Devine seeks final inspiration

Having been a late call- up to play in and lose the emotionally charged final of 1997, Declan Devine appreciated all the more his subsequent success in the FAI Cup, albeit in a coaching capacity, when Derry City won the cracking decider with tomorrow’s opponents, St. Patrick’s Athletic, in 2006.

Devine has seen all of Derry’s FAI Cup finals as either a supporter, player, coach and now as manager of his hometown club.

But the one he actually played in 15 years ago was shrouded in tragedy for all at Derry as they lost 2-0 to Shelbourne.