Shamrock Rovers Secures FAI Cup Victory Over Cork City
Shamrock Rovers celebrated their first FAI Cup victory since 2019 with a 2-0 win over 10-man Cork City in the final held at the Aviva Stadium.
Rory Gaffney was the standout player, scoring both goals to help Stephen Bradley's team conclude the League of Ireland season with a Premier Division title and cup double for the first time since 1987.
Cork City, who finished at the bottom of the League of Ireland, were reduced to 10 players just before halftime when Harry Nevin was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Josh Honohan.
Taking advantage of their numerical superiority after the break, Rovers saw Gaffney score twice within six minutes. He opened the scoring in the 65th minute by converting a cross from Danny Grant and then added a second goal in the 71st minute, firing low through the legs of goalkeeper Conor Brann.
This victory marks a record-extending 26th FAI Cup title for Stephen Bradley's squad, who were previously denied a memorable win in the UEFA Conference League against AEK Athens due to an injury-time penalty scored by Luka Jovic.
The triumph also guarantees that Bohemians, who finished fourth in the league, will compete in European football next season, joining league champions Derry City and Shelbourne.