FOOTBALL'S PLACE in life, even a cup final, has been put into perspective by the death of Conor O'Dowd, 18 year old brother of the Derry City goalkeeper Tony.
On Thursday evening Conor O'Dowd collapsed while training with his brothers Greg and Tony, who had been due to line out for Derry City in tomorrow's FAI Cup final at Dalymount Park.
As a mark of respect, it is expected that both Derry City and Shelbourne will wear black arm bands and will observe a minute's silence.
The Derry manager, Felix Healy, said he "wouldn't expect Tony to play" in light of Thursday's tragedy. Goalkeeper Declan Devine is on standby, with midfielder Tom Mohan, sidelined for several weeks by illness, being added to the substitutes' bench.
"It's a terrible kick in the teeth for the whole club," said Healy. He said his players would visit the O'Dowd family after arriving in Dublin this evening and would attend Monday's funeral.
"The cup final just can't be the same now. It's as simple as that, but you just have to get on with it. There is no time for tragedies but we've got to play a cup final," said Healy.
It's a sad end to what has been a momentous season for Derry, who go into this final as, favourites to complete the first domestic league and cup double since they themselves won the treble in 1988-89.
Shelbourne are unbeaten in 11 consecutive FAI Cup ties and are attempting to emulate Cork Hibernians (1972-73) as the only other club to retain the FAI Cup apart from Shamrock, Rovers (too many times to mention) in what will be their third final in succession.
Manager Damien Richardson will also delay announcing his starting lineup until before kickoff and will await a late fitness check on striker Pat Morley.
Although the final has suffered this week because of the ill conceived timing of the domestic game's blue riband in an international week, Derry are expected to bring up to 10,000 supporters to Dalymount Park while Shelbourne have sold their allocation of 5,000.
The game, which will be televised live on Network 2, kicks off at 3.0. Thirty minutes extra time will be played in the event of the tie finishing level after 90 minutes.
If the sides are still level then, the replay will take place tomorrow week in Oriel Park, Dundalk.
