Today marks the 40th anniversary of Waterford FC's FAI Cup victory over St Patrick's Athletic in Dalymount Park.
WLR's Matt Keane recalls the memorable day:
Waterford had won the FAI Cup for the first time in 1937. They defeated St James's Gate 2-1 in that final.
No one thought it would be another 43 years before the blue ribband of Irish football would return to Waterford.
That day arrived on April 20th 1980 when Brian Gardner headed home a free-kick taken by Larry Murray after 22 minutes. That goal was good enough to defeat St Patrick's Athletic in Dalymount Park.
The cup heroes on the day were Peter Thomas; Ger O'Mahony; Al Finnucane; Tony Dunphy; Brian Gardiner; Mark Meeagan; Mick Madigan; Vinny McCarthy; Larry Murray; Syd Wallace; Paul Kirk. Subs: Tommy Jackson and Eamonn Coady.
Manager Tommy Jackson had delivered the famous silver pot and the captain Al Finnucane was the man who lifted the cup into the air decorated with the blue and white ribbons.
Today, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of winning the FAI cup Final in Dalymount Park. Check out these wonderful highlights from the big day.#FAICupFinal80https://t.co/FVYuve5jzg
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) April 20, 2020
