Declan Devine: 'I've publicly stated this year that Neil Doyle is the best referee in the country, but I just thought the game got out of control'

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Declan Devine Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

Bohemians are through to their second FAI Cup Final in two years after they recorded a 1-0 win over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Gypsies didn’t have it all their own way but emerged from the west as deserved victors having created the most clear cut chances throughout the fixture.

They go on to face St Patrick’s Athletic in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 12 November in a repeat of the 2021 Cup Final.

Declan Devine was understandably in high spirits after his side’s victory – but the manager heaped praise on the Tribesmen from the outset when he spoke to extratime.com after Saturday’s game.

“I think first of all, massive credit to Galway for a start because for a First Division club to get to the semis and really put it up to us – it was a right ding dong game and I'm delighted they've won promotion because John and Ollie are good men, they’re good football people and they've got this place points,” Devine said.

“The atmosphere and the intensity of the game was really high level stuff and just delighted to get over the line. But, testimony to the players cause they were magnificent. They were magnificent.

“Even though we had to dig in and hold out for one nil win, we had two or three of the best chances in the game to put the game to bed.

“But when you get down to 10 and that nervousness and the crowds on top it was, it was a really manly performance from us, and you know it was full credit to the players because they were absolutely sensational.

Despite the fact that Galway United were taking on Bohemians while still in the second tier, Devine outlined his side’s respect for how good the Tribesmen have been all season.



United had, until Saturday, won every one of their home games this year and that included a 4-0 drubbing of Dundalk in the quarter-final of the FAI Cup.

“There was massive alarm bells because I actually sat at home and watched the second UCD game and I watched that and went - these are a good side, they're a good footballing team, they're aggressive, good at pieces, but they can play and they've experience through their team.

“So then whenever they beat Dundalk that night. I didn't want to be coming here, to be honest. I wanted a home draw.

“But whenever it came through, we done a lot of work. Pat Fenlon was here over recent weeks doing match reports on them.

“We've watched a lot of them and we trained this week very hard knowing that it was going to be a touch and go game.

“No semi final is easy but going to a hostile atmosphere with a team that hasn't lost at home all year, it adds an extra incentive, but it's a massive one for us and we'll enjoy tonight.”



In the aftermath of the game there has been a lot said about the officiating with numerous bookings given to players throughout the game – that includes the sending off of Bohs’ Kacper Radkowski after the defender picked up a second yellow card.

Despite coming away on the right side of the fixture Devine expressed some bemusement at the amount of cards on Saturday – with the Galway United management team sharing their own reservations.

“Too many bookings. I've publicly stated this year that Neil Doyle is the best referee in the country, but I just thought the game got out of control today.

“There was not that many bad tackles. I think there was one or two in the first half, but for me it wasn't a 10 card or 12 card game.

“Unfortunately, you know, Kacper Radkowski has played every minute of every game for us, he's made two challenges today. I don't believe either of them was a yellow card and to lose him for the finals, is a big loss but we’ll address that closer to the time.

“He’s been sensational and he's very unfortunate to find himself missing the showcase now.”

 

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile