Tomorrow two Dublin based clubs will face each other in the domestic cup final. The match is on course to smash the attendance record for a final that was previously set in 1945 when 41,238 people showed up. It is now on course to be sold out with 48000 due to turn up.
The match kick off at 3pm. The last time both clubs were in the final was against each other in 2021. St Patricks Athletic won that final. 0-0 after 90 minutes but a goal at 105’ from Chris Forrester and a goal in 107’ from Rory Feely brought the game to penalties. Pats won the shootout 4-3.
The current holders of the FAI Cup is Derry City. Derry beat Damien Duffs Shelbourne 4-0 in front of 32000 supporters.
Bohemians are based in Phibsboro on Dublins Northside and St Pats are located in Inchcore on Dublins Southside. Both clubs have seen huge growth in attendances as ore Irish football fans realise that football isn’t just a TV show and that the League of Ireland while not of the highest quality is a great night out. St Pats crowds are up 162% in 5 years and Bohs are up 204% in 5 years. However, facilities cannot cope with the demand.
This season Bohs and Pats have faced each other 4 times. With Bohs winning two, Pats winning one and the other a scoreless draw. Pats finished 3rd in the League of Ireland with Bohs finishing the league in 6th(despite being 10 points clear at the top at one point)
Bohs have liften the cup 7 times, the last time being in 2008 when they beat Derry City on penalties. Pats have won it 4 times. LAst time being 2 years ago. Shamrock Rovers are by far the most successful team with 25 wins. 2019 was their last victory.
There is more than just a cup at stake. Europe is at stake too. Because Pats finished 3rd they have qualified for Europe. Should the win the cup Damien Duffs Shelbourne will qualify. Bohs and Shels are both Dublin Northside rivals. Bohs winning the cup will deny Europe for Shels.
The weather is due to positively Irish. 97% chance of rain. 8 degrees celsius.