Alan Reynolds is hoping Waterford FC can turn the heartbreak of 2004 into success when the Blues return to the Aviva Stadium for the Club Orange FAI Cup Final against Derry City on Sunday, November 8.

Reynolds was in charge of Waterford when they reached the final 22 years ago, having taken over following the departure of Jimmy McGuill.

At just 27 or 28 years of age, it was a significant responsibility for a young manager, particularly given the circumstances surrounding McGuill’s departure.

Reynolds had been in Australia when the situation developed and admitted his father advised him to stay away from the job.

However, after meeting the then-chairman, a plan was put in place for Reynolds to take charge, with Paul McGrath joining as director of football.

The appointment created considerable excitement, with Sky Sports attending the launch at the Woodlands Hotel.

Reynolds had never met McGrath before and initially hoped the former Republic of Ireland international would offer some guidance to the players in the dressing room.

However, McGrath quickly made it clear that he would not be addressing the group, instead offering advice and experience around the training ground.

Reynolds also praised the contribution of coach Giles, who played a major role in preparing the team.

Waterford finished fourth in the league that season, with Reynolds pointing to the quality of the squad, which included Daryl Murphy, David Mulcahy, Pat Purcell, David Byrne, Dan Connors, Willie Bruton and John Frost.

The Blues began their cup campaign against Sligo Rovers, with Daryl Murphy finding the net before Waterford progressed through a difficult two-legged tie against Cork City.

PJ Banville scored a late goal at Turner’s Cross to send Waterford through, before the Blues produced a memorable performance away to Derry City in the semi-final.

Goalkeeper Dan Connors was the unlikely hero, stepping forward to convert a penalty after Reynolds had prepared the squad for the possibility of a shootout.

Reynolds explained that Daryl Murphy would normally have been the penalty taker, but circumstances meant Connors was given the responsibility.

He described the goalkeeper’s effort as a fantastic penalty and a memorable moment in a significant victory.

The final against St Patrick’s Athletic at the old Lansdowne Road remains a painful memory.

Waterford took the lead through Willie Bruton, with Reynolds recalling a fine goal involving Daryl Murphy, but the Blues were unable to hold on as St Patrick’s Athletic came back to win 2-1.

Reynolds also remembers the controversy surrounding Alan Kirby’s equaliser, when a second ball entered the pitch.

He admitted he still thinks about the incident and believes he should have dealt with the ball before Kirby took his opportunity.

The defeat was particularly difficult because of what victory could have meant for Waterford, with European football and a major boost for the club within reach.

Looking ahead to this year’s final, Reynolds believes Graham Coughlan has done a remarkable job in turning around Waterford’s season.

He highlighted the quality throughout the current squad, pointing to the goalkeeper, Kevin Long, John Mann, Benny Couto and Conan Noonan, alongside the attacking options available to the manager.

Reynolds believes there are similarities between the two Waterford teams, with both containing players capable of competing at a high level.

He also recognises the challenge posed by Derry City, highlighting the quality of Michael Duffy and the different approaches the sides bring to the game.

Waterford are likely to be more direct, while Derry have the ability to use the pitch and play through the opposition.

Having managed Waterford and spent time working with Derry, Reynolds has connections to both clubs, but his allegiance for the final is clear.

He hopes the Waterford support turns out in huge numbers, recalling his disappointment at the relatively small attendance for the 2004 final.

Reynolds believes supporters should appreciate the opportunity, pointing out that reaching an FAI Cup Final is far from guaranteed and could be a long time before it happens again.

He will be hoping to see the Blues lift the trophy, with one of his children also planning to make the trip to Dublin.

For a manager who experienced the disappointment of 2004 first-hand, another Waterford appearance at the Aviva brings back plenty of memories.

This time, he hopes the story has a happier ending.

WLR’s live coverage begins at 2.30 pm, with Ray Scott, former Waterford manager Tommy Griffin and Blues legend Pascal Keane bringing listeners all the action, with thanks to John Murphy Carpets

Competition: Club Orange FAI Cup Final 2026

Kick-off – 3:00 pm

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Waterford FC v Derry City – Live on WLR

Waterford FC Coverage on WLR is thanks to John Murphy Carpets

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