2024 FAI Cup

[Jack B]

Mammy always called me her favourite little scamp, but I was being genuine - are Pats fans happy to have this season as a write-off considering the finish to last season, or was that a ‘false’ finish.

Don't think anyone is happy about it, I'd say begrudgingly accepting at best. There are plenty of Pats fans disgruntled with Kenny already though, think there's a lot of mischaracterisation going on from folk assuming the majority opinion was approval when Daly was sacked but Kenny getting a free pass for the same level of results.

I think we were good at getting results under Daly last season even if the performances weren't great, but we then lost a lot of the squad and he did a shoddy job replacing them. I know a lot of people disagree but that's how I saw it with him, good coach but his signings/general squad-building when he got the chance were poor.

[oriel]

But this is the second time SK has got a free pass, at Ireland u21, (and as I have said before he did an excellent job there, outstanding), but regardless of how he did, he was getting the big job, I always thought that was amazing from the u21 position, it was like a coronation waiting for its time. Not sure too many jobs could be planned like that, then again, enter John D, to save face, get Kenny in, under contract at Dundalk (zero compensation paid) and the classic St Pats official line 'We support SK for IRL manager' couldn't make it up !!!

I just think surely in every job you need to be challenged and to deliver, in his 6 years at Dundalk he pushed himself and the club and the team to limits off the scales, so why slow down now, and take a free shot and think about 2025 already, its only July? His win % at Ireland was just dreadful and worse on the teams we beat, now his wins % for Pats are looking poor.

I'll be always thankful for SK what he done for Dundalk, amazing times, what an era and he was probably 80% the man for that, great memories and a never to be forgotten era for the club.

Ireland u21 outstanding, Ireland ?? fast forward, is he really doing a good job at Pats, I'm not sure he is and loads seem to forget that's Europe qualification gone already.

Anyway, we have more pressing concerns, to stay up !!

[WoodquayBoy]

Don't think anyone is happy about it, I'd say begrudgingly accepting at best. There are plenty of Pats fans disgruntled with Kenny already though, think there's a lot of mischaracterisation going on from folk assuming the majority opinion was approval when Daly was sacked but Kenny getting a free pass for the same level of results.

I think we were good at getting results under Daly last season even if the performances weren't great, but we then lost a lot of the squad and he did a shoddy job replacing them. I know a lot of people disagree but that's how I saw it with him, good coach but his signings/general squad-building when he got the chance were poor.
That is reasoning/an explanation I can get I board with, so thanks for that.
I just did a flick through the season prediction thread and only 1 poster (happened to be me!) had them outside the top three: I said 4th everyone else said 2nd or 3rd, Nah Nah Nah Nah did an average score and their finish was 2.60 (Shams was 1.07, Derry average was 2.43) so it has gone fairly pear-shaped (as it has for Shams, but Bradley has come in for plenty of criticism)

[legendz]

The Third Round will be on weekend August 16/17/18. Three First Division rounds before then. Anyone getting to the quarter-finals are involved until the middle of September at least.

[EatYerGreens]

Anyone want to take flights to Zurich off my hands?

I'd keep that booking at the Dignitas clinic if I was you :p

[total hoofball]

some post match interview from duff. absolutely fuming with the players.
He was bang on. Like with Rovers there was maybe some fatigue but it was mostly players with their heads already located in Zurich

[oriel]

Just wondering, and honest Q, no digging, what is the general view on Pats fans on Kenny? I'm not sure no euro football (80% certain they won't make it) was part of the recruitment plan.

Personally I think ne might do well in time but will they stick with him for 2 years as it might take that time, that said his tenure doesn't seem to be going too well at the minute. No way they well be dragged into relegation phase, Drogs and us too poor for that to happen, but I'm sure Pats would have hoped for a better start than this.

[joey B]

FAI Cup third round draw
Ballyfermot United v Wexford
Cork City v Derry City
Drogheda United v Wilton United
Shelbourne v Galway United
Treaty United v Pike Rovers
Kerry v Bohemians
Sligo Rovers v UCD
Waterford v Athlone Town
Ties on weekend of Sunday August 18

[Burnsie]

two sticky looking away draws for the favourites

[NeverFeltBetter]

A Limerick derby, that'll be interesting.

[brendy_éire]

two sticky looking away draws for the favourites

Presumably Shels are the favourites?

Not a great draw for us, not terrible either. Expensive for the club though, and will involve an overnight stay.

[culloty82]

It's already been noted that the Bohs tie will be held during the Rose of Tralee, so no excuse required for our Dub friends to make a weekend of it!

[joey B]

It's already been noted that the Bohs tie will be held during the Rose of Tralee, so no excuse required for our Dub friends to make a weekend of it!

Full house assured for that game,great tie for you to get!

[Another Bohemia]

It's already been noted that the Bohs tie will be held during the Rose of Tralee, so no excuse required for our Dub friends to make a weekend of it!

If anything the Rose of Tralee being on is reason enough to avoid Kerry like the plague!

Jokes aside I know a fair few will want to make the trip as we haven't played you before. Do clubs get a say in when the game will be played because a Saturday or Sunday game would draw the biggest Bohs crowd imo. How many away tickets would be available? I know there were some issues with Kerry not giving many away tickets last season but haven't heard much about it this season.

[legendz]

I'd expect the game will on the Friday night. Traditional kick off time in MH Park. A fantastic high profile draw for Kerry. Some Kerry supporters might have seen Bohemians as being their favourite club pre 2023! Should be a guaranteed sell out. It'll keep supporters buzzing for the next few weeks, in a season where playoff football is frustratingly out of reach despite good competitive performances. The first proper Kerry v Dublin battle for good measure!

[ger121]

Away tickets will be like gold dust for the Kerry FC game.

[JC_GUFC]

I wonder is there any prospect of Kerry adding additional capacity for the game?

Surely they'd easily get a crowd of 2k if they could fit them all in!

[culloty82]

It depends on how far in advance tickets can be released, I guess - one imagines for a game of this significance, the first tranche should be available a fortnight beforehand, and assuming they're snapped up straight away, they can plan accordingly.

[Jamesie]

Don't see where they can put extra bodies in tbh. There's no areas unused as such

[nigel-harps1954]

The lack of extra exit points would halt any additional capacity anyway.

[nr637]

A Limerick derby, that'll be interesting.

Delighted for Pike Rovers great draw for them. This should attract a big crowd to the Markets Field. Pike Rovers should be well prepared as their new season will be kicking in around the end of August too!

[legendz]

Of the remaining 16, who are the most likely to bring the biggest support to a final?

[outspoken]

Of the remaining 16, who are the most likely to bring the biggest support to a final?

Probably Bohs and Derry.

[Another Bohemia]

Probably Bohs and Derry.

Individually I'd say you're right but I think a Bohs v Shels final would draw more than a Bohs v Derry final

[ger121]

Individually I'd say you're right but I think a Bohs v Shels final would draw more than a Bohs v Derry final

Little Old Shels have had problems bringing crowds to the Aviva.

[Another Bohemia]

Little Old Shels have had problems bringing crowds to the Aviva.

There's just been a bit more spice in that game recently so tickets should sell well among both sets of fans. From a neutral point of view it's a derby game with a hipster club and a club who's has a very notable manager. I think Bohs v Derry or Derry v Shels could be a harder sell to the neutral.

[Burnsie]

A Limerick derby, that'll be interesting.

I wouldn't bet on it

[ger121]

There's just been a bit more spice in that game recently so tickets should sell well among both sets of fans. From a neutral point of view it's a derby game with a hipster club and a club who's has a very notable manager. I think Bohs v Derry or Derry v Shels could be a harder sell to the neutral.

Let us hope that is the final paring so :-)

[Another Bohemia]

Let us hope that is the final paring so :-)

Couldn't give a sh1t about the attendance just want Bohs to win :D. If we get to the final gimme Ballyfermot or Pike Rovers

[listowelceltic]

Don't how strong junior football is in Limerick at the moment but after Treatys last round result is there potential for an upset in their game?

[outspoken]

There's just been a bit more spice in that game recently so tickets should sell well among both sets of fans. From a neutral point of view it's a derby game with a hipster club and a club who's has a very notable manager. I think Bohs v Derry or Derry v Shels could be a harder sell to the neutral.

Shels have brought poor crowds to their last two FAI Cup finals and ended up punching the heads off each other the last time they were there. I think the Dubs underestimate how large of an event it is when any of the regional clubs reach the final.

[joey B]

I’d say Bohs against Cork or Derry would give you the biggest crowd of what’s left,Cork and Derry well able to get a good crowd of “bandwagoners “ for big games…..

[brendy_éire]

I’d say Bohs against Cork or Derry would give you the biggest crowd of what’s left,Cork and Derry well able to get a good crowd of “bandwagoners “ for big games…..

Getting way ahead oulf ourselves, but you're probably right.
I doubt we'd take the 22k (or thereabouts) we had last time though.

[Another Bohemia]

Shels have brought poor crowds to their last two FAI Cup finals and ended up punching the heads off each other the last time they were there. I think the Dubs underestimate how large of an event it is when any of the regional clubs reach the final.

I will admit it's entirely possible that I am underestimating how large an event it is for regional clubs when they make it but we also have 4 years of final attendances from 2 regional clubs (Cork v Dundalk). A very heated rivalry between, at the time, the 2 best teams in the country and 2 of the then best managers. Only 1 final got over 30 thousand attendees and even Shels poorly attended final had over 32 thousand. I think with Shels current success they wouldn't have an issue shifting extra tickets compared to their last outing, they might still punch the head off each other but they'd be in the stadium and still count towards attendance figures :D

[nr637]

Little Old Shels have had problems bringing crowds to the Aviva.

Shels must have had over 1,500 at Bray for their FAI Cup game on Sunday. It was probably Bray's biggest home crowd for awhile with about 2,500 in attendance.

Little Old Shels have no problems bringing crowds to the Carlisle Grounds! :)

[Shearer]

Don't how strong junior football is in Limerick at the moment but after Treatys last round result is there potential for an upset in their game?
Pike are playing at a lower level than Kilbarrack in fairness.

[Buckett]

So you're saying Treaty have a chance?

[Shearer]

So you're saying Treaty have a chance?
Just.

[Martinho II]

The last time Bohs played Derry City in the FAI cup final was in 08 and in the RDS. Remember going to it. Would be confident that the gate would be more than back then!

[ger121]

The last time Bohs played Derry City in the FAI cup final was in 08 and in the RDS. Remember going to it. Would be confident that the gate would be more than back then!

I remember it well. Load of us out till 4 or 5 in the morning. Hungover to bits and freezing our asses off. That was a long 120 minutes and penalties but worth it in the end.

[outspoken]

Shels must have had over 1,500 at Bray for their FAI Cup game on Sunday. It was probably Bray's biggest home crowd for awhile with about 2,500 in attendance.

Little Old Shels have no problems bringing crowds to the Carlisle Grounds! :)

It's a short dart journey. Almost as bad as people going on about the unbelievable away support at Dublin derbies.

[outspoken]

I will admit it's entirely possible that I am underestimating how large an event it is for regional clubs when they make it but we also have 4 years of final attendances from 2 regional clubs (Cork v Dundalk). A very heated rivalry between, at the time, the 2 best teams in the country and 2 of the then best managers. Only 1 final got over 30 thousand attendees and even Shels poorly attended final had over 32 thousand. I think with Shels current success they wouldn't have an issue shifting extra tickets compared to their last outing, they might still punch the head off each other but they'd be in the stadium and still count towards attendance figures :D

Fair point Cork v Dundalk but even during Dundalk's haydays of 2016, the league as a whole wasn't as popular as it is now and those finals between cork and Dundalk were all stinkers. It became boring

[nigel-harps1954]

It's a short dart journey. Almost as bad as people going on about the unbelievable away support at Dublin derbies.

There were 150, or thereabouts, Cliftonville supporters in Finn Park for our recent friendly. They remarked about how long the journey was, it was longer than their longest away trip of the upcoming NIFL season.

Same journey was shorter than Harps shortest journey of the season away to Longford. They were sure to add it's just another reason against the all-island league.

[Another Bohemia]

Fair point Cork v Dundalk but even during Dundalk's haydays of 2016, the league as a whole wasn't as popular as it is now and those finals between cork and Dundalk were all stinkers. It became boring

Agreed on the boring count but I suppose I fall on the side of thinking a lot of finals are quite poor games. It's a one off event that in a lot of cases can define a season. There's a nervous element and if it doesn't settle into an attacking game quickly it can become a bit of a stalemate. All that said it was actually the last game between the 2 that had over 30,000. So the neutrals may have been bored of it but the locals weren't

[EalingGreen]

There were 150, or thereabouts, Cliftonville supporters in Finn Park for our recent friendly. They remarked about how long the journey was, it was longer than their longest away trip of the upcoming NIFL season.

Same journey was shorter than Harps shortest journey of the season away to Longford. They were sure to add it's just another reason against the all-island league.Why don't Harps apply to join the IL? :wink:

Though the LOI can keep them Derry wans :D

To be serious though, in my experience football fans are creatures of habit and who value tradition etc. So that the novelty of a trip to somewhere new soon wears off - esp if it involves a long or difficult trek - see eg the Setanta Cup.

Anyhow, until or unless the Summer vs Winter season calendar issue was resolved, then an All-Ireland league is off the table. (And that's only the most pressing issue which would need to be addressed - there are others)

Anyhow as you were, back to the FAI Cup.

[EatYerGreens]

I will admit it's entirely possible that I am underestimating how large an event it is for regional clubs when they make it but we also have 4 years of final attendances from 2 regional clubs (Cork v Dundalk). A very heated rivalry between, at the time, the 2 best teams in the country and 2 of the then best managers. Only 1 final got over 30 thousand attendees and even Shels poorly attended final had over 32 thousand. I think with Shels current success they wouldn't have an issue shifting extra tickets compared to their last outing, they might still punch the head off each other but they'd be in the stadium and still count towards attendance figures :D

You can't compare anything in the pre-Covid era with the current league. The big increasses in support right across the LOI over the last few years has been well documented. We are literally in a different league now :cool:

[EatYerGreens]

There were 150, or thereabouts, Cliftonville supporters in Finn Park for our recent friendly. They remarked about how long the journey was, it was longer than their longest away trip of the upcoming NIFL season.

Same journey was shorter than Harps shortest journey of the season away to Longford. They were sure to add it's just another reason against the all-island league.

Have Cliftonville fans really only just realised that Donegal is further from Belfast than anywhere they'd be going for a football game in NI? :D They're obviously not the Nordys who can afford the holiday homes in West Donegal then anyway.

The same Cliftonville fans, by the way. who will also tell you how big they are on the whole nationalism/republicanism thing :D

IL fans always wang on about the distances that would be involved in an All-Island League. They've been spoiled by having what has more often than not been essentially a three-county league. It's such a mediocre mindset. Let them join local amateur competitions if travelling is their big concern

[EalingGreen]

The same Cliftonville fans, by the way. who will also tell you how big they are on the whole nationalism/republicanism thing :D
Curiously enough, when Gerard Lawlor was the boss (Chairman?) at Cliftonville, he/his club were the most vocal of the bigger teams in opposing an all-Ireland league, while Linfield (and Glentoran?) were more amenable.

While since he has become CEO of the NIFL, Lawlor has been trying to push a Summer football agenda, which would appear to be a necessary prerequisite to any such league.

Meanwhile in a personal capacity, Lawlor was happy to be seen publicly endorsing his local SF candidate at last months election.

Anyhow, sorry for derailing this thread further off-topic - Mods may move/excise/delete this post as they see fit.

[Buckett]

Most LOI threads get derailed by the nordy junior league for some reason.

[EatYerGreens]

Curiously enough, when Gerard Lawlor was the boss (Chairman?) at Cliftonville, he/his club were the most vocal of the bigger teams in opposing an all-Ireland league, while Linfield (and Glentoran?) were more amenable.

While since he has become CEO of the NIFL, Lawlor has been trying to push a Summer football agenda, which would appear to be a necessary prerequisite to any such league.

Meanwhile in a personal capacity, Lawlor was happy to be seen publicly endorsing his local SF candidate at last months election.

Anyhow, sorry for derailing this thread further off-topic - Mods may move/excise/delete this post as they see fit.

It's just blatannt self-interest and protectionism from Cliftonville. They struggle to be a big fish In the IL, so would struggle even more in the LOI. Glentoran and Linfield presumably see big potential for themselves from playing in a bigger pond. Cliftonville just see risk/danger.