Derry’s MP Colum Eastwood has said that everyone is firmly behind Derry City ahead of Sunday’s FAI Cup Final clash with Waterford.

Foyle SDLP MP Mr Eastwood said it was heartening to see the outpouring of support for the players and staff from right across the city, as he wished Mark Connolly and the team well for the game.

“The whole of Derry has been absolutely gripped with cup final fever ahead of Derry City’s cup final game with Waterford this Sunday. I’m looking forward to being part of the cavalcade of thousands hitting the road from Derry to Dublin to support the Red and White Army. There really is nothing like it and anyone who has been before will know that it feels like Derry has taken over the place.

“The build up to the cup final has also been a reminder of the important role that Derry City plays in the heart of our community. The club are part of the fabric and the history of this city and it was wonderful to see players and staff out and about ahead of the match visiting schools and receiving a rapturous reception from the next generation of Derry City fans. That connection between the club and the people of Derry is what makes it so special.

3 November 2026; The Derry City squad, back row, from left, Darragh Burns, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Ellis Chapman, Jamie Stott, Terence Doherty, Christy Grogan, James Olayinka, Caolán O’Donnell and Carl Winchester, middle row, Kévin dos Santos, Gavin Whyte, Conor Barr, James Clarke, Conal McDermott, Brian Maher, Tom Norcott, Tyler Smith, Callum Downey, Liam Kelly and Yoann Prigent, with, front row, Patrick McClean, Adam O'Reilly, Darragh Markey, Liam Boyce, interim manager Mark Connolly, Michael Duffy, Brandon Fleming, Cameron Dummigan and Nick Twisk at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

placeholder image — 3 November 2026; The Derry City squad, back row, from left, Darragh Burns, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Ellis Chapman, Jamie Stott, Terence Doherty, Christy Grogan, James Olayinka, Caolán O’Donnell and Carl Winchester, middle row, Kévin dos Santos, Gavin Whyte, Conor Barr, James Clarke, Conal McDermott, Brian Maher, Tom Norcott, Tyler Smith, Callum Downey, Liam Kelly and Yoann Prigent, with, front row, Patrick McClean, Adam O'Reilly, Darragh Markey, Liam Boyce, interim manager Mark Connolly, Michael Duffy, Brandon Fleming, Cameron Dummigan and Nick Twisk at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“It has been a difficult season at points and any long-time Derry City fan knows to take nothing for granted, but Sunday gives us the opportunity to end the season on the ultimate high and bring the cup back to Derry. Everyone is behind the team, the city is a sea of red and white, people are already getting ready to travel down and now it’s over to the staff and team to bring it home.”