Caulfield and Declan Daly celebrate the replay win at Dalymount Park in 1998. Patrick Bolger / INPHO
Patrick Bolger / INPHO / INPHO
MUCH OF THE talk has been of Dundalk’s golden opportunity to clinch a league and FAI Cup double for the first time in 27 years since they wrapped up a second consecutive title last month.
That couldn’t be further from the truth Leeside, however, as John Caulfield aims to mastermind an upset when the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division’s top two lock horns at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon (3.30pm).
For the second year running, Cork City played second fiddle to Stephen Kenny’s men — finishing 11 points off what is undoubtedly the best team in the country right now.
And while the league table never lies, the Rebels boss can vouch that the favourites tag goes out the window on cup final day.
“I remember we were underdogs in the 1998 final and Shelbourne were hot favourites that day as they had a very good side,” Coughlan, who played in both games at Dalymount Park, told The42 this week.
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“The first game finished 0-0, but we were the better team in the replay and Derek Coughlan scored the winner with a header.
“It was huge for us as a club and the supporters. A lot of people didn’t give us a chance so it was a nice way to win the cup.”
Having come within two points of the champions in 2014, Cork were unable to bring the title race right down to the wire this year and Coughlan accepts that improvements are needed.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that we couldn’t finish closer to Dundalk but we have finished runners-up, got to a cup final and are in Europe again next season,” he said.
“I know next year we will be expected to push them even more but the important thing is that we are progressing.”
“What you’re aiming to do is compete at the top and gett into cup finals and Europe. The fans want to see trophies so I have to work as hard as I can to get the squad right and make sure that we’re competing.”
Cork are winless in with the Lilywhites this season (one Dundalk win and two draws) the Cork manager predicts there will be little or nothing between them today.
I don’t see it being a 4-3 or a 5-4 but I think it could go to extra-time or even penalties as games between us have been tight in recent times,” he said.
“We are up against it as Dundalk are odds-on favourites as the majority of people think they will win the double.
“At the same time, it’s up to us to put it up to them by playing our best. If we can do that, then I believe we will win.”
Cork players Kevin O'Connor, Liam Kearney and Gavan Holohan with the cup this week, Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
With just two FAI Cups to their name (1998 and 2007), it will be Cork’s first appearance at the Aviva Stadium and they plan to make it a day to remember.
“We’ve haven’t been there since it’s been done up and it’s a fantastic stadium so it will be great for the players and the fans,” Caulfield added.
“A big crowd is expected and we’re hoping to bring a huge support up with us from Cork.
“We’re a big family club with lots of kids as well so it should be a great atmosphere and a super occasion.”
Cork City boss looking to call upon spirit of '98 and upset the odds again in FAI cup final
MUCH OF THE talk has been of Dundalk’s golden opportunity to clinch a league and FAI Cup double for the first time in 27 years since they wrapped up a second consecutive title last month.
That couldn’t be further from the truth Leeside, however, as John Caulfield aims to mastermind an upset when the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division’s top two lock horns at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon (3.30pm).
For the second year running, Cork City played second fiddle to Stephen Kenny’s men — finishing 11 points off what is undoubtedly the best team in the country right now.
And while the league table never lies, the Rebels boss can vouch that the favourites tag goes out the window on cup final day.
“I remember we were underdogs in the 1998 final and Shelbourne were hot favourites that day as they had a very good side,” Coughlan, who played in both games at Dalymount Park, told The42 this week.
“The first game finished 0-0, but we were the better team in the replay and Derek Coughlan scored the winner with a header.
“It was huge for us as a club and the supporters. A lot of people didn’t give us a chance so it was a nice way to win the cup.”
Having come within two points of the champions in 2014, Cork were unable to bring the title race right down to the wire this year and Coughlan accepts that improvements are needed.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that we couldn’t finish closer to Dundalk but we have finished runners-up, got to a cup final and are in Europe again next season,” he said.
“I know next year we will be expected to push them even more but the important thing is that we are progressing.”
“What you’re aiming to do is compete at the top and gett into cup finals and Europe. The fans want to see trophies so I have to work as hard as I can to get the squad right and make sure that we’re competing.”
Cork are winless in with the Lilywhites this season (one Dundalk win and two draws) the Cork manager predicts there will be little or nothing between them today.
“We are up against it as Dundalk are odds-on favourites as the majority of people think they will win the double.
“At the same time, it’s up to us to put it up to them by playing our best. If we can do that, then I believe we will win.”
With just two FAI Cups to their name (1998 and 2007), it will be Cork’s first appearance at the Aviva Stadium and they plan to make it a day to remember.
“We’ve haven’t been there since it’s been done up and it’s a fantastic stadium so it will be great for the players and the fans,” Caulfield added.
“A big crowd is expected and we’re hoping to bring a huge support up with us from Cork.
“We’re a big family club with lots of kids as well so it should be a great atmosphere and a super occasion.”
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FAI Cup final John Caulfield Rebel Rebel Cork City Dundalk