Stephen Bradley pleased with win over Cork as FAI Cup final preparations continue

Andrew Dempsey reports from Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley revealed that he was pleased with his side’s routine 3-0 win over Cork City on Friday evening.

Bradley will take his Hoops into battle next week against Dundalk – attempting to bridge a 32-year gap since their last FAI Cup win.

“I thought we were very good,” Bradley told extratime.ie.

We scored three, could have had a couple of more and kept a clean sheet. We played some really good football so all round, it’s been really good.

“There was no injuries. Sean Kavanagh had a bit of a knock on is knee but it’s nothing too serious, he’s fine and everyone came through it ok.

“Jack (Byrne) is on form, he’s working hard, he’s a team player and he’s been excellent all season for us.

“Obviously, he’s getting recognised with all the international stuff but the pleasing this is that he’s kept the head down and he’s a proper teammate now.

“Gary (O’Neill) was a player that we had our eye on for a while (before he joined). We like how he plays and reads the game and we felt as if he fit everything we wanted.

“Obviously, you never quite know until you get them in, and he’s been brilliant to be fair.”



While some at Tallaght Stadium may be disappointed with the Hoops coming second with a point tally of 75, the 34-year-old admits he has to credit league winners Dundalk for their success.

“Some years that points total would have won the league as you said but you’ve got to give Dundalk credit.

“They’ve gone on an unbelievable run since early in the season, going over 30 games unbeaten.

“And when a team goes on a run like that you’ve got to take your hat off to them and to be fair to them, they’ve been excellent.”

The Rovers boss finished; “To be fair to them the fans have been brilliant. It’s a freezing cold night, the game is over, and they get behind the team and show the players hats awaiting them next Sunday.

“They’ve shown how much it means to them and we know that as a group, so we’ll go there full of confidence looking to win the game.”