Crowds flocking in to see Dublin rivals play it again

The Sports Direct FAI Cup final has much promise.

Ticket sales had passed 40,000 by Friday, surpassing the 37,126 who watched St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians battle it out two years ago.

That's the modern record, but whether they can surpass the 41,238 who paid in to see Shamrock Rovers beat Bohs back in 1945 remains to be seen. All in all though, it's a reflection of the ever increasing popularity of domestic soccer and it certainly strengthens the case for investment in grounds around the league.

While a Cup final is an occasion, which naturally might draw in the punter who isn't out every Friday night, the likely attendance puts the current capacities of some of the League of Ireland grounds - particularly those that regularly sell out - into sharp focus.

A discussion for another day!

We need your consent to load this YouTube content We use YouTube to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

To matters on the pitch and, as it was two years ago, Pat's will arrive at the Aviva with European soccer secured for next season already, having amassed 62 league points from their 36 games. This season it was only good enough for third place, but that's ultimately academic at this stage.

Bohemians, similarly to 2021, need a victory on today to make sure they will have a European campaign to look forward to for the first time since the summer of 2021 when they were able to sell out their covid-capacity limited games on Lansdowne Road. They only fell to PAOK, who would go on to reach the quarter-finals that season, 3-2 on aggregate, but will they have a similar adventure to look forward to next