FAI Cup final to return to Lansdowne

The FAI Cup final will return to its traditional venue of Lansdowne Road at the end of the season this year on Sunday, December 4.

The decision was made by the FAI after consultation with clubs.

A source said: “It was always the grand finale of the season and it’s good to have it back at the end of the season. The clubs were also keen on the move because it heightened expectation and boosts attendances for the competing clubs towards the end of the season.”

The eircom League season ends on the November 20, but because of Ireland’s rugby international against Romania taking place at Lansdowne Road the following weekend, the Cup final will take place two weeks after the final League game on December 4.

The switch to a summer season resulted in the Cup final been moved from its time-honoured May date to the October bank holiday in 2002, though a second move has now been agreed to return the final to its traditional end of season date.