John Frost believes Waterford FC have the character and determination to bring the Club Orange FAI Cup back to the city, as the former Blues captain draws comparisons between the current squad and the team he led to the 2004 final.
In an interview with WLR, Frost reflected on the heartbreak of that 2004 defeat to Longford Town, when Waterford were just minutes away from lifting the trophy before conceding twice in the closing stages.
Now, 22 years on, he sees familiar qualities in the current group as they prepare to face Derry City at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 8.
Frost captained the Blues during their memorable 2004 cup run, which included a dramatic series of matches against Rockmount before a quarter-final trip to Derry’s Brandywell Stadium.
He recalled how Waterford came from two goals down late on against Rockmount at the RSC to earn a 2-2 draw, before securing their place in the next round with a late winner in Cork despite being reduced to ten men.
For Frost, those games demonstrated the resilience and belief that defined that Waterford side.
The trip to Derry brought another major challenge, but the Blues travelled north believing they could progress. A penalty converted by goalkeeper Dan Connors helped Waterford secure a memorable victory and book their place in the final.
Frost described captaining his hometown club at Lansdowne Road as a dream come true, particularly after growing up hearing about the achievements of the 1980 team.
Waterford led Longford 1-0 through Willie Bruton with just minutes remaining, and Frost remembers watching the clock and beginning to believe the trophy was within reach.
However, Alan Kirby’s equaliser, followed by Longford’s winner, turned the occasion into one of the most painful moments of his playing career.
He also explained the impact the defeat had beyond the pitch, with the financial implications making it difficult for Waterford to keep that talented squad together.
Despite the disappointment, Frost believes the experience has given him a valuable perspective as part of the club’s current setup.
He sees similarities between the 2004 side and the present squad, particularly in the way the players support one another, communicate on the pitch and refuse to give up.
Waterford’s recovery this season has been remarkable, having been ten points adrift of ninth place in May before climbing to finish seventh and secure their place in the cup final.
Frost believes that turnaround demonstrates the character within the dressing room.
He also pointed to the experience within the current squad and the ability to find a way through difficult moments, even when performances are not going their way.
During the season, the phrase ‘by skill or by will’ became a message for the group, and Frost feels that mentality could prove decisive against Derry.
He is confident Waterford have what it takes to win the final, believing the determination shown throughout their recovery can carry them all the way to the trophy.
For a former captain who came so close in 2004, the hope now is that this generation can finish the job and bring the Club Orange FAI Cup back to Waterford.
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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