has been far from smooth. A title challenge never ignited, the summer brought a change of management, and former Republic of Ireland international James McClean's return was short-lived.

However, following the appointment of Mark Connolly as interim manager in August, the club embarked on a cup run that has led to Sunday's final and a wave of optimism.

The Candystripes defeated Galway United in the semi-final, Dundalk 4-2 in the quarter-final and UCD 2-1 in the third round of the competition.

The club last played in the FAI Cup final in 2024, when they lost 2-0 to Drogheda. Their most recent triumph came in 2022, when they beat Shelbourne 4-0 in the decider.

Manager Mark Connolly said the school visits have been special for all involved.

"We've been to a lot of schools. All the boys have absolutely loved it," he said. "Some have done it before; some boys have never experienced it.

"It will live with them a lifetime. The football match will be the big day, but this is what it's all about. Seeing smiles on faces and people being happy.

The impact and imprint of the club across the city is not lost on Connolly, who said it was "all about the community".

That pride and passion for the red and white jersey is visible throughout the city and online as the team prepares for one of the biggest days in Irish club football.

A club initiative has seen supporters record video messages for the squad ahead of the final, which have been shared across social media platforms.

Manager of the O'Neills sports store in Derry, Caroline Casey, said the build-up has been "unbelievable", noting the impact of the school visits.

"They're all in here buying jerseys or half-zips," she said. "We're very privileged because we get to see all the joy and excitement. The build-up in the city is unbelievable.

"It's fantastic. The city has got behind the players, the management, everybody involved. We're all excited. Good luck Derry and bring that cup home!"

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Watch the Club Orange FAI Cup final, Derry City v Waterford FC, on Sunday from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.