Celebration time for the Super Saints
A RECORD 43,881 spectators watched from the stands on Sunday as St Patricks Athletic trounced Bohemians in the FAI Cup Final for the second time in three years clinching their 5th FAI Cup title, reports Rory Merriman.
Declan Devine’s Bohemians not only prolonged their FAI Cup dry spell from 14 years to 15 with the loss, but they also forfeited European football in the 2024 season, making way for north side rivals Shelbourne FC.
Capping off a triumphant season that secured European football for the Inchicore side, Jon Daly’s army triumphed in two out of their last three encounters with the Gypsies.
It was now time to add the proverbial cherry on top.
Hailing from Clondalkin originally, Daly replaced former Saints manager, Tim Clancy in back April of this year and completely turned the season around for Pats.
“I’m thrilled.
“I’m delighted for the players I’m delighted for my family.
Clondalkin man Jon Daly led his side to FAI Cup glory against Bohemians
The fans have been excellent this year,” he revealed in a post-match interview with RTÉ.
Having spent the 2021 Cup final fervently supporting the Dublin 8 side from behind the Aviva Stadium goal, 23-year-old Joe Redmond has come full circle leading the Saints in this year’s final as captain of the side.
In true Dublin Derby fashion, the final faced a customary delay as pyro flares were thrown onto the pitch, creating a misty cloud of red smoke.
Commencing shortly after 3 PM, the game unfolded with St Pats’ left-back, Anto Breslin, conceding a 9th-minute penalty by fouling Afolabi.
Unsurprisingly, the Tallaght striker converted, securing his 20th goal of the season.
St Pat’s celebrate with the trophy on the pitch
Bohemians’ lead lasted a mere 14 minutes as Dublin 8’s Jake Mulraney delivered a precise free-kick, met by Saints winger Mark Doyle’s head to level the score.
At halftime, the deadlock left the title’s destination uncertain, with Dylan Connolly’s relentless attacks and Kian Leavy’s impactful offense keeping the outcome unpredictable.
The second half saw James Talbot tirelessly tested, making crucial saves to thwart St Pats’ advances.
However, the persistence paid off when Krystian Nowak inadvertently directed Jake Mulraney’s dangerous delivery into the Gypsies’ net, putting St Pats ahead 2-1.
The Bohemian fans fell silent, and momentum shifted decisively to the southside club.
Substitute Tommy Lonergan sealed the victory with a third goal for the Saints, closing the chapter on any potential Bohs comeback.
A notable moment unfolded as 16-year-old Mason Melia entered the pitch, not only becoming the youngest player to participate in an FAI Cup final but also securing the title as the youngest player ever to win it.
Remarkably, he had sat his junior cert exams in June. Reflecting in post-match interview, the Dublin 22 opened up about the youth available in his squad with Mason Melia (16), Adam Murphy (18) and Tommy Lonergan (19).
“For me I was lucky to get an opportunity as a young player so it’s great to be able to repay that and give them opportunity to place first team football,” Daly said.
In the end, the Dublin Derby final showcased the drama and unpredictability characteristic of such encounters, with St Pats emerging victorious, etching their names in both the history of the FAI Cup and the record books with the introduction of the youngest ever winner, Mason Melia.
With 9 league titles to their name, St. Pats secure their 5th FAI Cup title in a victorious battle against Bohs.
The gypsies were sent back to Dublin 7 with their tales between their legs as the saints go marching on.
