EA Sports Cup High On The Agenda

The Last Word by Brendan White

(first published in the May 2009 Shamrock Rovers EA Sports Cup programme)

The EA Sports Cup has risen on clubs’ wanted lists over the past few years. Recently, with a possible place in the Setanta Sports Cup on offer, clubs are beginning to take it more seriously.

The competition began in 1973, replacing the old League of Ireland Shield. The EA Sports Cup is the first piece of silverware to be given out each season. The winners will take part in a play-off with the winners of the First Division for a place in the Setanta Sports Cup.

In recent years, clubs have focused more on the League and the FAI Cup, usually leaving the League Cup to reserve players. With the FAI Cup having a bigger appeal and history around it, the EA Sports Cup now allows teams who may not usually win trophies the chance to do so. With many Premier Division teams preferring to concentrate on other competitions, it is allowing other clubs to capitalise.

The Quarter Final draw has pitted all remaining First Division clubs against Premier Division clubs. UCD, Sporting Fingal and Wexford Youths join the Blues in the quarter finals against Premier Division Galway United, Sligo Rovers, League Champions Bohemians and our opponents tonight Shamrock Rovers.

The Blues have only won the League Cup twice in their history, firstly in 1974 and then in 1985. The last number of years has seen Derry City as the League Cup specialists, winning the last four Cup competitions. Despite having a very proud tradition in the League of Ireland, opponents Shamrock Rovers have won the League Cup trophy on just one occasion, in 1977. Having won the League title 15 times, the League Cup is something that has eluded them, having ended up as runners up on five separate occasions.

Rovers currently have Waterford born Shane Robinson in their squad. Also in Rovers’ side is former Blues player Pat Flynn. Flynn became somewhat of a hero during his time with the Blues for his no-nonsense approach, with many Blues’ fans looking forward to his return when the quarter final draw was made.

The Blues have used the League Cup to allow players on the fringe of the starting 11 to stake a claim for a place in the squad. With Kevin Burns, Declan Woodgate, Kieran Fitzgerald and David Grincell all having taken their chances so far, Stephen Henderson is left with difficult selection decisions as he looks to progress to the semi-final.