Kenny Browne’s first competitive goal for the club helped book St Patrick’s Athletic’s place in the FAI Ford Cup final as they beat Dundalk 3-0 At Oriel Park.
Central defender Browne hooked home the opening goal on 21 minutes after Chris Forrester nodded Ger O’Brien’s corner back across goal.
Substitute midfielder Greg Bolger, who was at Dundalk last season, stooped to head to the net from Sean O’Connor’s cross to double the lead on 53 minutes .
Winger O’Connor added the third goal on 85 minutes, skilfully shooting low to the net from distance after Dundalk keeper Peter Cherrie was left stranded having headed the ball away on the edge of his area.
St Pat’s must now wait to see who they meet in the final at the Aviva on November 4 after Chris Bennion kept Shelbourne in the cup with two brilliant saves to frustrate Derry City in a 1-1 draw at the Brandywell.
Shels were quickly out of the blocks, taking the lead after five minutes. Glenn Cronin’s brave challenge in midfield resulted in the ball breaking through for skipper David Cassidy who curled a right-foot shot beyond Derry keeper Ger Doherty.
Bennion produced his first stop four minutes later with a terrific tip over save from Paddy McEleney’s dipping 30-yard volley.
Derry deservedly levelled on 58 minutes, David McDaid heading in his 15th goal of the season from Dermot McCaffrey’s sublime diagonal ball.
Bennion ensured a replay on Wednesday at Tolka Park when turning Simon Madden’s 25-yard drive round a post in the 78th minute.