The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup semi-final draw has been confirmed, with the competition's surprise package Kerry FC set to face a challenging trip to Shamrock Rovers. In the other semi-final clash, Cork City will host St Patrick's Athletic.
We can now understand, from the latest odds at the Irish bookmaker Scs, which of these four is most likely to grasp that crown, currently held by Drogheda United.
Will it be the smallest of the four, Kerry FC, who are playing only their third season in the second tier of the League of Ireland? Perhaps record 25-time champions Shamrock Rovers will reclaim the cup. St. Patrick's, who finished 3rd last season, will also be highly favoured. Meanwhile, Cork City always represent a strong challenge.
Kerry FC, the real minnows of this final four, have been handed a daunting task in the semi-final draw. The First Division side will face a trip to Shamrock Rovers, arguably the biggest club in Irish football history.
This comes after their remarkable quarter-final win against Sligo Rovers, where they made a stunning comeback from three goals down to win 4-3 after extra time. This victory marked their first-ever semi-final qualification.
The team's manager, Colin Healy, celebrated the win with Carl Mujaguzi, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. However, the reward for their efforts is a challenging match against the team at the very summit of the top flight, Shamrock Rovers.
Stephen Bradley's team, Shamrock Rovers, had to endure a penalty shootout in their quarter-final at Drogheda United to secure their place in the semi-finals. The tie between Kerry FC and Shamrock Rovers will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, 5 October, with a kick-off time of 6pm.
In the other semi-final clash, Cork City, the only side to avoid extra time in the last eight, will host St Patrick's Athletic. Cork City secured their semi-final spot by beating Finn Harps 3-0 away. Despite being at the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, Cork City will host a St Pat's outfit that has won the cup twice in the past four seasons.
The match between Cork City and St Patrick's Athletic will be the first semi-final to be completed, scheduled for Friday, 3 October at 7.30pm.
The final will take place on November 9th at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with thousands of fans expected to attend.
But who do the bookies believe will win the competition when all is said and done?
Shamrock Rovers edge it with the bookmakers. They are 4/6 favourites to win the FA Cup in 2025. Meanwhile, St Patrick's are 6/4, Cork City are 9/1 and Kerry FC are a whopping 66/1 - outstanding value with only two ties left to play.
