Former Kinsale Students Face off in FAI Cup Final

Local duo Matthew Healy and Darragh Crowley set to clash as Cork City take on Shamrock Rovers in Sunday’s Sports Direct FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium

By [JJ Hurley ]Kinsale – Saturday, November 8, 2025

Matthew Healy Riverstick who lines out for Shamrock Rovers on Sunday in The FAI Cup Final

As Cork City and Shamrock Rovers face off in Sunday’s Sports Direct FAI Cup Final, two former pupils from Kinsale Community School, Matthew Healy and Darragh Crowley, will line out on opposite sides.

In what is being billed as a David and Goliath contest, Shamrock Rovers are firm favourites to lift the trophy and complete a league and cup double.

However, former Kinsale Community School student Darragh Crowley and his fellow Rebel Army teammates will be striving to halt the Dublin side’s gallop at the Aviva Stadium once the game kicks off at 3pm.

Crowley has already scored against the Hoops this season, producing a stunning equaliser last month on Leeside, and fans will be hoping he can reproduce a similar strike on Sunday.

He joined City’s U19 squad in 2019 and has since made over 100 appearances for the Turner’s Cross side.

Following a loan spell at Cobh, he has become a firm favourite among the loyal supporters in the Shed.

Facing Crowley is the experienced Matthew Healy, who began his career with Ipswich Town before earning a loyal following on Leeside and helping the club to promotion from the First Division.

A spell in Belgium with Francs Borains, where he played 48 games in 18 months and scored four goals, brought the Riverstick native to the attention of Shamrock Rovers.

Having helped Rovers to league success this season, he’s earned a place on the Sports Writers’ Team of the Year, a fitting recognition for his role in the heart of the Rovers midfield.

The former College Corinthians player also has 12 caps for his country at U21 level — and he will be expected to have a big say in Sunday’s decider.

Another local club that will be watching closely on Sunday is Kinsale AFC, with their former recruit Darragh Crowley doing his hometown club proud.

Outside the two local lads, another neighbour’s child on City’s books is former Innishvilla player Charlie Lyons.

No matter the result, there will be plenty of local pride in Kinsale this weekend as two of its own take centre stage in Irish football’s showpiece final.

Darragh Crowley will be hoping to upset the odds at the Aviva stadium on Sunday