Waterford face 'huge task' in hungry Bohs to reach fairytale first FAI Cup final in 22 years

'The players now have an opportunity to give back and put smiles on peoples’ faces, the fans, their families,' said Waterford manager Graham Coughlan

HOPE: Pádraig Amond celebrates as Waterford romp to a surprise 3-0 win over Bohs at the RSC in August. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Dalymount Park was the scene of FAI Cup joy in 1980 and pain in 2024 for Waterford but they must slay a local to reach a first final in 22 years.

The Blues have allayed their automatic relegation fears by embarking on a league run that was unbeaten for 13 games until they coughed up leads to be beaten by champions Shamrock Rovers the last time out.

An FAI Cup final against either Galway United and Derry City on November 8 at Lansdowne Road is on offer for the teams at Phibsboro, a repeat of the 2024 semi when Georgie Kelly’s late goal sealed the Bohs passage to the decider.

It transpired to be the second defeat in three years for Bohs against St Patrick’s Athletic in the final, heightening the motivation for the Gypsies to end their 18-year wait for the Blue Riband.

“I’ve spoken about the tough times, the hard times that these players and supporters have had earlier this year,” said Waterford manager Graham Coughlan about the plight at the bottom his team were stuck in when he assumed charge three months into the season.

“The players now have an opportunity to give back and put smiles on peoples’ faces, the fans, their families.

GAFFER: Waterford head coach Graham Coughlan. Pic: James Lawlor/Inpho

“It’s a great opportunity but of course it’s a huge task ahead of us against a tough opponent in Bohemians.

“We know what we’re getting involved in, but as always we’ll go in confident.

“It’s not often you get to an FAI cup semi-final so we’ll make the most of it, give it our all and leave everything on the pitch.” 

Bohs last lifted Cup in the same year they last won the league and the double is still a possibility if they can edge champions Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic for the title over the run-in.

That battle resumes on Monday by travelling to Rovers but Bohs will want to see out their final FAI Cup before the Dalymount rebuild with a victory march towards Dublin 4.

Reynolds was player-manager the last time his hometown club reached the final and even made a play in the pre-season to recruit their star striker Pádraig Amond.

“Dalymount is the hottest ticket in town so it’s important we get to the final and ensure the Aviva Stadium is a sea of blue,” said the league’s top scorer for the last two years.

“The break during the international window was strange at times but we’re ready for the battle against Bohemians. This is what it’s all about.”