Ruaidhri Higgins happy to reach FAI Cup Final
Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was happy that “Derry can empty out again” for the showpiece decider at the Aviva Stadium on November 10.
Drogheda United or Wexford FC await in just over five weeks’ time but for now Higgins is more than satisfied that his charges will get a chance to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2022. There was also praise for Duffy.
“It was a really good night for us; an unbelievable first goal and the second goal was really good as well,” Higgins revealed to RTÉ Sport afterwards.
“You see our travelling support here and I’m delighted that we are sending them home happy. Derry can empty out once again and get themselves back down to Dublin for a day out.”
Duffy’s opening goal came direct from a free kick in the opening half, while the second with 20 minutes to go seemed to deceive Bohs keeper Kacper Chorazka as the flight of the ball aided by coming off that bump in the surface at the shopping centre end of Dalymount.
Player of the match Duffy admitted he had worked on his free-kick technique in advance of the game, when saying: “It was a cross-shot that made its way in – straight in the top corner and I don’t think I’ll catch one as good as that again. I’m buzzing.”
He added that there was a little bit of fortune in how he completed his brace.
“I think the goalmouth helped me alright, it took an awkward bounce over the keeper but that goal was massive because Bohs were putting it up to us in the second half. It settled the game for us.”
Duffy’s importance to the Derry cause was further outlined by his manager.
“Michael Duffy is first on the training pitch and then last off the training pitch every single day. He’s one of the most decorated players in our squad and he’s got an unbelievable love for the game. He practices on his own a lot and has got immense talent.
“He’s had a few years with us but a lot of it has been plagued with injury but we see how influential he is whenever he is fit and healthy and on top form.”
Higgins also paid tribute to the efforts of midfielder Ben Doherty, this after interviewer Tony O’Donoghue reminded him that Derry are still on course to complete a league/cup double.
“Thanks Tony for reminding me of that; I was trying to enjoy the half an hour after the final whistle and you’ve just ruined it,” Higgins quipped.
“I have to mention that Ben Doherty has trained one day in three weeks. Ciaran Coll was suspended and we needed Ben to make himself available; he made himself available and he was outstanding in the game.”
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