Five famous matches between Saints and Bohs
The rivalry between Bohemians and St. Patrick's Athletic, two of Dublin's most storied football clubs, has produced numerous memorable encounters over the years. Here are five standout matches that have defined this local rivalry:
1. 2023 Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Final
On November 12, 2023, the Aviva Stadium hosted a historic FAI Cup Final between Bohemians and St. Patrick's Athletic. The match drew a record domestic crowd of 43,881 spectators, surpassing the previous attendance record set in 1945. Bohemians took an early lead with a penalty converted by Jonathan Afolabi. However, St. Pat's responded with goals from Mark Doyle, an own goal by Krystian Nowak, and a final strike from Thomas Lonergan, securing a 3–1 victory and their fifth FAI Cup title.
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2. 2021 Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Final
The 2021 FAI Cup Final saw these rivals clash in a dramatic match that ended 1–1 after extra time. St. Patrick's Athletic emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, clinching the cup and adding another thrilling chapter to their rivalry with Bohemians.
Chris Forrester's famous goal in extra-time was cancelled out by a Bohemians corner before Robbie Benson stepped up to win the shoot-out for the Saints.
3. 2009–10 Setanta Sports Cup Final
In the 2009–10 Setanta Sports Cup Final, Bohemians faced St. Patrick's Athletic and secured a narrow 1–0 victory. This win marked Bohemians' first triumph in the cross-border competition which is no longer competed
4. 2017 League encounter at Dalymount
Conan Byrne was the star for St Patrick’s Athletic as he notched a stunning brace to help Liam Buckley’s men seal their second Dublin derby victory in under a week as they dispatched Bohemians 4-0 at Dalymount Park.
Christy Fagan had broken the deadlock late in the first-half for the visitors before Byrne sealed the 100th league goal of his career with a wonder-strike from inside his own half on the stroke of half-time. Byrne added a third a minute into the restart before Kurtis Byrne rounded off the win with an injury-time volley.
5. 2024 League Encounter at Dalymount Park
In October 2024, a crucial league match at Dalymount Park saw St. Patrick's Athletic defeat Bohemians 3–1. The game turned after a red card for Bohemians' Ross Tierney early in the second half. Despite Bohemians’ strong start and missed penalties, second-half goals from Chris Forrester, Jake Mulraney, and Joe Redmond secured the victory for St. Pat’s, propelling them into title contention.
The two meet again on Virgin Media Two television this Friday night.
