Michael Duffy recalls precious Foyle Cup memories as his son prepares to follow in his footsteps

​The Derry City captain was the guest of honour at the official launch of the 2026 youth football showpiece at the North West Regional College on Thursday evening and recalled his many 'amazing' memories from playing in the competition as a youngster.

He first played in the week-long Foyle Cup when he was with the U10 Derry & District Youth F.A. squad and twice reached the finals - eventually winning the U19 tournament with Derry City as a 15 year-old!

Now the former Celtic man gets the opportunity to watch his football-mad son play in his first tournament with Foyle Harps during a week where he’ll be representing Derry City in Europe.

"It's massive and I'm honoured to be asked to launch it," said the two-time League of Ireland Premier Division winner.

"It's a tournament I played in for many years right up from U10 or U11. It didn't start as early back then but I remember playing right through with the Derry & District.

"It was a bit different back then and now obviously all the local teams can enter sides into it. So there are a lot more teams in it, which gives many more kids an opportunity to play.

"You always remember the Foyle Cup. I remember plenty of days playing in it. I remember getting to the final of the U12s against Sheffield United in the Brandywell. We lost that game but I still remember the day.

"I didn't manage to win the Foyle Cup until I was playing with Derry. I was only 15 and played with the U19s. So I have some class memories and it's an amazing tournament," added Duffy who recalls scoring a hat-trick at Wilton Park for Derry U19s in the lead up to their Foyle Cup triumph.

"The kids look forward to it all year and the whole build up and the whole week is amazing for them. It's unbelievable. You feel like a celebrity that week.

"You take part in the parade and the streets are packed and you're singing walking through the streets. You go to games and they're always packed around the pitches.

"Everyone is out watching you and it's all about the kids during the week. There's a lot more teams now and sometimes you're traveling outside of Derry.

"Especially since I've come back to Derry I try to get out and watch as much as I can. My missus' wee brother plays in it for Don Bosco's and I would go out and watch him for the past few years. I always try to get to a couple of Foyle Harps games whenever I can. I would try to get to see of the Derry games."

Of course Derry City will be embarking on their UEFA Europa League campaign when the Foyle Cup officially begins on Monday, July 20th. However, he's determined to see as many of his son's games as possible.

"I love getting out to watch it and bring my wee man. "Obviously this year he's going to be playing in it. He's a year younger, playing for Foyle Harps U8s. He's only U7s but he will get that experience. He will be buzzing and I hope I can get to a few of his games.

"It's going to be class. I just hope my training schedule allows me to get to a few of his games. It will be during our European run so it will depend on whether we're home or away that week. If we're playing at home first then I'll get to a lot of his games."

he 2026 tournament is expected to welcome more than 1,000 teams and over 20,000 players, coaches and officials from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and beyond.