Waterford FC's FAI Cup final preparations have been hit by the news that goalkeeper Stephen McMullan will miss the Aviva Stadium showpiece through injury. McMullan sustained a foot problem while on international duty with the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad, ruling him out of the club's biggest game in over two decades. The club's full injuries list will now be updated ahead of the final.
Cup final qualification secured
McMullan's setback comes after his heroic performance helped Waterford defeat Bohemians in the semi-final, securing a place in the final for the first time since 2004. The victory at Dalymount Park, where goals from N. Mawene and T. Lonergan sealed a 2-0 win, ended a 46-year wait for a final appearance and booked a return to the Aviva Stadium, where the club last played in 2022.
Team effort praised by goalkeeper
Despite the injury concern, McMullan highlighted the collective performance that saw Waterford weather heavy pressure and secure victory. "I think everyone stepped up, to be honest," the goalkeeper said. He credited the team's resilience under manager Graham Coughlan, who took over in May, for the club's improved belief and recent form. The squad's effort in the semi-final was a key factor in handling a difficult first half and progressing. The team's overall defensive record can be seen in the detailed stats for the season.
League safety and recent form
The cup success builds on a solid run of form that has seen Waterford secure their Premier Division status. The team sits 8th in the standings with 34 points from 32 games, having taken ten points from their last five matches in a WLDDW sequence. This stability, achieved after Coughlan's appointment, provides a strong platform as the club now focuses entirely on the final. The team's next league fixture, before the cup final, is a home match against Dundalk on November 1st.
Waterford will aim to win the FAI Cup for the first time since 1980 when they contest the final at the Aviva Stadium on November 8.
First reported at Irish Examiner
