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Rovers won their first Republic of Ireland Cup Final in 32 years, coincidentally defeating Dundalk again, this time 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1.
Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)
Like many finals it was a slow burner but with the magic of football you have to stay with it because it only takes a second for things to change. There was a brief spell in the start of the second half where it looked like the game was going to open up with Dundalk’s introduction of Daniel Kelly to add pace on the right. Jamie McGrath and Robbie Benson had shots for Dundalk which were off target and Graham Burke forced a great reflex save from Gary Rogers in the Dundalk net. Then in the 89th minute the final finally came alive when Rovers where awarded a spot kick. Aaron McEneff held his nerve and converted the penalty low and hard and the long 32-year wait for victory for Rovers seemed over. But like any great thriller there was a twist in the 93rd minute when Dundalk’s Michael Duffy scored a stunning left footer to keep Dundalk’s treble hopes alive.
After 30 minutes of goalless extra time the match went to penalties. Dundalk missed two of their first four penalties to leave Gary O’Neill to score Rovers fourth successive penalty to win the trophy in front of a sizeable 33,111 fans in the Aviva Stadium.
Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)
Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)
Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)
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