Non-league Cup Joy a Sight to Behold
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On Friday night 1000 Shamrock Rovers fans will make the much anticipated trip to Phibsboro to face their hated rivals Bohemians. The Gypsies know fully well that a win would see them move above the champions at this early stage, something you wouldn’t have imagined four games into the season.
The majority of prying eyes will be fixed on Dalymount as the biggest rivalry in the LoI gets its first outing of 2011, but in several non-league grounds dotted around the country there’ll be far more important stuff for a hearty few souls associated with our top grassroots clubs.
That is because the 2nd round of the FAI Cup gets underway, with 22 teams in all doing battle to make it into the 3rd round, where they’ll be joined by the LoI sides. None of these venues will have anywhere near the size of the travelling support in Dalymount in attendance, but for the stalwarts involved with their local clubs they still have lofty dreams and ambitions.
There have been many memorable encounters down the years but in recent times a place in the last eight is the best a non-league side has achieved. Still, trips for teams more used to playing in front of 30 rather than 3000 to the most famous venues in domestic football are no doubt ones to be cherished.
Who remembers Dalymount Park, June 2009 when Cork’s Mayfield United travelled to face Bohemians? Very few outside of the northside club, I’d imagine. In the end they were absolutely destroyed 8-1, but there was still many memories to hold dear for Mayfield.
What about Killester United, who drew with Sligo in 2006 in the last eight, only to lose the replay 4-3 in extra-time. Or Wayside Celtic’s progress as far as the last eight where they were eventually defeated 6-1 by Bohemians in the quarter-finals three years ago as the Gypsies went on to win the cup.
The list is endless, so while the many of these intermediate level teams will play it down, stating that their own leagues are more important because they’ve no chance of winning the blue riband trophy, many will still be dreaming of a win next weekend and then a draw against Shamrock Rovers in the 3rd round.
Of the 22 teams involved, Avondale United look to be a strong prospect and they face Pike Rovers at home on Sunday afternoon. What could hinder them, however, is that they’re also in the final of the FAI Intermediate Cup after a 2-1 win away to Crumlin United.
The Dublin side should also be fancied to make it into the 3rd round, though they face a difficult trip to Tipperary against St Michael’s. Elsewhere, Tralee Dynamos, Cherry Orchard and Donegal’s Fanad United all look like sides that would be capable of causing an upset against league opposition on their day.
No doubt where these sides prosper is the fact they have nothing to lose. There is no such pressure of a possible embarrassment that league clubs would feel when they face ‘inferior’ opposition. Motivation can also be a factor. Would the likes of Killian Brennan be as mentally prepared against Sacred Heart as he would against St Patrick’s Athletic if drawn together in the 3rd round?
Certainly, all of the unheard of players, heroes only in their local community won’t be lacking in drive this weekend, knowing they're only 90 minutes away from possibly playing against a club they may even support. Of the eight local clubs in Cork, how many of those often venture to Turner’s Cross? How many players from Sacred Heart are season ticket holders at Shamrock Rovers? And do several Fanad United players have an interest in goings on at Finn Harps?
For heart, raw passion and a sense of local community, head to your local FAI Cup game this weekend. You won’t be disappointed.
The majority of prying eyes will be fixed on Dalymount as the biggest rivalry in the LoI gets its first outing of 2011, but in several non-league grounds dotted around the country there’ll be far more important stuff for a hearty few souls associated with our top grassroots clubs.
That is because the 2nd round of the FAI Cup gets underway, with 22 teams in all doing battle to make it into the 3rd round, where they’ll be joined by the LoI sides. None of these venues will have anywhere near the size of the travelling support in Dalymount in attendance, but for the stalwarts involved with their local clubs they still have lofty dreams and ambitions.
There have been many memorable encounters down the years but in recent times a place in the last eight is the best a non-league side has achieved. Still, trips for teams more used to playing in front of 30 rather than 3000 to the most famous venues in domestic football are no doubt ones to be cherished.
Who remembers Dalymount Park, June 2009 when Cork’s Mayfield United travelled to face Bohemians? Very few outside of the northside club, I’d imagine. In the end they were absolutely destroyed 8-1, but there was still many memories to hold dear for Mayfield.
What about Killester United, who drew with Sligo in 2006 in the last eight, only to lose the replay 4-3 in extra-time. Or Wayside Celtic’s progress as far as the last eight where they were eventually defeated 6-1 by Bohemians in the quarter-finals three years ago as the Gypsies went on to win the cup.
The list is endless, so while the many of these intermediate level teams will play it down, stating that their own leagues are more important because they’ve no chance of winning the blue riband trophy, many will still be dreaming of a win next weekend and then a draw against Shamrock Rovers in the 3rd round.
Of the 22 teams involved, Avondale United look to be a strong prospect and they face Pike Rovers at home on Sunday afternoon. What could hinder them, however, is that they’re also in the final of the FAI Intermediate Cup after a 2-1 win away to Crumlin United.
The Dublin side should also be fancied to make it into the 3rd round, though they face a difficult trip to Tipperary against St Michael’s. Elsewhere, Tralee Dynamos, Cherry Orchard and Donegal’s Fanad United all look like sides that would be capable of causing an upset against league opposition on their day.
No doubt where these sides prosper is the fact they have nothing to lose. There is no such pressure of a possible embarrassment that league clubs would feel when they face ‘inferior’ opposition. Motivation can also be a factor. Would the likes of Killian Brennan be as mentally prepared against Sacred Heart as he would against St Patrick’s Athletic if drawn together in the 3rd round?
Certainly, all of the unheard of players, heroes only in their local community won’t be lacking in drive this weekend, knowing they're only 90 minutes away from possibly playing against a club they may even support. Of the eight local clubs in Cork, how many of those often venture to Turner’s Cross? How many players from Sacred Heart are season ticket holders at Shamrock Rovers? And do several Fanad United players have an interest in goings on at Finn Harps?
For heart, raw passion and a sense of local community, head to your local FAI Cup game this weekend. You won’t be disappointed.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile