The FAI are reportedly considering plans to rename the Aviva Stadium ‘Brandywell South’ following Derry City’s latest FAI Cup triumph.
The Candystripes lifted the famous trophy for a seventh time in their history on Sunday, defeating Waterford FC 1-0 in front of over 36,000 fans, securing their second FAI Cup success since 2022 and reaching their third final in that period.
With Derry City supporters becoming increasingly comfortable in the capital, the FAI have reportedly decided that the national stadium’s name should reflect the changing landscape of Irish football.
FAI officials are understood to have held an emergency meeting following Derry’s latest success, with the governing body deciding that the current stadium name no longer adequately reflects the balance of power in Irish football.
A spokesperson for the FAI said: “At this stage, it only seems right. Derry have made themselves at home in this competition, so we thought we might as well make them feel at home in Dublin too.”
The proposed changes are expected to include red and white seating, a permanent statue of Patrick McClean and the installation of a replica Candystripes dressing room.
There are also suggestions that the national anthem could be replaced by The Undertones’ classic ‘Teenage Kicks’ before future FAI Cup finals.
And in a move likely to delight travelling supporters, the FAI are understood to be exploring plans to replace the stadium’s existing food outlets with a traditional Derry pastry shop, specialising in cream horns.
Derry City supporters have welcomed the news, although club officials are said to be disappointed that the FAI have not yet agreed to paint a Derry Girls mural in the players’ tunnel.
For anyone taking this seriously, the FAI have not announced any such plans. Although, given Derry’s recent record, perhaps they should.
