Quick Read
- Derry City defeated Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in the 2026 President’s Cup final.
- Darragh Markey scored the winning goal for Derry City in the 33rd minute.
- James McClean, making his return to Derry City, provided the assist for the solitary goal.
- The match, held at Tallaght Stadium on January 31, 2026, was marked by its competitive and physical nature, with seven yellow cards issued.
- Derry City’s high-pressing game prevented Shamrock Rovers from finding their rhythm throughout the contest.
DERRY (Azat TV) – Derry City secured the first piece of Irish football silverware for 2026, defeating reigning double-winners Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in a fiery President’s Cup final at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday, January 31. A decisive debut goal from Darragh Markey, assisted by returning club legend James McClean, proved the difference in a highly competitive curtain-raiser to the League of Ireland season, played out in front of 4,711 fans.
Derry City’s Dominant Start to the Season
Darragh Markey, a close-season acquisition from Drogheda United, made an immediate impact, drilling a first-time effort past young Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Alex Noonan in the 33rd minute. The goal, which went in off the underside of the crossbar, came courtesy of a ruthless demonstration of skill and pace from James McClean. The former Ireland international, making his highly anticipated return to Derry City, darted past Rovers teenager Max Kovalevskis to deliver a pinpoint cross, setting up Markey’s memorable debut goal. McClean, who had been subjected to jeers from the Hoops faithful, visibly savored the moment, responding with a thumbs-up and sarcastic applause towards the South Stand, according to reports from the Irish Mirror and The42.ie.
Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch had downplayed the fixture as a “glorified friendly” before the game, but the intensity on the pitch suggested otherwise. Seven yellow cards were issued by referee Kevin O’Sullivan, reflecting the fiercely contested nature of the match. Derry’s high-pressing game was effective throughout, preventing Shamrock Rovers, the 2025 double-winners, from establishing their usual rhythm and dominance.
Key Performances and Debutants
James McClean, lining out in central midfield, showcased his experience and versatility, frequently roaming to either flank and seeing plenty of the ball. His clash with former Ireland teammate Jack Byrne, who was making his comeback for Rovers after a half-season loan in Dubai, earned Byrne a first-half yellow card. Other Derry City debutants, including Rob Slevin, Patrick McClean, Josh Thomas, and James Clarke, also started strong, contributing to the Candystripes’ overall performance. Josh Thomas, on loan from Swansea, was a constant threat with his pace, particularly troubling Rovers defender Pico Lopes, and created several scoring opportunities that were ultimately denied by Rovers’ goalkeeping.
For Shamrock Rovers, manager Stephen Bradley opted for a mix of youth and experience. Goalkeeper Alex Noonan, Victor Ozhianvuna, and Max Kovalevskis were among the young players given starts. Ed McGinty replaced Noonan at half-time and carried his strong 2025 form into the new year, making two crucial one-on-one saves in the second half to keep Rovers in the game. New signing Jake Mulraney, from St Patrick’s Athletic, showed promising flashes on the right flank, exciting the Rovers fanbase for the season ahead. Notably, Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan, who is reportedly the subject of a €1.8 million bid from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, was on the bench for the final.
President’s Cup Significance and Future Outlook
The President’s Cup, initiated by former President Michael D. Higgins in 2014, serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for the League of Ireland season. This year’s final marked the first under President Catherine Connolly, who welcomed team captains and FAI officials to Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of both the men’s and women’s cup matches, as reported by Extratime.com. Shamrock Rovers skipper Pico Lopes and Derry City’s Dipo Akinyemi represented their clubs at the official reception.
Derry City’s victory not only secures the first silverware of 2026 but also lays down a significant marker for the upcoming League of Ireland campaign. Having finished as league runners-up in 2025, this win against the reigning champions suggests Tiernan Lynch’s side is well-prepared and highly competitive. For Shamrock Rovers, the defeat, while early in the season, highlights areas for improvement, particularly in breaking down a high-pressing opponent and converting limited chances. The match served as a compelling prelude, signaling an intense and closely fought season ahead in Irish football.
The early triumph for Derry City, spearheaded by a blend of experienced returnees and impactful new signings, underscores a clear ambition to challenge for top honors in the League of Ireland, setting a competitive tone for the 2026 season.