FAI Cup preview: Shamrock Rovers ready for final rematch against Cork City side they 'respect'

Rebel Army might be coasting to another First Division title but Rovers will be fully prepared to avoid an upset

STEPPING UP: Josh Honohan of Shamrock Rovers in action against Josh Fitzpatrick of Cork City during the 2025 Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup final. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A repeat of last year’s FAI Cup final between the leaders of Premier and First Divisions tops the bill in Friday’s FAI Cup action.

Cork City are motoring back to the top-flight with a 17-point buffer at the summit but their league feat would be eclipsed by scalping the double holders Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght.

Simon Grayson, the former Leeds United manager now advising the Cork City board, and director of football, Liam Kearney, were all the venue on Tuesday to observe the Hoops pulverise Maltese champions Floriana 5-1.

That booked a spot in the second round of Uefa’s premier competition which begins on Sunday an eight-hour flight to Armenia for Tuesday’s first leg.

Therefore, City can expect to face a much-changed version of Rovers, possibly including Jonathan Afalabi leading the line on his debut following his recent arrival from Belgian club KV Kortrijk.

The Rebel Army won’t have their new arrival, Canadian defender Chrisnovic N’sa, available as he awaits visa clearance but manager Barry Robson will field his strongest team for a competition the club also reached the semi-finals of in 2023.

“We know that we’re good enough to compete against these teams,” proclaimed City’s winger Josh Fitzpatrick, who returned from injury to start the last two games.

“Shamrock Rovers are a quality side but it’s up to us to be positive in our play, not sit back and get at them. Our mindset is we can win this game.” 

Respect

 Rovers were unsuccessful in trying to recruit Seáni Maguire in February but are unlikely to encounter him as he continues his comeback from injury.

“We know Cork have some very good players and are on the verge of returning to the Premier Division so we must be ready,” warned home manager Stephen Bradley.

Both of their wingers are very good, in Ruairí Keating and Seán Maguire up front, they’re as good as you’ll get anywhere in the country.

“When you combine those four, they’re really good and this Cork team belongs in the Premier Division and they will be soon. So we’ll respect Cork and be ready for them.” 

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Elsewhere, John Russell’s reign as Shelbourne manager kicks off in Tralee as the Reds meet Kerry. The new manager must do without star attacker Harry Wood who has left to join Stockport County for a fee of around €180,000.

Fellow English League One clubs Doncaster Rovers and Reading, whose head of recruitment is Corkman Brian Carey, were also interested in luring the Englishman home.

There’s also a Munster derby at the RSC, as former Blues caretaker boss Fran Rockett brings his Cobh Ramblers’ side back to the south-east eyeing a Cup shock.

Friday’s FAI Cup second round fixtures (all 7.45pm): Athlone Town v Midleton, Athlone Town Stadium; Drogheda United v Lucan United, Sullivan & Lambe Park; Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers, Finn Park; Galway United v Crumlin United, Pearse Stadium; Kerry v Shelbourne, Mounthawk Park; St. Mochta’s v Dundalk, Oriel Park: St. Patrick’s Athletic v Wexford, Richmond Park; Treaty United v UCD, Markets Field; Waterford v Cobh Ramblers, RSC; Shamrock Rovers v Cork City, Tallaght Stadium.