SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Cork City v Derry City (Saturday, 4.30pm)
DERRY City boss Tiernan Lynch wants his players to embrace the challenge of securing second place when they take on Cork City this afternoon.
The Foylesiders know a victory at Turner’s Cross would seal runners-up spot and could possibly mean they’ll receive a bigger financial reward as they may go into the Europa League rather than the Conference League, if champions Shamrock Rovers complete the double by defeating the Rebel Army in next week’s Sports Direct FAI Cup final.
City know if they slip up at already relegated Cork, Shelbourne will be given the chance to leapfrog them into second, and Lynch doesn’t want the season to finish on a sour note.
“We don’t shy away from it,” said Lynch.
“We want to finish second. Whether there’s other European things come with that or not, we want to finish second in the league, and we’ll go in fully focused to do that.
“I’d be telling lies to say that’s not at the forefront of your minds, but we can’t afford to overthink those things. We just have to think about finishing as high up the league as we possibly can and that’s making sure we try and get second place.
“If things come along behind that, with a bit of luck in the cup final and results then so be it. There are no guarantees in it but it’s just important that we knuckle down, get our mentality right and make sure we go into that game fully focussed.”
Lynch says his players and staff should embrace big games, something they will get more of next term in Europe.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to. We still have a lot to play for. So, it’s one we’re definitely looking forward to.
“Our objective is to make that the norm. It’s something we want to get better at. I saw the record that we hadn’t beaten (Shamrock) Rovers since 2022 or something at home. If we want to be a team that wants to try and challenge them, we have to make sure that this is something that becomes more regular.
“Listen, we’ll definitely go down there very focussed. We’re delighted we’ve got European football, but our objective has to be to try and finish as high up the league as we can. That’s at the forefront of our minds going into Saturday.”
With Gerard Nash’s Cork side facing the Hoops at the Aviva Stadium on November 9, you could be forgiven for thinking they’ll be concentrating on the cup final, but Lynch isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I know our approach will be to prepare to face a team where players will be probably fighting for their lives to get into that starting XI the following week,” he said.
“That will definitely be how we will approach it.
“There’s no doubt they will tweak things as the game goes on, but I think they’ll definitely be starting the game with their strongest team with the mentality of pushing for a place come the following Sunday.”
This afternoon’s contest will bring Lynch’s first season managing in the League of Ireland to a close and he admits he’s enjoyed the campaign, even when things have got tough.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s had its challenges,” said the north Belfast native.
“It’s definitely been a season where you don’t get to switch off at any stage. You’re trying to watch a lot of games because you’re trying to understand other teams, other players, managers’ playing style, managers’ habits, subs, away from home, at home, and all that goes with it.
“So, it’s been a very intense season there’s no doubt, but it’s been more enjoyable than anything.”
One man who’ll be disappointed the 2025 campaign is coming to a close is Cameron Dummigan.
The midfielder made his first start for two years after injury in last Sunday’s win over champions Shamrock Rovers and Lynch is keeping his fingers crossed he comes back better and stronger in 2026.
“The big thing from Sunday, just for Cameron’s sake more than anything, he’s been through a terrible time,” said the ex-Larne gaffer.
“He’s been plagued with injuries. Like them all, he’s a great kid. A great footballer with a great football brain. He’s not someone you have to spend too much time with explaining what you want from him. He reads the game really well and he’s a very infectious character.
“It was great to get him out there and get his first start and hopefully now he will get a good pre-season under his belt and just go from strength to strength as the seasons go on.”
