FAI Cup Preview: Galway and Cork hoping for an upset

First Division clubs reaching the FAI Cup semi-finals is not that unusual.

Waterford and Treaty United did it last season, the Blues also managed it in 2021, Athlone were there the year before while UCD got to the last four in 2019.

What's true of all of those sides though is that they didn't manage to reach the final, with De Town shipping 11 goals to the Lilywhites three years ago.

Can this season be different?

Bohemian heading for an ambush?

Well Galway do look a different beast to any of the above teams. The Tribesmen have run away with the First Division this season, losing just two games so far, and their supporters are already looking forward to Premier Division soccer in 2024.

The buzz is there, the game sold out in advance, but might those same fans also have a European campaign on the horizon?

If they're to win the FAI Cup they'll have to beat two Premier Division sides but their form against Premier Division opposition in this run has been impressive. They dispatched with UCD, the side they will replace in the top flight next term, in impressive fashion at Belfield at the second time of asking.

Beating the Students in 2023 is one thing, but smashing in four goals against Dundalk in the quarters certainly sent out a statement of their potential.

David Hurley has scored 21 times this season, including two against UCD and another against Dundalk, so he's undoubtedly a danger man for the westerners.

Europe in their sights

Bohemians will head to Terryland later as favourites but well aware of just how dangerous their hosts are at the moment.

The Gypsies are going in search of their first major trophy in 15 years and, on top of that, the club will be determined to secure European soccer for the first time since 2021.

Declan