Derry City outclass Shelbourne to lift the FAI Cup

Derry City showed their class in a one-sided FAI Cup final, as Ruaidhri Higgins' side strolled to a 4-0 victory against Shelbourne at the Aviva Stadium.

Jamie McGonigle opened the scoring for the Candystripes in the 18th minute, before Cameron McJannet added a second ten minutes before half-time.

Damien Duff’s side offered little in reply as the Brandywell side wrapped the ribbons on the old trophy in the 61st minute as McJannet added another to seal a well-earned victory, before Jordan McEneff scored an injury-time spot-kick to emphasise the Derry dominance.

After a fine league campaign, Derry's intentions ending on a high were clear from the first whistle as they went straight on the attack, working Shelbourne stopper Brendan Clarke after a minute of play as Jamie McGonigle raced through. The keeper had to race out to make a vital save as the Derry striker just got his shot away under pressure from Luke Byrne who matched his run.

Shels also looked to put pressure on the Derry defence early on and a clever ball from JJ Lunney across the face towards the arriving Sean Boyd needed negotiating before the Candystripes cleared the danger.

But Derry started to take control of the game early on and enjoyed a prolonged spell inside the Shelbourne half, leading to two set-pieces in good positions.

Boyd was lucky to avoid a caution after going through McEleney in the tenth minute, who was in turn unlucky not to open the scoring as his curling free-kick was batted around the post by Clarke.

Shelbourne, to their credit, were attempting to remain composed in their play when in possession, however, they were unable to work the ball into the final third, despite JJ Lunney and Aodh Dervin’s best efforts.

And Damien Duff’s side held a nice