St Patrick’s Athletic have won the 2021 FAI Cup following the drama of another penalty shoot-put after they and opponents Bohemian finished level with one goal each after extra-time. The two sides fought out a measured battle before an attendance of 37,126 at the Aviva Stadium. Defences were in command for the most part throughout the regular ninety minutes but gaps began to appear during extra-time when energy levels began to drop. The Inchicore side took the lead in the final minute of the first period of extra-time with an excellent solo goal from Chris Forrester. The ‘Gypsies’ responded in the opening minutes of the second period with an excellent header from substitute defender Rory Feely. Both sides had late opportunities to win the match with the best falling to Bohemian player Ross Tierney who was thwarted by goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros who is on loan from Liverpool.
The contest then went to a penalty shoot-out, the fifth time this has occurred since the opening Aviva Stadium contest of 2010. Bohemian took an advantage when match goal scorer Chris Forrester had his penalty saved but they then missed their fourth and fifth kicks and it was left to Robbie Benson to convert the winner for St Patrick’s Athletic. The cup success added to their second place finish in the League made it a very memorable season for the Inchicore side.