FAI Cup final - All-island soccer time?

Yesterday marked the final of the FAI’s blue riband domestic soccer competition, the FAI Senior Cup.

Over 16,000 colourful and good spirited fans who descended on the Aviva Stadium from both Derry City and Dublin ensured the occasion lived up to the moniker.

They witnessed a thrilling final in which Derry City prevailed 3-2 after it went to extra time.

However, it is appropriate, if unfortunate so close to the final whistle, to reflect on the continuing financial crisis facing most League of Ireland clubs and which seems to continually hang over domestic soccer.

Much has been written on the causes of this continuing crisis, with blame laid in equal measure at a number of doors; not least criticisms of governing bodies, a lack of promotion, supporter apathy, low population base, continued financial mismanagement, unsustainable wage demands and the saturation of live Premier League football.

Perhaps it is time to acknowledge that none of these challenges are unique to Ireland and have not hindered other nations developing vibrant and sustainable senior domestic leagues.

Perhaps then, as the dust settles on a thrilling cup final involving teams from both north and south of the border, Ireland’s two soccer governing bodies will consider following the example of many others and finally set aside the limitations they are imposing on themselves by not developing a truly all-island domestic senior league.

Only then will the players who ply their trade in Ireland and the fans who support them have any chance of escaping the perennial financial roller coaster that passes for domestic soccer at the moment.