St Patrick's Athl. Stage epic comeback to stun Shamrock Rovers
St Patrick's Athl. Have produced a dramatic comeback to knock holders Shamrock Rovers out of the FAI Cup, winning 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The Saints trailed 2-0 at half-time, but came alive in the second half to avenge three defeats to their rivals this season.
St Patrick's Athl. Trailed 2-0 at half-time, but Aidan Keena's 94th-minute penalty equalised the score. Teenager Sam Rooney then scored the winner in extra-time, rifling home a glorious first senior goal for the club.
Why it matters for St Patrick's Athl.
The win marks a significant turnaround for the Saints, who had lost three consecutive matches to Shamrock Rovers this season. The victory also sets up a quarter-final tie against Drogheda United, who are currently 9th in the table.
St Patrick's Athl. Will now face Drogheda United in the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup. The Saints are currently 2nd in the Premier Division, with 47 points from 27 games. They have a 7-point deficit to leaders Shamrock Rovers and are on a 2-game winning streak.
League standing: 2nd in Premier Division, 47 pts, 13W-8D-6L from 27 games, recent form WDDDW.
Goals this season: 43 scored, 23 conceded (+20 goal difference).
Title race: 7 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Last result: Shelbourne 1-2 St Patrick's Athl. (2026-08-09).
Recent form (last 5): 2W-3D-0L (WWDDD, most recent first); on a 2-game winning run.
Next fixture: vs Drogheda United (away, 2026-08-21) (9th in the table).
