In this post, you can find our FAI Cup Semi-Finals Preview as we gear up for the business end of Ireland’s premier cup competition.
The Club Orange FAI Cup semi-finals are set for this weekend, with Bohemians hosting Waterford and Derry City at home to Galway United.
Acca Selections
FAI Cup Semi-Final Predictions
Bohemians vs Waterford – Bohemians @ 11/20
Galway United vs Derry City – Derry City @ 11/10
A double with these selections pays at approximately 2//1 with BOYLE Sports.
Bohemians vs Waterford
Bohemians vs Waterford Friday 7.45 pm, LOI TV
Odds
Bohemians – 11/20
Waterford – 9/2
Draw – 3/1
Preview
Bohemians are a club which generally does a lot of right off the field but are constantly criticised (and arguably rightly) for their perceived underperformance on the pitch. However, to the credit of Alan Reynolds , who comes under criticism himself, they have a strong chance of landing at least one trophy and maybe even a double in the coming weeks.
There’s a lot to like about their squad, with quality from back with players like Patrick Hickey and Sam Todd to further up the field with Dawson Devoy , Ross Tierney and Colm Whelan et al. They’ve more than enough to have a productive few weeks ahead of them.
Bohemians Route
Second Round – Ringmahon Rangers BYE Bohemians
Third Round – Bohemians 4-0 Longford Town
Quarter Final – St Patrick’s Athletic 1-1 Bohemians (7-8p)
Waterford have been exceptional since the appointment of Graham Coughlan in May, managing them to a record of 10 victories, 7 draws and just 3 defeats from their 20 games in all competitions. Though they’ve had the opportunity to reach an FAI Cup final , such was the task he went into that they remain not out of relegation trouble.
The Blues have also plenty of quality in their squad, but the front-two naturally take the bulk of the attention. Veteran striker Pádraig Amond is still doing the business at 38, while his partner, young prospect Tommy Lonergan (22), will look to continue riding the wave of his brace midweek in Ireland’s 3-1 win over England at U21 level.
Waterford’s Route
Second Round – Waterford 2-1 Cobh Ramblers
Third Round – Waterford 2-1 Athlone Town
Quarter Final –Waterford 3-0 Sligo Rovers
Prediction
Prediction: Bohemians 2-1 Waterford
Head-to-head, both sides this season are tied at one win apiece, as well as one draw. However, I think that home advantage should be enough to swing this result.
Galway United vs Derry City
Galway United vs Derry City – Saturday 3 pm, RTÉ 2
Odds
Galway United – 23/10
Derry City – 11/10
Draw – 12/5
Preview
The football may never be “fashionable” under John Caulfield, but it's always been effective irrespective of where and which team he has managed. As a player, he won an FAI Cup playing for Cork City and, most relevantly, guided them to glory as manager in 2016 and 2017, as well as runner-up finishes in 2015 and 2018. He knows what it takes to get through an FAI Cup semi-final.
Though they lack in “household names” when it comes to Irish domestic football, that doesn’t mean they don’t have players who would be an asset to any side on the island, and with bite like David Hurley and Aaron Bolger centrally, as well as timeless veteran Stephen Walsh up top, they can compete with any side on their day.
Galway’s Route
Second Round – Galway United 4-0 Crumlin United
Third Round – Galway United 1-1 (AET) (5-3p) Bray Wanderers
Quarter Final – Drogheda United 1-2 Galway United
Derry City have had a whirlwind 2026 season and may need to land another FAI Cup in the coming weeks for it not to be classified as an unmitigated failure. However, in the midst of never-ending noise at the club, Mark Connolly deserves great credit for how he’s stabilised the club since coming in as caretaker manager.
A certain “name” away from the current playing squad may draw the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. But this squad has more than enough quality, and the likes of Brandon Fleming , Patrick McClean and, most of all, Michael Duffy deserve credit not only for their quality but their commitment to the cause too.
Derry City’s Route
Second Round – Derry City 3-0 Tolka Rovers
Third Round – UCD 1-2 Derry City
Quarter Final – Derry City 4-2 Dundalk
Prediction
Prediction: Galway United 0-2 Derry City
Galway United are unbeaten at home this season against Derry City with wins at Eamonn Deacy Park and Pearse Park . But Derry City got the better of them 1-0 last month, and I think they’re better placed to win this time again.
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Bill is as passionate about Irish football as they come, with an agonising longing to see his country grace a World Cup stage. A League of Ireland devotee and lifelong Man United fan, he knows better than most what sporting heartbreak feels like, and brings that perspective to the BOYLE Sports Blog. With roots in greyhound racing and a curiosity spanning politics, snooker, WWE and beyond, there is rarely a sporting conversation he cannot add to.
