If tonight’s Club Orange FAI Cup Final preview night at The Reg is anything to go by, Waterford supporters will make themselves heard at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

A couple of hundred fans turned out to hear from manager Graham Coughlan, members of the first-team squad and staff as the Blues look ahead to their final against Derry City.

The message throughout the night was clear: Waterford is a united club, with a passionate fan base and a lot of people working behind the scenes. Several speakers talked about the group feeling like a family, and the bond between the players and supporters.

The biggest cheer came when Coughlan’s new deal was announced. The manager has agreed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the RSC for another two seasons. The news was greeted with rapturous applause, with fans clearly delighted to see him commit to the club.

Coughlan spoke with confidence about the team’s progress. The players also pointed to their recent form, with Waterford among the strongest sides in the country over the last 20 games.

Captain Pádraig Amond said he believes Waterford are the best team in the country at present, reflecting on the progress made since Coughlan came in. Summer signing Noah Mawene said his time at the club has been full of winning and good days—a striking change from the difficult opening months of the season.

Conan Noonan and Amond brought some humour to the discussion, with Amond joking that he feels like an uncle to some of the younger players, including Tommy Lonergan. Lonergan, who spoke warmly about the supporters and said he wants to win the cup for them.

The evening was hosted by Waterford FC Commercial Manager Tony Kelly, with first-team coaches Lee Bullen, David Breen and Brian Murphy, along with Will Watt, Sandra Myler and Colin Power, also taking part.

With the fans behind them and belief growing within the squad, Waterford now have Sunday’s final to look forward to. If the atmosphere at The Reg was any indication, the Aviva could be rocking.

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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