Cork City can win a cup the same season they're relegated, it's not as uncommon as you'd think

Dylan O'Connell on the clubs who have lifted silverware while dropping down a level in the league
Cork City can win a cup the same season they're relegated, it's not as uncommon as you'd think

Cork City manager Ger Nash is all smiles after the FAI Cup semi-final win over St Pat's at Turner's Cross. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Cork City's season will go the distance, with the club now preparing for their first FAI Cup final in seven years after a 3-0 victory over St Patrick's Athletic earlier this month at Turner's Cross.

They will face Shamrock Rovers on November 9 in the Aviva at 3pm.

The thing is, Gerard Nash’s side are also dealing with relegation as this year saw a league campaign that has failed to get off the ground even during the turn of February into March.

Meanwhile, their opponents on the big day are a double-chasing Shamrock Rovers outfit that is also competing in the UEFA Conference League after knocking out Portuguese side Santa Clara in the play-off round.

The two clubs couldn't be more different places, and there is still a possibility that the trophy will leave Lansdowne Road wrapped in red, white, and green ribbons.

It has happened in football - where a club wins their national cup or a trophy while dealing with relegation.

Fiacre Kelleher celebrates reaching the cup final. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Fiacre Kelleher celebrates reaching the cup final. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The most famous example is Wigan in 2013 under Roberto Martínez as they were officially deemed surplus requirement in the Premier League just days after defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The Latics went under the radar from the moment they entered the competition, with a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. 

The competition slowly became an adventure for all involved with the momentum booster a 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park during the tail end of David Moyes' first stint as boss.

Wigan were up against a Manchester City side chasing their third major trophy in three seasons in the final, while aiming to end the year on a high after seeing their Premier League title defence over by Christmas.

There was no retribution in the FA Cup, despite bookies putting the Sky Blues as heavy favourites. 

Wigan bolted the door shut before taking their chance in the first minute of injury time with Ben Watson turning in a header at the near post from a corner.

The Latics aren’t the only team to have won a trophy and been relegated in the same season, they are just the leaders of the pack.

Birmingham City managed a similar feat during the 2010-11 campaign as they defeated Arsenal in the EFL Cup final before finishing 18th in the Premier League.

The Blues also went unnoticed as their route to the final involved ties with Rochdale, MK Dons, Brentford, Aston Villa, and West Ham.

Arsenal had a different experience as they had to play Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Wigan, and an Ipswich Town team that contained Cork natives Damien Delaney, Colin Healy, and Shane O’Connor.

Somehow Birmingham managed to upset the Premier League giants, with Obafemi Martins scoring the winner from right in front of the posts after a mistake involving Wojciech Szczęsny and Laurent Koscielny.

The same feat was previously managed by Norwich City during the 1984-85 season as the club defeated Sunderland in the EFL Cup final but finished third from bottom in the First Division.

Ireland has seen this happen twice in recent memory, with two clubs winning the FAI Cup during year that saw relegation.

Darragh Crowley after beating St Pat's. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Darragh Crowley after beating St Pat's. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Bray Wanderers ended the 20th century by finishing second from bottom in the Premier Division and defeating Finn Harps in a second replay of the FAI Cup final.

The Seagulls ended up with the unusual honour of playing in the second tier and the UEFA Cup, where they were soundly beaten 8-0 on aggregate by Swiss side Grasshoppers in their first qualifier.

Dundalk replicated this in 2002 after they finished third from bottom in the Premier Division.

The Lilywhites managed to get to the FAI Cup final by getting passed Galway United, Kilkenny City, Finn Harps, and Shamrock Rovers.

Bohemians were on the other side of the draw and they were listed as favourites, despite failing to beat Dundalk three times in the league.

The upset this time came from a first-half Garry Haylock brace, with the Dubliners failing to mount a comeback after the break.

None of this says anything about Cork City, a team that can say their only way win was against Carrigaline United in the Munster Senior Cup.

Football will always be football, and that means anything is possible over 90 minutes.

more Cork Soccer articles

Republic of Ireland U21's Training Session Pressure won't bother Mark O’Mahony as Ireland U21s take on Slovakia in Cork 
Portugal v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Caoimhín Kelleher's penalty heroics against Ronaldo not enough for Ireland in Portugal
Cork City finish league in last place after loss in Wexford Cork City finish league in last place after loss in Wexford

More in this section

Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row  Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row 
Cork legend Juliet Murphy to be inducted into the LGFA Hall of Fame Cork legend Juliet Murphy to be inducted into the LGFA Hall of Fame
Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final

Sponsored Content

Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more