Cup win 'needed now' after league collapse - Duffy

Michael Duffy was part of the Derry City squad which beat Shelbourne in the 2022 final

Derry City winger Michael Duffy says an FAI Cup final win "is needed now" after the Brandywell club's challenge to win the Premier Division title faltered over the latter stages of the season.

The Candystripes won just two of their last 11 league games to go from title contenders to finishing a hugely disappointing fourth in the table.

Ruaidhri Higgins' side has an opportunity to atone for that somewhat when they face Drogheda in Sunday's decider at the Aviva Stadium, with qualification for European club competition also on the line.

"It was a tough few weeks for everyone involved with the club. You go from being two games away from winning the league to finishing fourth, which is a bit mad," Duffy told BBC Sport NI.

"We move on from that now and we’re excited for trying to win this trophy. Hopefully we can go and do it.

"To get that trophy back in Derry next week and see everyone enjoy the moment and celebrating together would be special."

Duffy will draw on the experience of being part of three former FAI Cup winning squads, twice with Dundalk and once with Derry, when he takes to the field on Sunday.

Two years ago, the Candystripes ran out 4-0 victors over Shelbourne in the showpiece decider.

"I remember walking out before the game and Derry supporters were everywhere. I couldn’t believe the turnout and it drove us on on the day big time," he recalled.

"The nerves were settled when we saw the amount of fans there and we were glad to get over the line.

"Anything can happen in a cup final and Drogheda have put it up to us this season in a few games we have played them, so we just go down looking forward to the game."

Patrick McEleney celebrates a goal with fellow former Dundalk player Duffy

Derry midfielder Patrick McEleney is preparing for a remarkable ninth FAI Cup final, having gathered four winner's medals from his previous eight appearances in the showpiece deciders.

Two of those were collected with Dundalk and two with Derry City.

"When you play for Derry there’s always that expectation to win things and compete, so we’re going down there to win," said McEleney.

"Drogheda are a good side. They have caused us problems at their place and they have their own threats. We respect that but we’re trying to put our stamp on the game.

“The Aviva is the best place in the country to play your football. The pitch is amazing, it’s massive. We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the job done."

McEleney also remembers Derry's 2022 cup success in Dublin fondly, reflecting on "an amazing day out".

This year's cup run has seen Higgins' charges see off St Patrick's Athletic, Cork City, Shelbourne and Bohemians without conceding a goal.

"You look at your own family, your own friends, that’s what you think about. But it’s down to the players now, we need to produce and we’ll be doing our best. We’re confident.

“It’s no secret the back end of the season, we fell short, way too short, but we’ve been amazing in the cup. We haven’t conceded a goal and this is a big day for the players, the club, the fans, so hopefully everyone can rally round now and give us a big push."