Derry City are heading to the Aviva Stadium after a dominant semi-final performance saw them dismantle Galway United and book their place in the FAI Cup final on November 8.
Michael Duffy was the man of the moment, scoring twice to send the Candystripes through in style and set up what promises to be a cracking final against Waterford in Dublin.
Derry were the better side from start to finish, controlling large spells of the game and making their quality count when it mattered most. Galway had their moments but never really looked like stopping a Derry side that was sharp, clinical, and clearly determined to go all the way this season.
Duffy, who has been one of the standout players in the League of Ireland this year, delivered when his team needed him most. His first goal settled any nerves and his second put the tie beyond doubt, leaving Galway with too much to do and too little time to do it.
For Derry supporters, this is a massive occasion. The Aviva final is one of the highlights of the Irish football calendar and the Candystripes will travel to Dublin with genuine belief they can lift the trophy.
Waterford await in the final, and it shapes up as a serious contest between two clubs who have had strong campaigns. November 8 cannot come fast enough for fans on both sides.
Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins has built something real at the club and this run to the final is further proof that the Candystripes belong among the elite of domestic Irish football. The squad has depth, experience, and match winners, and Duffy is Exhibit A when it comes to players who can change a game in an instant.
Galway will be bitterly disappointed. Reaching the semi-final was a solid achievement but they will feel they never quite hit the heights needed to trouble Derry on the night. It is back to the drawing board for them as they look to push on in the seasons ahead.
For now though, this is Derry’s moment. The Candystripes are two games from glory, and after a performance like that, nobody will be rushing to write them off.