Waterford FC will contest the Mark Farren Cup final this weekend for the first time in eight years. The Blues last lifted the trophy in 2017, defeating Sligo Rovers 4-2 at the RSC.

This year’s final takes place on Saturday at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray (3:30pm), where Waterford will meet St. Patrick’s Athletic. Speaking ahead of the game, Academy Manager Mike Geoghegan reflected on the occasion. “It’s very exciting for the academy to have these type of big days out – rewarding players and staff for the hard work they put in over the year,” he said. “It gives us a chance to showcase our players and to see how they match up against another top academy in St. Patrick’s Athletic FC.”

Waterford’s route to the final included victories over Treaty United, Cobh Ramblers, and UCD. Geoghegan felt their progress was merited based on performances. “It is well deserved [reaching the final]. We got two wins away at Treaty United (1-4) and Cobh Ramblers (0-1) which are not easy places to go; Cobh in particular was a game we had to battle to win by a single goal. We met a UCD team in the semi-final that were unbeaten for the season and top of Tier One and we got a deserved win on the day (3-2).”

Saturday’s opponents have developed one of the most consistent academies in the League of Ireland in recent years, now overseen by former first-team captain Ian Bermingham. Geoghegan acknowledged the challenge his side will face. “There is no doubt St. Pat’s will be a tough game. All their teams are well coached & well set-up, and this Saturday’s game will be no different. A lot of their squad have been in-and-around the Ireland underage international squads so we will have to be at our best. They will not give us anything, but I think we are good enough to edge it on Saturday.”

Asked what a win would mean for the club’s academy, Geoghegan highlighted the potential long-term benefit for the players. “It would be great for the players to win on Saturday as it will build confidence for the future.”

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