Connolly reflects on ‘whirlwind’ year after cup win

Mark Connolly says his first spell as a manager has been a “whirlwind” after he took interim charge of Derry City and led them to the FAI Cup. The win secured European football for next season and helped restore some connection between the club and its supporters after a difficult run of results.

Connolly, 34, stepped up from director of football in August after Tiernan Lynch left, with Derry struggling for confidence and consistency. The team finished fifth in the league following a seven-game winless run earlier in the season, and the cup final was their first silverware since Connolly also won the competition as a player in 2022. He is due to return to his previous role while the club searches for a manager, and says Derry must build steadily if they are to challenge for the league.