FAI Intermediate Cup Final Preview: Ringmahon Rangers to face Glebe North in Drogehda

A new name is waiting to go on the FAI Intermediate Cup, which will be revealed when Ringmahon Rangers meet Glebe North this Sunday in the final at Weavers Park (kick-off 2pm).

It will be a historic occasion for both teams, and a new chapter will be added to the traditional rivalry between the Munster and Leinster Senior Leagues.

Ringmahon Rangers, who have produced Republic of Ireland internationals Caoímhín Kelleher and Alan Browne, have consistently challenged but never reached the final stage of the FAI Intermediate Cup. The Ringers' trophy cabinet includes everything available domestically, but no national title.

This group of players, led by Aidan Foley, reached their first final the hard way. Ringmahon had to defeat defending champions Rockmount in the semi-finals, winning 2-0 at Carrick Park in Fermoy.

This was achieved with a squad that includes former Cork City and Derry City goalkeeper Eric Grimes, former Bohemians and Cork City striker Ethon Varian, and former Waterford FC midfielder Anthony McAlavey.

This was a significant moment in itself as Ringmahon had lost semi-finals in 2016, 2021, and 2023.

The current group of players have already established themselves as winners by clinching the Beamish Stout Senior Cup last year and the Donie Forde Trophy this season.

Glebe North are in a similar position and hope to win the Intermediate Cup with several League of Ireland veterans in their ranks.

The best-known name is Killian Brennan, a three-time League of Ireland champion with Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic.

Glebe North also have Oisin Coleman (Dundalk), Olayinka Hamzat (Athlone Town), and Ryan O’Shea (Drogheda United) in their ranks.

They are coached by Darius Kierans, who has been in charge of the club since 2021. This season, the manager broke through and became a name known across the intermediate football world, with his first significant victory against Munster Senior League Premier Division leaders College Corinthians in Cork.

The winner of the tie will face the FAI Junior Cup champions in the Tom Hand Cup final at the start of next season.

The FAI Junior Cup final has been pencilled in for the 5th of May, and the two teams involved are Cockhill Celtic and Gorey Rangers.