Pacemaker Press 3426 Cliftonville v Dungannon Clearer Water Irish Cup Semi Final Dungannon’s Daniel Wallace and Declan Dunne celebrate after this evening’s game at the National Stadium, Belfast. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
It was a very good Friday for the Swifts as they created more history, reaching their second successive – and only third ever – Irish Cup final after defeating Cliftonville on penalty kicks.
Pre-match, Swifts manager, Rodney McAree, made three changes to his side which were defeated 2-1 by Coleraine six days ago. He replaced Alex Henderson, Caolan Marron, and Mal Smith with Declan Dunne, Cahal McGinty, and Leo Alves.
The game kicked off with two sets of evidently nervous teams on the Windsor Park pitch. Cliftonville did have more of the ball in the opening stages, creating a couple of half chances, but not troubling Dunne in goal.
However, whilst not massively scaring Morrison in the Cliftonville goal, the Swifts did have chances of their own. First was a well hit Kobei Moore shot from just outside the area, which went narrowly over the crossbar, and also, a Gaël Bigirimana shot from thirty yards out, which was gathered up by the Cliftonville number thirty one.
Whilst the Swifts grew into game, they were lacking any clear cut chances. However, before the end of what can be described as an uneventful half, typical of a cup match, the north Belfast side created the two best opportunities of the game so far. A Jonny Addis free kick came first. It came just outside the box, and was whipped around the blue wall, only to go narrowly wide. Also, captain, Rory Hale, sent a great ball through to January signing, Brian Healy, who was one on one with the goalkeeper, only for Danny Wallace to make an exceptional last ditch challenge to keep the match scoreless.
This was the last event of the half, ending 0-0.
Undoubtedly, there was more direct attacking football in the second period, and people all around the country must have been wondering how the Swifts did not score on a number of occasions.
Both of these chances began with former Cliftonville player, Shea Gordon, and were almost identical to each other. First, a ball was played through to the temporary right back with just the goalkeeper to beat, but the man in black and yellow stood tall and saved. On eighty six minutes, the same happened again – ball through to Gordon, saved by Morrison. However, this time, the ball fell to substitute, Andrew Mitchell, who looked certain to score, however his header went over the bar for the game to remain scoreless.
The Swifts’ defence were resolute throughout the second half, hardly giving the Reds a single opportunity throughout. All Cliftonville had to show was a shot from McStravick into the hands of Declan Dunne, and a hit from Healy which was blazed over the upright.
After three minutes of additional time, referee, Chris Morrison, blew his full time whistle, and just like the final last year, extra time was required.
The Swifts came out all guns blazing at the beginning of the first period, with the ball barely seeing itself out of the Cliftonville half. Deservedly so, the deadlock was broken eight minutes into the first half of extra time. After the ball fell to Andrew Mitchell on the right hand side of the pitch, he got past his man, passed a ball into the area, which found Kealan Dillon, who smashed his first time shot into the goal to make it 1-0, to the delight of the travelling support.
Kealan described his goal after the game, saying:
“Look it’s a tough game, it’s not often I get the extra time, it’s not normally I get to the end of the ninety, but I think everyone has to do their shift, look the ball falls to me in the box and luckily it goes in I put it away. Like I said I should probably score more goals. I back myself when I get in around the box to have a shot, tonight it’s come off.”
There would be no further involvements in this half, ending 1-0.
The Swifts would have another good opportunity at the beginning of the second period. Sean McAllister, who was making his first appearance since getting injured in the Irish Cup quarter final, made a great run with the ball down the line before playing to Mitchell, whose shot hit the side netting.
As the Swifts kept the Reds at bay for most of the second half, disaster struck as there was déjá vu for the Swifts in the last kick of the game. Keenan Hawthorne whipped in a great corner to a dangerous area, only for the ball to direct off the head of Danny Wallace and into the goal to equalise for Cliftonville, breaking the hearts of the Dungannon Swifts players, management, and supporters.
This was the last kick, with nothing to separate the teams after one hundred and twenty minutes, so penalties were needed to decide the game.
This was a true sucker punch for all everyone, and after Rory Hale won the coin toss to take first, it seemed it was all going wrong for the Swifts.
However, this did not phase the first three takers, Kealan Dillion, Adam Glenny, and Gaël Bigirimana as they scored their spot kicks. The Reds were able to match this, with Gormley, Curran, and Hale scoring too. Sheridan was next to take, and his penalty was saved by Dunne in the bottom corner, and after Sean McAllister scored his into the top corner, it was advantage Swifts, leaving the next taker, Harry Wilson under immense pressure. This got to him, as he put his penalty wide, sending everyone in the club into dreamland, as they reached the Irish Cup final again.
After the game, assistant manager, Dixie Robinson, addressed his thoughts on the match. He was replacing manager Rodney McAree, who has very unfortunately lost his father-in-law overnight. We send our sincere sympathy to Rodney and Adele, and the entire McAree and Tate families.
Dixie explained his thoughts, saying:
“It’s the stuff of dreams, to be honest with you. When you when you think of the achievements we have just made tonight and hopefully we can go one step further and create another bit of history. I thought the players were phenomenal. You know, to have the character to come back in the penalty kicks after conceding right at the last kick of the game, it says a lot about them. They’re fantastic group and they got their just rewards and we now I think it’s the second of May to look forward to.
“It’s something similar to to last year’s cup final with Shea Kearney, when you think you’re almost there, you know, but that that just goes to show players and supporters, I suppose, that you know, the game’s never over until the final whistle goes and you have to keep at it. And Danny was a bit unfortunate, he goes to clear the header. but thankfully as I said we we regrouped and you know we always know that big Decky would always possibly save one or two penalties, so it proved to be that Cliftonville missed a couple and our boys put every one of them away really well.”
Man of the match was awarded to Swifts captain, Gaël Bigirimana, and Dixie had the following to say about it:
You don’t win those types of games with just one or two players playing well. I thought we were a little bit shaky in the first half, maybe a little bit nervy, but I thought there was a good collective effort, but you need your leader on the pitch to to sit in that pivotal role and and you know dictate the play and Bigi certainly does that. He’s an absolute quality player, but not signing anybody out either, but for Shea Gordon to go in there and play as a right back, you know, I thought Shea had a fantastic game himself.”
In the final, the Swifts will face off against Coleraine, following their 2-1 victory over Larne in the second semi-final. It will take place at Windsor Park on Saturday 2nd May 2026.
Up the Swifts!
Cliftonville: Morrison (GK), Addis (A. Kelly 91’), Wilson, Hale (C), Leppard, Conlan (Pepper 106’), Glynn (Hawthorne 57’), Toole, McStravick (Sheridan 80’), J. Kelly (Gormley 90’), Healy (Curran 90’).
Unused Substitutes: Ridd (GK).
Dungannon Swifts: Dunne (GK), Kelly (McAllister 71’), Dillon, Alves (Marron 105’), Glenny, Gordon (Knowles 105’), McGinty, Doyle, Wallace, Moore (Mitchell 81’), Bigirimana (C).
Unused Substitutes: Henderson (GK), Maguire, Smith
Pacemaker Press 3426 Cliftonville v Dungannon Clearer Water Irish Cup Semi Final Dungannon’s fans celebrate after this evening’s game at the National Stadium, Belfast. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
As excitement builds before the Swifts’ second Irish Cup semi-final appearance in as many years – and only the sixth in the history of the club – they are preparing for the next step in their defence of the trophy against 2025 runners-up Cliftonville.
The Swifts booked their semi-final spot after defeating H&W Welders in the quarter-final, following wins against Portadown and Ards in previous rounds.
Cliftonville have followed a very similar path to Windsor Park, beating Championship opponents in the quarter-final (Loughgall) and fifth round (Dundela), and overcoming Premiership opposition in the form of Glenavon in between.
Manager Rodney McAree welcomes the challenge of today’s match, saying:
“We have to look forward to it, and we have to embrace the challenge. It’s a tough opportunity, but it’s a great opportunity to maybe sample another day out.
“We’re only one of four teams left in the competition, and we have to be proud of that, and then we have to try and find a way of overcoming Cliftonville.”
The Swifts, like last year at this stage in Seaview, promise to bring a large, vocal crowd to be the team’s twelfth man.
It has already been another hugely successful season for the club in securing another top six finish and reaching the semi-final of the Irish Cup, and the fans have played their part in that.
“I just hope that everybody comes out and supports us. We had a fantastic travelling support at the cup final and the semi final last year, so we’re hoping for something similar this year as well, so supporters come out and support – get behind us!” Rodney said.
In terms of availability, the Swifts were dealt a hammer blow last week when it was announced that full-back Steven Scott was ruled out of the match, and it is doubtful whether he will return for any part of the remaining season.
Attackers Sean McAllister and Sam Anderson are also doubtful for the game today.
Neither team is coming into the match in their best league form of the season, with both the Swifts and the Reds winning just one game out of their last five in the Premiership.
The Swifts, however, have the edge over Cliftonville this season, winning two and losing one, including an exciting 3-2 victory over the north Belfast side at Stangmore Park in February.
The teams are just a point apart at this stage of the season, confirming there is little to separate the sides.
Rodney’s men, of course, also came out on top at Windsor in their historic Irish Cup final victory last year, securing the cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
It is the third successive semi-final appearance for The Reds, winning the trophy in 2024 before their narrow defeat to the Swifts last year.
Today’s game is a huge one, so make sure to get your tickets and help the Swifts to continue their cup defence and seal another memorable day out in May.
Police are requesting that Dungannon supporters travelling by car and coach to the Clearer Water Irish Cup semi – final against Cliftonville at the National Stadium, Windsor Park, on Friday 03rd April 2026 with a 19:45 hrs kick off, leave sufficient travel time to arrive at the match.
Dungannon supporters should approach the Stadium from the Lisburn Road or Donegall Road side with entry to the ground being via the Donegall Avenue gate.
Gates at the Stadium will open at 18:15 hours for general admission.
Stewards will direct supporters to their respective turnstiles for entry to the South stand following an initial ticket inspection.
As a condition of entry to the stadium supporters will be subject to random searches by stadium security.
Traffic congestion is likely at key ingress and egress times due to the expected volume of supporters attending the fixture.
We would ask that supporters are respectful and considerate when parking in residential streets and commercial areas convenient to the stadium.
Dungannon supporter coaches are requested to park on the Lisburn Road side of the Stadium. Supporters should only disembark when the coaches have parked up. Coaches will not be permitted to park on Tates Avenue.
Police are reminding all fans that there are specific offences created by the Criminal Justice Act NI 2011 in relation to soccer matches-
• Possession of/ throwing Fireworks/ Flares etc
• Throwing Articles capable of causing injury
• Going on to the Playing area
• Sectarian Chanting
• Drinking on Passenger Carrying Vehicles
Please be mindful that Dungannon will be held to account for the conduct of their supporters within the stadium and that any breaches of the rules may result in the club facing disciplinary action.
Supporters are asked to be respectful and considerate whilst walking through residential streets convenient to the stadium.
In addition supporters are reminded that the areas around the stadium are “No Street Drinking” zones under Belfast City Council By-Laws and that on street drinking will not be tolerated by police.
Police will be utilising CCTV and Video Evidence as part of the match Policing Operation to deal with any criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Police will take all steps to identify and hold to account individuals who engage in any offending behaviour.
It is hoped that a common sense approach can be taken by all supporters and that it will occasion an enjoyable experience for all.
The Swifts were unable to bounce back from a shock loss to Moyola Park during the week in the Bet McLean Cup as they were defeated by Cliftonville at Solitude.
An hour before kick off, Swifts manager Rodney McAree made a total of six changes to the side which were defeated by Moyola. He brought in Declan Dunne, Caolan Marron, Danny Wallace, Gaël Bigirimana, Leo Alves, and Sean McAllister for Alex Henderson, Peter Maguire, James Knowles, Thomas Maguire, Mal Smith, and Andrew Mitchell.
Early on, the Swifts created a wonderful opportunity. A cross on the left hand side of the pitch found Cahal McGinty, who took the ball down and shot, and as he was expecting his superbly hit effort to nestle in the far corner, it was excellently stopped by Morrison in the Cliftonville goal.
The Reds would get a good chance of their own just two minutes later when Ryan Curran found himself free in the box, only for his shot to be saved by Declan Dunne at his near post.
The rest of the half would consist of mostly half chances at both ends, with the two sets of teams putting pressure on the opposing defences using mostly crosses. Despite this, there would be one clear cut chance in the half. On the left corner of the pitch, Kealan Dillon stood up to take a free kick. His effort was a direct one, which was inches away from hitting the roof of the net, with goalkeeper Morrison tipping it over the bar instead.
A half in which there was very little to separate the two teams would then end goalless.
After coming out slowly, disaster struck just five minutes after the restart for the visitors. After a series of chances, a corner was earned for Cliftonville. Reds captain, Rory Hale was the one to take it, and he then played it short to Sheridan, who lobbed it into the area, and after a number of touches in the box, Jonny Addis was the man who got on to the end of the ball, and his header went past Dunne in goal to put Cliftonville 1-0 up.
Things would only get worse for the Swifts not too long after. After a series of challenges which looked to be fouls on blue shirts at the other end of the pitch which were not given, Cliftonville got a free kick of their own, and in a very dangerous position. Jack Keaney was the man who opted to take it, and after noticing a gap in the box, he passed the ball into the corner of the goal, leaving the Swifts with an uphill task to get back into the game.
The away side made a number of substitutions to try and get back into the game, and this seemed to spark a slight reaction from the entire team. After, the Swifts would create their first chances of the half, even having a penalty shout when it looked as if Adam Glenny was taken down in the box, but all calls were waved away by the referee.
The last parts of the game had a number of chances at both ends. Cliftonville would continue to cross the ball into the box, like they had been doing all game, putting endless pressure on the Swifts defence. The visitors did have a number of opportunities throughout the last minutes curtesy of Andrew Mitchell, who had both shots and headers, which, unfortunately for him and the team, didn’t go in, and also from Cahal McGinty once more, who had his effort saved well by Morrison again.
These would be the last chances of the afternoon, bringing an end to a disappointing day for the Swifts.
Post match, Rodney McAree discussed his thoughts on the game saying, “I thought first half there wasn’t an awful pile in the game, I thought both teams tried to play, I thought it was a decent first half and I was relatively confident at halftime, but whenever you defend the way we did in the second half and give the two goals away that they give away, you’re always going to be fighting an uphill battle.
“It’s disappointing. The first goal’s very soft, it enters the net very soft, and the second one, we allow Cliftonville to get into an area and then we give a very a poor free kick away and it ends up in the back of your net.”
Up next for the Swifts is a trip to the Oval to face Glentoran (due to next weeks game against Linfield being postponed due to International Call ups on Linfield team) on Friday 21st November with a 7:45pm kick off, with the game being shown live on the BBC also. Up the Swifts!
It was another enjoyable afternoon for the Swifts fans who made the trip to Ballymena, and the many following from home, as the team rewarded them with another hard-earned victory – the second on the bounce.
Coming into his 250th match as Swifts boss, Rodney McAree made just one change to the side which defeated Cliftonville 2-1 at Stangmore last week, bringing in Sean McAllister for Tomás Galvin.
After making an appearance for the U20s against Portadown on Monday night, Darragh McBrien also made a welcome return to the squad following an injury suffered against former club Ballinamallard United during pre-season.
After an uneventful first 10 minutes of the game, the first chance fell to the away side. Midfielder Kealan Dillon whipped in a corner from the right-hand side which was initially cleared by the hosts, only to find Danny Wallace who fired a second ball in and, after a couple of attempts at goal, the Ballymena United defence cleared.
Thirteen minutes later, the home side came close to opening the scoring. A cross from a sky blue shirt on the right ended up with Matthew Clarke, whose shot was saved well by Declan Dunne in goal and gathered on the second attempt.
A short while later, the away side were celebrating after taking a 1-0 lead. Bobby-Jack McAleese found himself on his own just outside the area, and after composing himself, he unleashed his shot which drifted past Sean O’Neill to score his first goal for the Swifts.
Rodney said afterwards: “It’s great to see Bobby-Jack score. He’s such a good kid. He’s well thought of within the dressing room, he’s a bit of a character as well.
“He doesn’t fancy himself as a goal scorer, but he’s somebody who I feel as if should weigh in with more goals. He has great legs, he’s got great energy, he’s technically very good, and he can get into the box more often, but it’s just fantastic, even with his with his weaker foot, his left foot, and it was fantastic to see it go in off the post.”
Within two minutes, there would be further chances at both ends. First, a Ballymena United free kick was whipped in by Ben Kennedy, only to bounce across the face of goal past everyone in the box and just past the post.
Then, at the other end, Adam Glenny supplied the ball to Sean McAllister in the box, who laid the ball to Junior and he expertly turned only for his shot to be saved by O’Neill in goal.
The Swifts would then double their lead. Kealan Dillon sent in a dangerous free kick, and after a defensive mishap, the ball deflected off the leg of Ballymena player Kym Nelson and into his own goal.
Things only looked to be getting better for the Swifts, especially when Adam Glenny won a penalty following a challenge by goalkeeper O’Neill. However, Junior’s spot kick smashed off the inside of the post, and the score remained 2-0 going into half-time.
Chances were few and far between for the first 15 minutes of the second period, but in a 10-minute spell, Ballymena began to pile pressure on the Swifts.
First, a shot from a corner was cleared off the line by Swifts captain Gaël Bigirimana. Then, Ben Kennedy was fouled and the resulting free kick, taken by Lafferty, was drilled wide.
Finally, Kennedy whipped in a corner from the right, which was cleared by Wallace but a second ball into the box was just missed by Kennedy.
After another 15 minutes which saw only half chances and a number of substitution, the Swifts would create an opportunity with one minute of normal time left.
Just outside of the area, Junior won a header and nodded it to substitute Thomas Maguire, who chased after it to pull the ball across the box, only to find a sky blue shirt instead of yellow.
This would turn out to be the final involvement of the half, and the game, with the Swifts picking up their third league win of the season.
Rodney gave his thoughts afterwards.
“We worked extremely hard through the week for a game of football at the weekend, and all you want to do is get the three points. There probably hasn’t been enough of them at this stage this season.
“But, I thought we were very good today in the first half, first 40 minutes especially. I thought we got a little bit careless just before half time and it was important that we got in at half time with a clean sheet and give ourselves something to build on. Second half, we could have maybe been a little bit better with the ball, but I thought we were disciplined and professional without it and I thought I thought we saw the game out well.
“We have three wins from four games in the league which is great, and if you live in the present, it’s very good. Obviously there was a patch before that we don’t want to return to.
“We have an extremely tough game coming up against Larne and another one after that, so we have to be at our very best if we’re going to continue it on, but that’s the challenge, that’s what we look forward to, we look forward to getting back into training as a group this week and preparing for our next game at home to Larne.”
However, this did not phase the first three takers, Kealan Dillion, Adam Glenny, and Gaël Bigirimana as they scored their spot kicks. The Reds were able to match this, with Gormley, Curran, and Hale scoring too. Sheridan was next to take, and his penalty was saved by Dunne in the bottom corner, and after Sean McAllister scored his into the top corner, it was advantage Swifts, leaving the next taker, Harry Wilson under immense pressure. This got to him, as he put his penalty wide, sending everyone in the club into dreamland, as they reached the Irish Cup final again.
