Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny.
Derry City fans will have more than a passing interest in today’s Ford FAI Cup semi-finals as the outcome of both games could determine whether or not the Brandywell club plays in Europe next season.
City are currently fourth in the Airtricity Premiership, nine points behind Sligo Rovers in third. With only three games left it would take Sligo to lose all their remaining fixtures and Derry to record victories for the Candy Stripes to snatch third spot and automatic qualification for next season’s Europa League – an unlikely outcome.
Sligo are one of the top three teams in the league to feature in this afternoon’s cup semis, taking on Shamrock Rovers. The other tie features Dundalk, managed by former Derry City boss Stephen Kenny, against Drogheda United. Wins for Sligo and Dundalk, who look likely to claim the runners-up spot in the league, would see fourth placed in the league play in next season’s Europa League.
Derry are currently three points clear of fourth-placed Shamrock Rovers who they face in the Brandywell on Saturday next. A win for the home side would put them six clear of Rovers with only two games left, meaning Derry would need a point from their clashes with St Patrick’s Athletic or Limerick to finish in fourth place.
So, if Dundalk or Sligo win the FAI Cup and Derry finish in fourth spot, the Brandywell club will play in next season’s Europa League.
If only one of the top three league teams is successful in the semis, it means City fans will have to wait until the outcome of the final to see if fourth place is good enough for European qualification.
However, if both Dundalk and Sligo win this afternoon the wait will not be necessary. If both lose their semi-final ties, finishing fourth in the league will not be good enough for European qualification.
Therefore, Derry fans will being hoping for Dundalk and Sligo wins this afternoon so as not to have to wait on the outcome of the final to be played in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 3 November next.
Both today’s semi-finals are to be screened live on RTE 2 Television.
The Louth derby between Drogheda United and Dundalk at Hunky Dorys Park will start at 1.45pm with the clash of Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds kicking off at 3.55pm.
Any replays will be played this Wednesday with a 7.45pm kick-off if there is a replay at Oriel Park and 8.oopm if Tallaght Stadium is hosting a replay. Any replays will be played to a finish with extra-time and penalties if required.
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