In this post, you can find our FAI Cup Quarter-Finals Preview as we gear toward the business end of Ireland’s premier cup competition.
FAI Cup Acca Selections
Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers – Shamrock Rovers @ 3/4
Kerry FC vs Sligo Rovers - Sligo Rovers @ 8/13
Finn Harps vs Cork City – Cork City @ 23/20
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Galway United – St Patrick’s Athletic ‘ 4/6
An accumulator with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with BoyleSports.
Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers
Drogheda United vs Shamrock Rovers – Friday 7.45 pm, RTÉ 2
Odds
Drogheda United – 4/1
Shamrock Rovers – 3/4
Draw – 23/10
Preview
Defending Champions Drogheda United have bounced back from their controversial expulsion from Europe earlier this season to continue their positive trajectory under Kevin Doherty. With 7 league games remaining, they’re well in the conversation for European Qualification, again a feat which should not be ignored, given many predicted that they would be in a relegation battle again this season.
Shamrock Rovers may have won 4/5 of the last Premier Division titles, they may be performing with distinction in Europe these last couple of seasons, but the FAI Cup has proven to be their kryptonite, having not won the competition since their success in 2019 when they defeated Dundalk on penalties.
Prediction: Drogheda United 1-2 Shamrock Rovers
Though Shamrock Rovers have beaten Drogheda in their last 5 encounters, it’s been by a single goal in 4 of those games. So while I think they will edge it again, I’m expecting them to be given a good game of it on Friday Night.
Best Bet: Shamrock Rovers @ 6/10
Kerry vs Sligo Rovers
Kerry vs Sligo Rovers – Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Kerry – 4/1
Sligo Rovers - 8/13
Draw – 13/5
Preview
Ireland’s newest League of Ireland club, Kerry FC, have only existed in the pyramid since 2022, and so their appearance in the FAI Cup Quarter-Finals is a seminal moment in the club's short history. While they’ve struggled at times, their trajectory has been one of marked progression and following the appointment of Colin Healy earlier in the season, they now have a serious coach to bring them even further on their journey.
Sligo Rovers are a really interesting case, but have the potential in the closing weeks of the season to replicate what Drogheda did last season in staying up and winning the FAI Cup. However, despite a largely positive feeling around the club with 7 points from their last 5 league games, they still can’t falter in the final 7 games if they want to secure safety. The FAI Cup can be a reprieve for them too as they look to win their first since going back-to-back in 2010 and 2011.
Prediction: Kerry 0-2 Sligo Rovers
Kerry have a de facto free hit in this one, with all the pressure on Sligo Rovers to perform, but I still expect the away side to have far too much quality for Kerry.
Best Bet: Sligo Rovers @ 8/13
Finn Harps vs Cork City
Finn Harps vs Cork City – Friday 7:45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Finn Harps – 9/4
Cork City – 23/20
Draw – 21/10
Preview
Finn Harps have one FAI Cup trophy to their name, though that came all the way back in the 1973-7 season. Following their Premier Division relegation in the 2022 season, they’ve generally struggled in the First Division. However, their second half of the season has been strong, and they come into the game in good form, having 11 points accrued from their last 5 league games.
Cork City have overseen a mini renaissance themselves in recent weeks, but with them bottom and trailing Sligo Rovers with only 7 games remaining it may be a story of too little too late for their survival aspirations, The FAI Cup provides them with an opportunity to “safe their season” and they’re now 3 wins away from European Football in 2026 regardless of what division they end up being in.
Prediction: Finn Harps 0-3 Cork City
While Harps certainly won’t fear Cork City, the away side should still have far too much quality.
Best Bet: Cork City @ 23/20
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Galway United
St Patrick’s Athletic vs Galway United– Sunday 6 pm, RTÉ 2
Odds
St Patrick’s Athletic – 8/13
Galway United– 4/1
Draw – 5/2
Preview
St Patrick’s Athletic are closing the 2025 season strongly, in a similar vein of form that they concluded the 2024 season. Their 11-point total from their last 5 Premier Division games has catapulted them back into the European conversation. However, after eliminating Shelbourne in the last round, they’re major contenders to replicate their FAI Cup victories in both 2021 and 2023.
It's been a difficult season to say the least for Galway United, both on and off the pitch, and their Premier Division safety is not yet secured, though their recent draw with Shamrock Rovers was a brave step. It would be somewhat poetic if the 1990/91 Cup Champions could repeat the feat in 2025, and in John Caulfield, they do have a manager who knows how to spark a cup run.
Prediction: St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 Galway United
Had this game come at an earlier point in the season, I think the result would have been very different, but I now can’t see past a Pat’s victory.
Best Bet: St Patrick’s Athletic @ 8/13
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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