Pat Devlin relishing an FAI Cup run with Cabinteely

Andrew Dempsey reports from the Aviva Stadium

Pat Devlin’s Cabinteely were handed a lucrative FAI Cup First Round home tie against Cork City in the FAI Cup draw on Monday evening.

Devlin, a two-time winner of the cup with Bray Wanderers in 1990 and 1999 admits he would love one more cup run as manager.

“I’ve had a love affair with the FAI Cup,” the former Seagulls first-team boss told extratime.ie.

“People will say I’ve won it twice, but I’ve played in four cup finals because of the three replays with Finn Harps!

“I love it, I’ve been beaten in a semi-final by Bohs in 1989 and we were very unlucky. I’ve a love affair with the cup.

“I’d love to finish off and get a good cup run, even win it with Cabinteely and I’d love to do that. It’s something you never forget. In 1999, the friendships and camaraderie are still there.”

The 66-year-old soon added; “It’s a lovely draw for us (versus Cork). I’m actually really looking forward to it. Things aren’t going well for them at the moment and hopefully we can try and make it a little uncomfortable for them and we can hopefully get into the next round.

“Drawing Cork is fantastic for everyone connected with our end of things. The most important thing for us is thinking can we get into the next round.

“With the situation we’re in and the situation they’re in, and if you look back in history, there’s always an opportunity to knock out one of the top clubs and that’s what we’ll be looking at. I know Cork however and they will be very professional and well prepared but so will we.”

While the date with the Leesiders is a while away yet, Devlin notes the mouth-watering tie will serve as a major incentive for his side’s younger players to showcase their talents on the big stage. 

“We’re in a situation now where we play Shelbourne, Drogheda, Longford and Limerick and in between all of that is a magnificent cup game.

“It’s going to keep players on their toes, and they’ll all want to play in those games. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players and even for those who haven’t been playing it’s something they can strive for.

“Maybe, they will get the opportunity to play. It’s a win/win for us but I’m glad it’s not in Cork though!”