2014 Setanta Cup

This edition of the 2014 Setanta Cup, looks like the squads from the Republic of Ireland will be playing for a spot in the finals.

Before the Setanta Cup, previous competitions between these two nations included: the Dublin and Belfast Intercity Cup, North- South Cup, Blaxnit Cup, Texaco All Ireland Cup and the Tyler Cup.

Unfortunately these competitions ran only for a certain time as well the lack of interest was one of the main reasons to cease its operations.

Along with political reasons and security concerns- being among the main culprits for these competitions, for its sudden stoppage.  

After founding this competition in 2005, Setanta Sports, made this event as a cross border competition between teams from North Ireland Premier League and the Federation Association of Ireland.

With eight squads in total and four from each of the two Irish Premier leagues, this event is seen like an all-around competition since its beginnings, although its format has change in its number of team’s competing.

As I previously mentioned since its first season were the Linfield Blues became the first squad to win this event by defeating the Republic of Ireland representative Shelbourne Reds and favorites to win it all, the Blues did the feat and upset them with a score of  2-1.

Although the NIPL top squad of the Blues became the first one to win this event, it has been the Republic of Ireland squads being the dominant ones with Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers as the top winners with two wins each along Cork City and Bohemians.

As for the Northern squads Crusaders and Linfield are the only squads winning the cup, as for this 2014 edition we may say, that there won’t be anyone representing the NIPL in this edition.

The Airtricity League sides, looking to add a new trophy to their halls and claim bragging rights for their league and club, will really look at this part of the competition somehow difficult for the four semifinalists’.

Upcoming matches between Shamrock Rovers vs Dundalk and the last edition Champions’ of the Airtricty League in St. Patricks’ Athletic going over their archrivals Sligo Rovers, makes it a sort of interesting and exciting.

Many followers of this competition will hope that an all Dublin final between the Rovers and the Pats will highlight this 2014 Setanta Cup, but nothing is written in this prestigious event until the final whistle, good luck to this foursome.

Content Original and Property of © Copyright All Rights Reserved Fern Mc Costigan 2014.

Crest Credit and Property of © Copyright All Rights Reserved Setanta Sports 2014.