Both sets of fans turned out in force with an official attendance of 36,093 but it was the Derry support who went home to celebrate a third cup win in five years thanks to Darragh Burns’ 69th minute winner – his first goal for the club.
Celebrations continued well into the night in Dublin and again on Monday night as the team and staff showed off the cup in front of thousands at the Guildhall Square in Derry.
Another memorable day for the Brandywell club who will be hoping this latest cup win is the springboard for a league title tilt next year.
1. Brandywell Faithful take over Aviva
Derry City supporters before the 2026 Club Orange Men's FAI Cup final match between Derry City and Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Paul Phelan/Sportsfile Photo: Paul Phelan / SPORTSFILE
2. Brandywell Faithful take over Aviva
Derry City players acknowledge supporters before the 2026 Club Orange Men's FAI Cup final match between Derry City and Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile Photo: Ben McShane / SPORTSFILE
3. Brandywell Faithful take over Aviva
Derry City supporters during the 2026 Club Orange Men's FAI Cup final match between Derry City and Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Paul Phelan/Sportsfile Photo: Paul Phelan / SPORTSFILE
4. Brandywell Faithful take over Aviva
Darragh Burns of Derry City, hidden, celebrates with team-mates and supporters after scoring their side's first goal during the 2026 Club Orange Men's FAI Cup final match between Derry City and Waterford at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile Photo: Ben McShane / SPORTSFILE