Kenny hails 'amazing achievement' after FAI Cup semi-final victory

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny predicted a very tough assignment for his charges in advance of the Lilywhites Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup semi-final replay away to Shamrock Rovers, and so it proved on a momentous night at the Tallaght Stadium.

Understandably, Kenny was in ebullient mood after his side qualified for their third FAI Cup final in a row. “To concede an early goal, to come back from that and to concede that late equaliser, the momentum was with Shamrock Rovers then.”

Wind assisted, Rovers did dominate the first period of extra time but failed to make the breakthrough. Two late goals clinched Dundalk’s memorable win. “To go and win 4-2 in extra time was an amazing achievement, an amazing effort from everybody,” said Kenny afterwards.

One suspects he may reserve private words of high praise for two of his most experienced players, David McMillan and Stephen O’Donnell, who popped-up with the late goals that sealed Dundalk’s spot in the 5^th November showpiece at the Aviva Stadium.

With the likes of Patrick McEleney, Dane Massey and John Mountney missing, Kenny was down to the bare bones in terms of squad selection. “We had a real patched-up team in terms of injuries, at the moment, with certain players not available.”

“Two of the subs that came on (Thomas Stewart and Chris Shields) shouldn’t really have been passed fit to play. They put themselves on the line by going out and playing the way they did.”

Shamrock Rovers contributed hugely to what was one of the matches of the season. Trevor Clarke could have given the home side the lead for the second time before McMillen put the Louth men ahead in the second half of normal time and the pacy winger went close again before Micahel O’Connor’s leveller. “It was such a tight game. It was end to end,” was the Dundalk boss’ assessment.

But Kenny’s boys march on to face arch rivals Cork City for the third successive decider. “It was a great team effort. To win 4-2 was terrific.”