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We made it safely through to face Cork City in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup final by beating Kerry FC 6-1. It was a job very well done by the team.

“It was. It was really important that we respected Kerry and the game for everything it was. I thought the players did that really well. They gave Kerry the ultimate respect by going and performing to our levels. They did that really well to ensure we’re in the FAI Cup final.”

Just as Kerry looked like they were settling into the game, Graham Burke scored twice in quick succession. They were two really well constructed goals. Were they just what we needed to put us in the driving seat?

“We were in a good place. We knew Kerry would work extremely hard for each other and are an extremely honest group of players. We knew they would be well organised. So we weren’t surprised by that at all, so we knew it could take time to break them down. I think the players saw the pictures really well, being patient and the goals came at a really good time, settled us and then we could find the spaces.”

Michael Noonan hadn’t scored for a while but as you’ve said many times, that’s the easy bit for Michael. His second against Kerry he made look easy and then Cian Barrett looked the happiest man in Tallaght after his first senior goal.

“With Michael, I’ve always said he scores goals and that it’s about improving everything else. The finish for the second goal, he’s been working on that for quite some time. So it’s not something that just happened. So I was delighted to see him do it, as it means he’s built a trust in doing that over a period of time. There’s a lot of detail in that if you watch it. It wasn’t easy by any means so it was a really good finish and shows another layer of Michael’s development. With Cian, he’s been excellent for us this year any time he’s featured. He’s probably unlucky not to play more games. I’m delighted he got his goal, Cian has been very good and has matured in every way. He’s a player we really like.”

So attention turns to Shelbourne tomorrow at Tallaght Stadium where a point will see us regain our league title. There’s no change in preparation or focus for the group, regardless what is waiting for us after the final whistle.

“We’re just focussed on the game and prepare as normal. We know Shels have good players and that it will be a tough game. But we’ll try and do everything possible to win the league tomorrow, in front of our own fans and that’s our aim.”

Shelbourne are still very much in contention for a European place. So they’ll come to win the game and it should be a decent and attacking game.

“It should be, we’ve two good teams and as you said, Shels have a lot to play for, we know what we’re playing for. So it has the makings to be a good game, with a good crowd too.”

Pico Lopes misses the Shels game as he’s on international duty and on the verge of World Cup qualification with Cape Verde. A crazy 3-3 draw yesterday with Libya still means a home win on Monday against Eswatini is required for automatic qualification. Did you speak to Pico after that incredible game against Libya?

“Yes I did, they would’ve loved to have got it done yesterday, but they’re nearly there. When you’re doing or trying to achieve anything, the last bit is always the most difficult one because we want it and are reaching so much. They’ll be fine, they just need to focus on the next game. Hopefully Pico’s wife, Leah, can hold off on the baby’s arrival until he can get back in time!”

Other than Pico, is anyone else unavailable for the Shels game? How is Lee Grace?

“Lee remains out and Josh Honohan is out. Josh was called up for Ireland, but was medically ruled out and has been carrying a knock. Michael Noonan is away with the Ireland under 21’s and Alex Noonan and Max Kovalevskis are also on Ireland duty. So, we have a few away, but we knew the international break would leave us tight. There was nothing we could do as we have to play the Shels fixture. Also, Danny Grant is out, this week is too soon for him. So we’re missing a few.”