Derry City's Darragh Markey addicted to FAI Cup success

Of course the 29 year-old Lucan man was pivotal in Drogheda United's 2-0 upset against a crestfallen Derry City in the 2024 final which was a fittingly abject end to the season that unravelled for Ruaidhri Higgins' team.

Lifting the trophy in front of the bumper 38,723 attendance developed an insatiable appetite for silverware which ultimately led to Markey's move to Foyleside ahead of the 2026 campaign.

He describes Drogheda's 2024 final heroics as one of the most special days of his life and winning the trophy for a second time in two years would be a remarkable end to what has been an 'unsettling' first season at Derry City.

"You get to the FAI Cup Final and to win it, anyone who has done it will tell you it's one of the most special days of your life, never mind just your career," said the midfielder.

"Look, it's not a case of once you've done it, it's ticked off the bucket list. Once you experience that you want to do it again and again. It's addicitive to be honest.

"Hopefully there's a special day in store for everyone. There's nothing like the FAI Cup Final, especially when you win it and the celebrations.

"I've heard from the lads that Derry is a special place after winning the FAI Cup as well. It's going to be a very tough game. It makes for an entertaining game hopefully we come out on top in the end."

While Derry's resurgence since Mark Connolly's takeover as interim boss has been remarkable, Markey's road to the Aviva has been an unlikely one.

The Dubliner was told his torn Achilles injury sustained against his old club Drogheda after 13 minutes of the league fixture on June 26th would likely signal the end of a frustrating first season at Derry, on the eve of the European qualifiers.

Ironically the injury occurred during Derry's first game on their outstanding new grass surface but it was likely the artificial pitch that exacerbated a troublesome Tendonitis complaint.

"I had been struggling with my Achilles for a little while due to tendonitis. It's something I've had year on year and ultimately this was the year where I finally tore it. The 4G probably didn't help but it was the first game on the nice grass pitch where I actually did it, typical."

At that stage of the season Derry's title hopes had been all but extinguished, compounding an already disappointing maiden season at the club which began with Markey scoring the winning goal in the President's Cup Final at Tallaght.

He admits he didn't envisage Derry ending the year at the Aviva and is 'grateful' his teammates resurrected the season, making his comeback from the treatment room timely – one month earlier than expected.

"I'm delighted to be back. It's been a long few months to be honest. I'm probably back a month ahead of schedule as well. I was told at the time my season was probably over, other than a very slim possibility of making the bench if the lads made the cup final.

"Back in June I probably didn't have a great belief in us making a cup final if I'm honest. In fairness the lads have been outstanding over the last three or four months.

"There were a lot of tough games. The cup ties in particular, have all been tough games - UCD away, Dundalk, Galway, they are tricky games on paper.

"The lads battled and showed their quality which was massive. Our league form, ourselves and Waterford are probably the two teams who had a poor first half of the season and managed to turn it around. It makes for an entertaining final.

"I'm just grateful to be back and ultimately have something to play for. It was looking very unlikely at the time. I had to have it in the back of my head that if there was a cup final I wanted to be as fit as I possibly could be. I done my rehab correctly every day and worked as hard as anyone.

"It’s been quite unsettling. You try to settle down and it's one thing after the other; it's been disappointing. Looking from the side, the lads have brought joy to me.

"People are finally showing what good players they are and the quality they have. When the boys are winning it makes things easier, even walking around town there's a good atmosphere around the city. Thankfully I've come back and we’ve something to play for which makes me very happy."

Markey has been thriving on Connolly's attacking approach to games since returning to the fold and has impressed in games against St Pat's, Dundalk and Sligo.

He's hoping to contribute to a potential FAI Cup triumph which could be the springboard Derry so desperately needs after an underwhelming league campaign.

"Even in the back of my head at the start of the year it wasn't going well but I knew this could still be a special place. Even the way the lads' have finished the season could be seen as a springboard for next year but the FAI Cup certainly will be, given European football and the attraction that brings.

"No doubt about it. The lads' form at the back end of the season has been really positive to see and to be involved in. Hopefully I can contribute to that now.

"Everyone has a pep in their step at the moment and is full of confidence. Winning is a habit, and the lads are in that kind of flow at the minute. I'm really grateful to be involved in it."