Updated 19.15
Goalkeeper
Kevin Horgan (Galway United) - There was very little that Horgan could have done with either Ruairi Keating’s or Adam Hanlon’s goals that got Finn Harps back in the tie, but he looked a solid performer at the back. Cool under the high ball and commanding, his defensive teammates and the United faithful will be delighted with the former Salthill Devon man’s form.
Defenders
Steven Beattie (Cork City) - Solid at the back and looked to get involved as much as possible going forward, keeping the visitors on the front foot against Pat’s.
Conor McDermott (Derry City) – The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the stars of Derry’s impressive season and it was easy to see why after his display against cup holders Dundalk. He marshalled Daryl Horgan well, made some great recovering challenges and attacked with purpose.
Conor Kenna (Bray Wanderers) - Bray have only conceded twice in their last three games and their captain’s leadership has played no small part in that.
Midfield
Aaron McEneff (Derry City) – The midfielder was named man of the match at Oriel Park – and there were few groans of complaint from the home faithful. McEneff grew into the game really well and was Derry’s driving force going forward for much of the second half. A strong presence in the centre.
Karl Moore (Bray Wanderers) – Played in the centre of midfield against Bohs and he must have applied glue to his boots before kick-off. The pint-sized midfielder never lost the ball once.
Gavan Holohan (Cork City) – Holohan came on as an early substitute for the injured Gearóid Morrissey and looked comfortable behind Maguire as he fed his striker well while looking composed in the number 10 role.
Pat McEleney (Dundalk) - Came off the bench midway through the first half and was instrumental to Dundalk’s equaliser before the break, setting up Kilduff with a lovely dink. Should have had a second assist but Kilduff’s second-half header came back off the post.
Forwards
Sean Maguire (Cork City) – The Ireland U21 striker scored his 23rd and 24th goals of the season to book Cork’s spot in the decider, while his general play was excellent as he brought others around him into the game.
Vinny Faherty (Galway United) – Faherty was straight back in the starting side and made his presence felt from the off at Eamonn Deacy Park. The Galway native headed his side’s first goal after seven minutes and then laid on the third for Colm Horgan shortly after the restart.
Ger Pender (Bray Wanderers) – Five goals in five games and the confidence is coursing through him. He won’t want the season to end.
– An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed Galway United’s Kevin Horgan as a defender. He is, of course, a goalkeeper.
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