After an agonising wait of 32 years, Shamrock Rovers finally lifted their 25th FAI Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory over League Champions Dundalk in front of an attendance of 33,111 at the Aviva Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
The contest was quite an intense affair with the ‘Hoops’ looking the more likely to prevail for much of the afternoon. The breakthrough did not arrive however until the 89th minute when Aaron McEneff scored from the penalty spot for what seemed to be the winning goal. Dundalk however remained defiant and in the final minute of added time, Michael Duffy scored to send the contest into extra-time. The additional period remained scoreless and the destiny of the Trophy was decided by a penalty shoot-out from which the ‘Hoops’ emerged victorious by four goals to two.
The So Hotels FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final between newly crowned League Champions Peamount United and cup holders Wexford WFC kicked off at 12.05hrs and provided an entertaining encounter which ebbed and flowed with Wexford WFC retaining the Trophy on a three two scoreline. Lauren Kelly gave them a 3rd minute lead but Peamount equalised through Karen Duggan on 32 minutes. Just two minutes later, Kelly restored the Wexford lead which they held until seven minutes into the second half when Eleanor Ryan-Doyle scored another equaliser for Peamount. The holders were not to be denied as captain Kylie Murphy burst forward to calmly slot the third and winning Wexford goal after 64 minutes.