Fri Sep 13 08:56:00 UTC 2024: ## UCD Aims for Historic FAI Cup Final Appearance, Finn Reflects on European Football

**Dublin, Ireland** – Former FAI Cup winner Ronan Finn is aiming to lead UCD to a historic FAI Cup final appearance after a 40-year absence. UCD faces Bohemians in the quarter-final tonight at Belfield, with a potential semi-final against either Wexford or Treaty United on the horizon.

“The draw has been kind to maybe the smaller teams, and it has given them a chance of a good day out,” said Finn, who has won the cup twice before, with Dundalk in 2015 and Shamrock Rovers in 2019.

Should UCD triumph and advance, they would become the first First Division team to reach the FAI Cup final since 2010. Finn acknowledges the challenge ahead: “Bohemians, with their budget and players, they’ll be favourites to win the game.”

While focused on the FAI Cup, Finn is also preparing for UCD’s upcoming play-offs, a crucial part of their season. Additionally, Finn will be a part of Premier Sports’ coverage of Shamrock Rovers’ Conference League campaign. He is particularly excited about the Hoops’ clash with Chelsea, calling it “a wonderful way to end the Rovers campaign.”

Looking back on his own European experiences, Finn believes Rovers have a realistic chance of advancing in the Conference League: “I think the champions of Ireland, champions of Northern Ireland and the champions of Wales have all qualified now for the Conference. It won’t happen every year, but it’s shown that it’s doable.”

With a busy schedule ahead, Finn is keeping his focus on each challenge as it arrives. The fate of UCD’s FAI Cup journey will be revealed after tonight’s match, but one thing is clear – Ronan Finn remains a force to be reckoned with on and off the pitch.

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