Shamrock Rovers Vs Sligo Rovers FAI Cup Final Preview

Shamrock Rovers last won a double 23 years ago

The neutrals and Bohemians fans will hope for cup victory from last years beaten finalists Sligo Rovers, but to be realistic Shamrock Rovers, the new league champions are hot favourites to land themselves a first double in 23 years when the 2 clash in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Shamrock Rovers last won a double 23 years ago.

It was on Shamrock Rovers turf in Tallaght last year that saw Paul Cooks men lose out to late goals against Sporting Fingal, but Cooks men have been in better form this year and he will indeed be confident of upsetting the Dublin club.

It wont be easy however, Matthew Blinkhorn and Richie Ryan, two of Sligo’s best players, will miss out on the game through suspension. Last year, captain Conor O’Grady was forced to sit out the final for the bit o red for the same reason.

Its not all plain sailing for the hoops either. Rovers during the week confirmed Dan Murray, Pat Sullivan and Sean O’Connor are all out of the game through knee injuries. Robert Bayly is out through suspension. Aidan Price, who was a doubt earlier is the week, has got the all clear for the game, while Gary Twigg (hamstring) will face a late fitness test.

Paul Cook hopes his side have learned from the agony of last years final

You would think that Shamrock Rovers will not only be willed on by over 10,000 that have bought tickets through the club but by the prospect of ending a drought that stretches back 23 years, but Sligo will also have in and around the same fan base plus the support of neutrals and also the memories of the trip from Tallaght back to Sligo empty handed. Sligo themselves can effectively claim a double too, as they won the EA Sports Cup some months back.

Either way tomorrow’s encounter is going to be an ultimate thriller.

Paul Cook hopes his side have learned from the agony of last years final

Aviva Stadium director, Martin Murphy, yesterday told reporters that it is possible that Sunday’s FAI Cup Final will draw a larger crowd to the venue than today’s rugby international against Samoa

“This weekend we’ve got two matches back to back on Saturday and Sunday and we expect something in the order of 20 to 30,000 for both of them.”

While a crowd of 30,985 for today’s rugby match was seen as a improvement on the recent South Africa game, the Aviva has a capacity of over 51,000 and the poor attendances to date reflect the errors the IRFU have made with their ticket strategy.

Sunday’s Cup Final has really caught the attention of the Irish sporting public, and with Shamrock Rovers seeking the double, large crowds look set to attend the game. The FAI have been very active in promoting the tie and this appears to be reflected in the number of tickets they have sold for the final.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.