Derry City Football Club pulled out all the stops to generate an atmosphere befitting of the occasion with a magnificent family-friendly Fan Zone with a pop-up merchandise store, beer truck, food and drink, live music, face-painting and a football skills arena.
It was a huge success both on and off the pitch as Derry City clinched a memorable 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers thanks to James Clarke’s first half goal – a strike which will go down in the local sporting history books.
Photographers Kevin Morrison and Sportsfile’s Stephen McCarthy and Ramsey Cardy captured some stunning moments before, during and after the match as the majority of those in attendance, barring the 150 or so travelling Rovers fans went home happy.
33. Celtic Perks for Derry City fans
Derry City supporters celebrate after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at Find Insurance Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
34. Celtic Perks for Derry City fans
Derry City supporters before the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at Find Insurance Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
35. Celtic Perks for Derry City fans
The Derry City ultras during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at Find Insurance Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
36. Celtic Perks for Derry City fans
Derry City supporters celebrate after James Clarke of Derry City scores his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at Find Insurance Celtic Park in Derry. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE