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RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Luke Dennison the hero as Drogheda dump out Derry in FAI Cup
Derry City suffered penalty shoot-out heartache as Sports Direct FAI Cup holders Drogheda United sealed another famous win at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Trio Jamie Stott, Adam Frizzell and Daniel Mullen all missed from the spot, while United's Conor Keeley, Thomas Oluwa and Owen Lambe all fired home from 12 yards. The defeat will mount serious pressure on Derry boss Tiernan Lynch, as his side's season may fall off a cliff in the run-in. As for Kevin Doherty's team, they continue to show tremendous spirit and showed great composure in the shoot-out, with young goalkeeper Luke Dennison their hero keeping out Stott and Mullen's spot-kicks. FT AET: Derry City 1-1 Drogheda United (0-3 pens) The defending champs return to the quarters in dramatic fashion 📺 📱 — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2025 City made two changes from the side which had a disappointing 0-0 draw with Cork City as Alex Bannon and Dipo Akinyemi came in for Hayden Cann and Liam Boyce, who dropped to the bench. Derry got off to the worst possible start as they conceded after two minutes when Alex Quinn made no mistake from close range, after Joshua Thomas' left wing cut-back found the unmarked defender inside the six yard box. Drogheda should have doubled their lead minutes later as Thomas broke the offside trap, but he failed to trouble Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher and blasted wide. Derry's first chance came on 19 minutes but Gavin Whyte's stinging 20-yard strike was straight at United net-minder Dennison. Derry City 0-1 Drogheda The visitors go in front thanks to an audacious finish by Andrew Quinn #RTESoccer 📺 📱 — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2025 Moments later Akinyemi's 20-yard drive, which dipped quickly, was comfortably tipped over by Dennison. Just before the break a neat passing move by the Foylesiders ended with Michael Duffy's cross finding Brandon Fleming, but the left-wing back's shot from 20 yards flew well over the bar. City gaffer Lynch made four changes at once on 58 minutes with Ben Doherty, Ronan Boyce, Mullen and Liam Boyce all coming on for Alex Bannon, Brandon Fleming, Sadou Diallo and Whyte. The changes seemed to spark the home side into life, but Carl Winchester's close-range shot was turned around the post by Dennison. The United goalkeeper had to make a smart save on 64 minutes when he did well to tip over Liam Boyce's curling effort, after the ex-Cliftonville man had found space inside the penalty box. Drogheda were inches away from adding a second five minutes later as Darragh Markey's right wing free-kick found Ryan Brennan at the back post, but United skipper's powerful header was outstandingly kept out by a diving Maher. 73': Derry 1-1 Drogheda Michael Duffy levels the tie at the Brandwell with a peach of a left footed strike 📺 📱 — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2025 Derry equalised on 73 minutes in superb fashion as substitute Mullen raced down the right before cutting the ball back to Duffy on the edge of the box, the winger took a touch and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike past Dennison. The United keeper had to make a big save early in extra-time when he parried away Mullen's powerful long-range strike. Derry were forced into a change on 102 minutes as Liam Boyce picked up a bad-looking injury and had to be replaced by Sam Todd. The home side went close to taking the lead on 106 minutes as Duffy's left-wing centre found Ronan Boyce, but defender's powerful header was tipped over the crossbar by a full-stretched Dennison. Derry thought they had won the encounter on 114 minutes when Mark Connolly had headed home Ben Doherty's corner but referee Robert Harvey cut his celebrations short and disallowed the goal. 113': Derry 1-1 Drogheda Mark Connolly thought he had the breakthrough but Derry are denied by the referee's whistle #RTESoccer 📺 📱 — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2025 A super Stott cross moments later found Duffy, but his glancing header, which had Dennison beaten, flashed just wide. Derry had strong claims for a penalty deep into stoppage time in extra-time when Duffy was upended inside the box, referee Harvey waved play-on and to make matters worse for the home side, substitute Ben Doherty was shown a straight red card for taking his protests too far. Derry City: Maher, O'Reilly, Bannon (Doherty 58), Connolly, Stott, Fleming (R Boyce 58); Diallo (L Boyce 58 - Todd 102), Winchester; Whyte (Mullen 58), Duffy; Akinyemi (Frizzell 92).
The Irish Sun
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Bohemians' Ross Tierney strike dents Derry City's title push in Brandywell battle
SHAMROCK Rovers emerged the biggest winners at Brandywell as Bohemians came from behind to clinch a share of the spoils against Derry City. Former York City striker Dipo Akinyemi put Derry ahead on his Brandywell debut with a header from Michael Duffy's cross five minutes into first half stoppage time. Advertisement 2 Ross Tierney of Bohemians sealed a point for the Dublin side against Derry City 2 Shamrock Rovers and Stephen Bradley were the big winners without kicking a ball That lead didn't last long as Ross Tierney blasted home from James Clarke's cross on 52 minutes to rescue a point for the second placed Dubliners. Both teams have now played the same amount of games as There were reports of clashes between both sets of supporters outside the ground in ugly scenes which marred a match between two teams hoping to ignite a title race. It was the Brandywell pitch which ignited when a flare was thrown over the Southend Park stand during the first half which scorched the artificial surface and caused a lengthy delay in play. Advertisement read more on football Tiernan Lynch handed a debut to former Hull City fullback Brandon Fleming who was one of three changes from last week's He replaced Shane Ferguson while hat-trick hero Liam Boyce regained a starting berth at the expense of Gavin Whyte who was a notable omission from the squad. Carl Winchester was also back at the expense of Adam O'Reilly who dropped to the bench. Alan Reynolds made sweeping changes, seven in total from the team which thrashed their Leinster Senior League opposition, Killester Donnycarney in the cup. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Bohs were enjoying plenty of possession in the early stages but The Londoner found the run of Duffy with a clever ball over the top and when the ex-Celtic winger cut it back to Liam Boyce the striker fluffed his lines. Marcus Rashford back together with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after they split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona The ball broke out to the edge of the box where Akinyemi. The former York City striker tried his luck again from distance two minutes later but Chorazka saved comfortably. Advertisement Akiyemi was in the thick of the action once again when he found Duffy in space with a neat flick but the Derry winger dragged his first time strike on his right foot narrowly wide of the post. There was a five minute delay when a flare was thrown over the Southend Park stand onto the pitch and set fire to the artificial surface on the half hour mark. The stewards were slow to react much to the annoyance of the players but eventually the flame was extinguished and play got back underway. Bohs carved out a great chance in stoppage time when Ross Tierney's delicate touch from Mounteny's cross set up James Clarke but his strike from 12 yards was saved by Maher. Advertisement Derry broke when Liam Boyce played a ball over the top for Akinyemi to run onto andthe striker got in behind the last man but his strike was saved brilliantly by the outstretched leg of Chorazka. The Polish keeper couldn't do anything about Akinyemi's next effort on goal as the Englishman towered above his marker and headed Duffy's cross into the corner of the net for a timely breakthrough. Diallo tried his luck from just inside the penalty box with the last action of the half but drilled his effort wide of the post. Bohs were back on level terms just seven minutes into the second half as Tierney got onto the end of James Clarke's cross from the right and volleyed past the helpless Maher. Advertisement Duffy's curling free-kick from 25 yards was gathered comfortably by Chorazka and substitute Adam O'Reilly fired a blistering effort over the bar as Derry tried to get back on top. Robbie Benson came agonisingly close to finding the corner of the net in front of a packed North Stand with a glancing header from Duffy's inswinging cross with 10 minutes to go. The second half subs were making an impact and Danny Mullen raced onto a ball over the top of the Bogs defence but his effort on the half volley was beaten away by Chorazka at the near post. From the resultant corner kick Alex Bannon rose at the back post but again Chorazka parried it clear and it was as close as Derry came to finding a winner as the teams shared the spoils. Advertisement Derry City 1 - 1 Bohemian FC Derry City: Maher 6: Connolly 7, Bannon 7, Todd 7; R. Boyce 6 (Benson 6, 69), Diallo 7 (Frizzell 6, 90), Winchester 7, Fleming 7; Duffy 7, L. Boyce 7 (Mullen 6, 69) Akinyemi 7 (O'Reilly 7, 57) Bohemians: Chorazka 8; Mountney 6 (Smith 6, 67), Byrne 7, Kavanagh 6, Flores 6; Morahan 6, Devoy 7. McDonnell 6 (Parsons 6, 74), Tierney 8; Clarke 7 (Whelan 6, 74), Rooney 7. Referee - Damien MacGraith. Sun Star Man: Ross Tierney (Bohs) Advertisement
Irish Daily Mirror
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tiernan Lynch explains why Derry fans are only seeing best of Liam Boyce now
Tiernan Lynch reckons Derry City fans are finally getting to see the real Liam Boyce. Lynch brought the 28-time capped Northern Ireland international to the Ryan McBride Brandywell from Hearts last winter, and it took the 34-year-old nine games o register his first goal. And when it came against Drogheda United, it was followed moments later by a red card! Since then, however, he has added 10 more goals to his tally, including hat-tricks in a 7-2 Premier Division win over Waterford and a 5-1 FAI Cup win against Treaty United. Lynch knew it would take a bit of time for Boyce to settle in after his arrival, but he never doubted the Belfastman's ability to deliver once he did. 'I think everybody knew the quality of Liam Boyce, but you can definitely see that out there in training at the moment,' said the Candystripes boss. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . 'He is starting to really find his feet, he is starting to do things that come naturally to him, rather than overly thinking things. 'There was always going to be that transition period for every player and any player that comes into a new league. 'They are trying to understand even a new system. He is probably playing in a slightly different position to what he made his name with for Hearts. 'I never had any doubts that his quality would shine through. As we all said, I think that's starting to show.' Even when the goals were hard to come by, Boyce's head didn't drop. 'Boycey was always the type of character where I don't think he lacked any confidence,' insisted Lynch. 'There is certainly no arrogance in him, but I don't think he ever lacked confidence. I think he always knew that he would settle and when the chances came that he would take them. 'We are starting to see that now. Even in the likes of training where he has got himself back, he is fit and hungry, and you are starting to see these wee bursts of class.' Derry are looking to return to winning ways in the league tonight, after their last Premier Division game ended in defeat to Sligo Rovers. 'Unfortunately we fell short against Sligo, which we are hugely disappointed with, but we have to put that behind us and get back on the horse for Bohs on Friday night,' said Lynch. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Irish Examiner
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Liam Boyce hat-trick eases Derry City past Treaty United in FAI Cup
Treaty United 1 Derry City 5 A second-half blitz, which included five goals, from an earlier lethargic Derry City eased them into the next round of the FAI Cup, with sub Liam Boyce bagging a hat-trick. The first three efforts, all headed finishes via Michael Duffy corner kicks killed the tie, before a couple of late goals enhanced the victory for a side hunting silverware after 2024 Cup final heartbreak. 1,215 were in attendance at the Garryowen venue. The bulk will have been happy with the effort and application by Tommy Barrett's men who eventually ran out of gas against superior opposition. Following a disappointing reverse away to Sligo Rovers last weekend, the Premier Division side eventually nudged ahead of the play-off chasing second tier outfit. But for all their dominance, they struggled to make it tell until Liam Boyce headed them ahead just before the hour mark. City were runners-up last season and Tiernan Lynch named a strong starting XI for this contest. He handed a debut to Dipo Akinyemi, who signed from York City earlier this month. For Treaty, this was not a new venture, having reached the semi-finals only to lose to Derry in 2022. However, Tommy Barrett was only able to call upon Lee Devitt, current skipper Mark Walsh and Fionn Doherty from that Brandywell clash. Playing in a strong defensive low block, the home side adequately dealt with much of what was thrown at them. A half-dozen corners were the main avenue of attack in the opening half, with Ronan Boyce and Alex Bannon both off target. Tripimir Vrljicak drew a smart stop from Maher ninety seconds after the resumption but the visitors struck the front shortly afterwards. From here, there was no way back for the boys in blue. A double change which saw Liam Boyce and Hayden Cann introduced, reaped immediate dividends. Boyce climbed highest for head home Duffy's 59th minute corner and he found the top corner. Tommy Barrett will be left scratching his head when, just over ten minutes later, Duffy's deep set-piece was met by Scot Alex Bannon for 2-0. The pick of the goals came when Duffy's next delivery found Boyce, who from a testing angle connected wonderfully to loop a header beyond the home rearguard. Devitt pulled a goal back with an emphatic finish ten minutes from time, but Boyce struck for his hat-trick with five to play. Chambers fouled the former Hearts attacker and he converted to seal a memorable cameo. Further gloss was added soon after with Danny Mullen getting in on the act. Treaty United: Chamers; O'Connor, R Lynch, M Walsh (C) (Martin 77), B Lynch; Conroy (Byrne 77), Healy (Healy 89); Murphy, Devitt, Wilson (Cunningham 65); Vrljicak (Ferry 77). Derry City: Maher; R Boyce (Benson 77), Bannon, Connolly, Todd; Whyte (L Boyce 56), O'Reilly, Diallo, Duffy (Frizzell 77), Ferguson (Cann 56), Todd; Akinyemi (Mullen 70). Referee: Lucas Keating.
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Derry put seven past Waterford while Joey O'Brien makes winning start – what we learned from Friday's League of Ireland fixtures
Derry City demolition makes it four wins on the bounce Derry City's fine form has reached a remarkable apex – seven goals at the Brandywell on a night that underlines the quality in a squad often accused of underperformance. Liam Boyce, who has faced questions over his mixed start to life in the League of Ireland, looked in his element on Friday night. His brilliant hat-trick was made sweeter by virtue of his team-mates' contributions. When faced with crowded penalty areas from dangerous wide pockets early on, both Gavin Whyte and Michael Duffy only had eyes for their striker. Boyce converted their respective pullbacks with all the swagger you might expect from a seasoned international goalscorer. Everything has clicked into gear for the Candystripes. Both Whyte and Duffy got their names on the scoresheet later on – Duffy's goal was stunning, as he trapped a sprayed, long ball down on the stretch and chopped inside his man in one motion, before slotting it under unfortunate debutant Bradley Wade. The best of the night, however, was reserved for Sadou Diallo, whose bolt from distance thudded satisfyingly off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing over the line. Pádraig Amond, to his credit, managed to score two consolation goals himself, but he alone could not spare Waterford from an embarrassing defeat. Derry now sit eight points behind Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand. READ MORE Stalemate suits nobody in Inchicore Bohemians arrived at Richmond Park in fresh sky-blue, Oasis logos printed on their chests and opportunity written across their faces. It is rare enough to visit St Pat's expecting to come away with a win, but the form of both teams gave cause to such a prediction. With that said, Stephen Kenny's men were never going to roll over, and despite running into familiar difficulties in front of goal, they at least managed to keep their opponents scoreless. Amid all the fanfare around Bohs' collaboration with the Gallagher brothers, Douglas James-Taylor quietly let himself in the Dalymount door this week, ready to perform as the powerful target man in a mazy, effervescent frontline. The striker will have better days for the Gypsies, though he was a welcome cushion for their flying arrows to bounce off early on. Having cracked the bar through Jason McClelland on the verge of half-time, Pat's thought they had opened the scoring early in the second half. Simon Power sped through and finished well but was denied by a linesman's flag despite looking as though he had kept himself onside. With one goal in six games now, this was the sort of tough break Pat's could have done without. Alan Reynolds was particularly disappointed with Colm Whelan's failure to convert Ross Tierney's dinked cross in one of the game's final actions, as Bohs mounted a late barrage on a tired Saints defence. Kenny agreed the away side finished strongly, but he was bullish on Power's disallowed goal. 'Simon Power is clearly onside when he's running in again,' he said post-match. 'That's happened to us about five or six times. We have evidence of five or six goals, that have been clearly onside, given offside. The easiest thing to do is just put up a flag. 'I think it's probably that we've got quick players like Jake Mulraney and Zack [Elbouzedi] and Simon [Power]. We have explosive players. They're the main players that have been flagged when they're running through. We've seen it quite a few times. But listen, that's the way it goes.' Cork a welcome tonic for Joey O'Brien's Shels Joey O'Brien's reign as permanent manager of Shelbourne began with two goals inside six minutes. Cork, with distant memories of a season-first clean sheet against St Pat's last week, were hopelessly porous, but that shouldn't take away from Harry Wood and Mipo Odubeko. Both strikers have had their composure in front of goal criticised at times this season, but they were sharp and efficient early on at Tolka Park. After that blitzing start, Shelbourne could have done with a confidence-boosting stroll to victory ahead of their mammoth Champions League qualifying tie against Linfield. Instead, the home side lost their way a bit and before half-time, Kitt Nelson dragged Cork back into the game with a clean, driven finish from just inside the area. It could have been an uncomfortable second half for Shels, but a harsh-looking red card for Cork captain Charlie Lyons made the challenge too great for the league's bottom side. JJ Lunney eventually made sure of things with a bizarre goal, looping in a hopeful cross that evaded everyone and nestled in the corner. A vital, if unconvincing, three points for the champions. Drogheda do what Drogheda do Kevin Doherty's formula at Drogheda United has been simple all season, but you have to play very well to beat it. Galway United had an early goal for Malcolm Shaw ruled out for offside at Sullivan and Lambe Park, but didn't create enough clear chances in a first half they dominated. Drogheda stayed compact and picked their moments – as the tide turned early in the second period, they smelled blood. The game's only goal soon arrived via Dare Kareem, a 19-year-old making his first start for Drogs. He was quickest to react to a bouncing ball from a long throw-in, powering home and leaping into his trusting manager's arms. Galway couldn't find a route back in, and Drogheda only seemed to grow more comfortable. Europe now the focus Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and St Pat's can now begin to turn their attention to European ties and potentially transformational prize pots. For Shels and Pat's in particular, these games may be season-defining. Neither side will be delighted with their form, but there is no better moment for everything to turn around. Shamrock Rovers, on the basis of their development over the course of the year and the squad depth that has won them so many league games, there will be hopes of a memorable run.
