Irish Rail to review timetable for FAI Cup final day due to lack of trains

ORDER BY TRAINS: Cork City supporters display banners before the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup semi-final. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Irish Rail say they will review their timetable for the day of the FAI Cup final due to a lack of available trains to take fans from Cork to Dublin for the match.

Cork City booked their place in the showpiece occasion with an impressive 3-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross last Friday night, less than 48 hours before Shamrock Rovers also sealed their spot with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Kerry.

City fans were quick to book their tickets for the trains for the Cup final on November 9 with the only two suitable services that would get supporters to the capital ahead of the 3pm kick-off selling out over the weekend.

But on Tuesday, a spokesperson at Transport for Ireland told the Irish Examiner that the situation is being reviewed with the possibility of more trains being added on for the big day.

“The timetable for the day of this match will be reviewed, and any additional services or capacity updates will be posted on the Irish Rail website once confirmed.

“No additional services have been confirmed yet. You’re welcome to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for any updates closer to the date.”

Cork City have also confirmed that they are in contact with Citylink Ireland and Irish rail about providing extra transport given the high demand.

"The club is receiving a high volume of enquiries about transport options for the FAI Cup Final," City posted on social media.

"We are keen to provide support to ensure a large City following at the Aviva.

"We are aware that a number of supporters groups are organising their own buses, and we are working to provide advice and support in this regard via our Supporter Liaison Officer.

"The club is also engaging with our good friends at Citylink Ireland and Irish Rail about the potential of putting on additional services to cater for demand. We hope to have more news on this over the next 24-48 hours."

Meanwhile the FAI have confirmed that City fans will be based in the larger South Stand at the Aviva Stadium for the final, with Shamrock Rovers occupying the North Stand.

Tickets will be available on Ticketmaster and links shared via the two clubs and on the FAI's social media from noon on Wednesday.