With the FAI cup second round starting this weekend, a disappointing league campaign for the St Pats as they sit 6th in the league with 32 points after 25 games. They sit 17 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers while 2nd place Bohs and 3rd place Derry have 2 games in hand as they did not play Europe this season. But the question is will the FAI cup save Stephen Kennys season as Pats coach or will Pats come into form for the second half of the season?
The Opponents
Pats will play UCC (University College Cork) in the 2nd round. A very favourable draw for Pats which everyone expects them to win. It is also to give some young players a game. As Pats play in Kaunas on Thursday in the 2nd leg of the UECL 1st qualifying round vs FC Hegelmann, Kenny will opt for some young players to make their mark in the cup. UCC, being a college team are not known for their football team like UCD would be. Coming from a Pats fan myself, this game feels like a mid season friendly.
Will It Save The Season?
Credit: Eoghan Connelly
Well, as we saw in 2023, the cup win versus Bohs certainly lifted spirits of fans and players. Especially the fans confidence in then manager Jon Daly, who would be let go in the summer of the 2024 season. A good cup run and winning it is always good for squad morale but depending on where Pats finish in the league, it would just be covering the cracks in the squad, giving Kenny a reason not to be ruthless and clear out the squad which so desperately needs to happen.
Can Europe Save The Season?
Credit: Eoghan Connelly
Again, in 2022 after the 2021 season, Tim Clancy lead the saints into a positive UECL qualifying campaign, getting knocked out by a strong CSKA Sofia. But the memories made and the confidence that it gave the team wasn’t enough to give pats the top 3 finish, finishing fourth, getting Europe for next season through Derry City beating Shelbourne in the FAI Cup that year.
On the flip side, in 2024, Stephen Kennys saints shocked Europe as they made it to the 3rd round of qualifying of the UECL, losing out to Istanbul Basaksehir. This massive confidence boost with key players like Aidan Kenna and Romal Palmer played a huge part in the 9 game winning streak, undefeated after Europe, narrowly missing out on the league title to Shelbourne by 4 points.
Conclusion
It has no doubt been a disappointing season for Pats but a cup run or Europe run can definitely have an impact on the squad and the fans backing of the manager.
If your planning on heading to Inchicore on Sunday to watch Pats play UCC and kickoff their cup run, tickets are on the St Pats Website for 10 euro for an adult or 5 euro for children under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult)
Prediction for Cup Game:
Pats 3-0 UCC