Bray’s Night to Remember: Seagulls Stun St Patrick’s Athletic in Cup Final
Leinster Senior Cup Final – Carlisle Grounds – Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Gareth Danaher reports from the Carlisle Grounds.
Bray Wanderers created another memorable chapter in the club’s history as they came from behind to defeat St Patrick’s Athletic 2–1 and lift the Leinster Senior Cup for the first time in front of a jubilant crowd of 2,009 at the Carlisle Grounds.
The victory also ended a 27-year wait for silverware and rewarded an impressive cup campaign in which a large portion of Paul Heffernan's squad played a part, with several players making their senior debuts in the competition after stepping up from the Academy teams.
The visitors made the brighter start and took the lead through Sam Rooney. The St Patrick’s Athletic forward capitalised on an opening to give Stephen Kenny’s side the advantage, silencing the home support and forcing Bray to respond.
The Seagulls gradually settled into the contest and began to grow in confidence, enjoying longer spells of possession and asking more questions of the Saints’ defence. Their persistence was rewarded before the interval when Conor Knight found the equaliser, bringing the Carlisle Grounds to life and ensuring the sides went into the break level.
With momentum firmly on their side, Bray emerged after half-time looking the more dangerous team. Their pressure eventually told when Richard Ferizaj produced the decisive moment of the evening, finishing superbly to complete the turnaround and put the Seagulls 2–1 in front.
St Patrick’s Athletic pushed for a late equaliser, but Bray defended resolutely, showing composure and determination to protect their advantage. The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the players, staff and supporters as the club secured the Leinster Senior Cup for the first time in its history.
The triumph was a fitting reward for Bray Wanderers, whose blend of resilience, attacking quality and defensive discipline saw them overcome Premier Division opposition on one of the biggest nights the Carlisle Grounds has witnessed in recent years.
The Seagulls next fixture is against Athlone Town this Friday, 3rd July. Kick off is at 7:45pm at the Carlisle Grounds.
Bray Wanderers: Rian Hogan (gk), Alain Kizenga, Benjamin Fagbemi, Jamie Duggan, Bailey Shelley, Conor Knight (captain), Richard Ferizaj, Kyle Tucker, Tyreik Sammy, Jamie Ryan, Ethan Cheese.
Subs: John Bilili Sesay for Alain Kizenga 45’, Flynn Ryan for Richard Ferizaj 63’, Declan Osagie for Bailey Shelley 63’, Leon Keogh for Tyreik Sammy 77’, Ifu Achara for Ethan Cheese 84’.
St Patrick’s Athletic: L Cullen, S Steward, R Boyce, J Byrne, D Nugent, R Sheridan, K Quigley, B Hayes, J McClelland, S Rooney, C Forrester
Subs: Billy Canny for Ronan Boyce 69’, Ivan Graminschii for Jason McClelland 69’, Ifeoluwa Samuel Ogungbe for Billy Hayes 77’.
Attendance: 2,009 (official).
Referee: Daryl Carolan (Republic of Ireland
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