Fairview Rangers etched their name further into Irish football folklore as they secured a historic 10th FAI Junior Cup title, defeating a spirited North End United 4-1 in a compelling final at Turner’s Cross. 

The Limerick giants maintained their extraordinary unbeaten record in FAI Junior Cup Finals, showcasing their renowned cup pedigree in front of a passionate crowd.

The early stages were keenly contested, but Fairview suffered a blow in the 21st minute when influential captain Shane Duggan was forced off due to injury, replaced by Shane Carmody. However, his teammates responded positively. Just four minutes later, the deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion. Oleg Vysochan delivered an impressive chipped cross into the area, which Jeffrey Judge expertly chested down before unleashing a superb half-volley into the net, giving Fairview a crucial 25th-minute lead.

North End United weathered the storm but almost fell further behind just before the break. In an incredible series of events in the 44th minute, North End keeper Jason Maguire found himself stranded outside his area. Gbadebo Habideen had the goal at his mercy, but his initial effort struck the post. The ball was recycled to Judge, whose cross found Adam Dore. Dore’s header was parried, falling again to Habideen but the forward was once more unable to convert, leaving Fairview just one ahead at the break.

The Wexford side emerged for the second half with renewed intent. Gary Delaney came agonisingly close to levelling in the 52nd minute, his header from a corner flashing narrowly wide. A minute later, Eoin Rhodes burst through on goal, but his low shot was well saved by Fairview’s Josh McCarthy.

North End’s pressure eventually told in the 59th minute. A corner into the Fairview box wasn't cleared effectively, and the ball fell kindly to defender Reece Murphy inside the six-yard area, who made no mistake, firing home to equalise and send their supporters into raptures.

However, Fairview Rangers, drawing on their vast experience, reasserted their authority. In the 73rd minute, from a corner of their own, Jason Cross rose highest to power a header home off the underside of the crossbar, restoring their advantage.

The Limerick side then moved to secure their historic victory. Substitute Josh McCarthy, just two minutes after his introduction in the 81st minute, found the net in the 83rd minute to extend Fairview’s lead to 3-1.

As the game entered stoppage time, Fairview added a fourth. Brilliant work from Habideen saw his initial shot saved, but fellow substitute Ruben McCarthy was on hand to fire home the rebound in the 95th minute, sealing a memorable 4-1 triumph and sparking jubilant scenes among the Fairview players and supporters.

Fairview Rangers: J. McCarthy (GK), Dillon, Ahern (Curran 67), Kavanagh, Cross, Judge (R. McCarthy 90), Duggan (C) (Carmody 21), McNamara (J. McCarthy 81), Habideen, Vysochan, Dore (O’Neill 72).

North End United: Maguire (GK), Yousif, Hynes, R. Murphy, Delaney, A. Rhodes (Dempsey 80), Paige, Peare, E. Rhodes, P. Murphy (C), Kane (McCabe 46).

Yellow Cards: E. Rhodes (North End United), J. McCarthy (Fairview Rangers).

Player of the Match: Jason Cross (Fairview)

Referee: John O’Connor.