Thousands of supporters descended on Guildhall Square to celebrate Derry City's footballers following their FAI Cup final victory on Sunday. According to BBC News, the Candystripes secured their seventh FAI Cup title with a 1-0 triumph over Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
A 69th-minute long-range strike from Darragh Burns, marking his maiden goal in red and white, proved decisive in front of nearly 37,000 spectators. According to RTÉ Sport, the final's confirmed attendance was 36,093, and this represented Derry's first FAI Cup title since 2022. The 24-year-old Burns, who joined Derry in July and had previously won the FAI Cup with St Patrick's Athletic in 2021, delivered a hard-fought victory that edged out The Blues.
The triumph represents a dramatic reversal of fortune for the club, which has endured a challenging season both on and off the pitch. Interim manager Mark Connolly assumed control in May after the Candystripes had faltered during the campaign's opening stages. Under his stewardship, the club climbed to a fifth-place finish in the Premier Division before capping the season with cup glory and securing European football for the following campaign.
Mayor Grace Uí Niallais hosted a private reception for the first-team squad, club staff and management at the Guildhall on Monday afternoon before the team joined her on stage in Guildhall Square. During the celebrations, Uí Niallais praised the team's performance and acknowledged the supporters' role in the achievement.
The whole city and community showed up in Dublin and brought the cup home. You are the 12th player of this club.
The evening featured live music and fireworks as players and club chairman Phillip O'Doherty took to the stage. Thousands of spectators, many wearing the club's distinctive red and white colours, gathered in the city centre despite cold conditions to cheer their team home.
Sporadic chants of 'Red and White Army' and 'D.C.F.C Ole ole ole' echoed throughout the proceedings on Monday evening. Young supporters waved Derry City flags and blew red trumpets to make themselves heard above the large crowd. Each member of the playing squad and backroom staff was introduced individually, with each receiving sustained applause from the assembled fans.
What supporters said about the victory
Among those celebrating in Guildhall Square was 10-year-old passionate Derry City supporter Oliver, who arrived early to secure the best possible view of the stage. Having watched the final at home, he was eager to show his appreciation for the players.
I wanted to come out tonight because I love Derry City and I want to see all my favourite players. It was a good game and it was a very good goal.
Oliver expressed hopes of seeing his favourite players including Michael Duffy, Kevin Dos Santos and Paddy McClean, and said he was hoping to collect player signatures on his Derry City shirt. When asked what he most enjoys about the club, Oliver highlighted attending matches at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
For brothers Casey and Joe, accompanied by friend Ollie, there was never any doubt that Derry would prevail on Sunday.
The final was absolutely unbelievable. What a goal from Burns and that was his first ever goal in the final.
Casey reflected on watching the match on television rather than travelling to Dublin, but expressed enthusiasm about seeing the players in person at the celebration. Ollie was particularly keen to view the FAI trophy up close, while both brothers hoped to encounter their favourite players.
Seven-year-old City fan Freddie attended with his step-father Joseph Donnelly and mother Emma Murphy. Freddie, who is in Primary One, expressed his admiration for the team and his own passion for playing football.
Joseph Donnelly, a long-time Derry City follower, acknowledged that the final was intensely competitive, with Waterford performing well throughout. However, he believed the Candystripes deserved their victory.
It was a cagey game but Derry were definitely the better side. Mark Connolly turned the whole season around for us. I would love to see him stay, but I know that may not be the case but whoever takes the reigns next season will have our full support.
Donnelly praised the Guildhall Square event as beneficial for families and highlighted its value for young supporters like Freddie to experience the club's success.
Twelve-year-old friends Hannah and Orla viewed the celebration as an opportunity to express gratitude to the team. Hannah had attended the Dublin match with her entire family and described the experience as remarkable.
All of us, like me and all my cousins, just went crazy when we scored - it was nuts. I wanted to be here tonight to show my appreciation to the team, they've made everyone so happy.
The path to cup glory
The FAI Cup victory marks a significant achievement for Derry City, which has a storied history in the competition. Before joining the League of Ireland in 1985, Derry had won the Irish FA Cup three times, and Sunday's triumph extended their modern-era tally to seven titles. The club had previously lost the 2024 FAI Cup final to Drogheda United before claiming this year's crown.
Defender Patrick McClean earned individual recognition for his performance, being named man of the match. The victory has secured European football for Derry City in the upcoming season, providing additional silverware and continental competition for the club following a transformative campaign under Connolly's leadership.
