Two years ago he was also here in the same spot, but the tears shed that night were for a different reason.
The midfielder started the 2022 decider for Shelbourne, but a nightmare first-half showing saw Damien Duff hook the 24-year-old at the break as Derry went on to win 4-0.
Two years on, he faced the Candystripes again in the final, and after a star display for Drogheda he’s now wearing a winner’s medal around his neck as he reflects on the contrast between those pair of visits to the Dublin 4 venue.
“Honestly, I can’t even describe it. The last time I was here I lost 4-0, I gave away two goals, I let all the Shelbourne players, fans, Damien [Duff] down,” said Farrell, after helping Drogheda to a first FAI Cup triumph since 2005 and European qualification for 2025.
“It was the lowest [moment in my career] and it affected me until … It’s probably why I got released at Shelbourne [last July]. It’s obviously a sad moment because I spent six-and-a-half years there, but my confidence was shattered. I remember having a chat with Damien about my confidence. He said: ‘You just need to pick up again’ but I just couldn’t get going.
“I knew I wasn’t the same player. Obviously since Damien came in my stats have been very good, but in the last year and a half my stats have been awful. I was lucky that Kev [Doherty, Drogheda manager] reached out to me and signed me.”
In April, Farrell was thrust into the spotlight when Duff criticised his professionalism before he departed the club in July after seven seasons at Tolka Park. Farrell did leave Shels on good terms though, with Drogheda boss Doherty saying he spoke to Duff about the midfielder a couple of weeks ago. “Damien loves him,” said Doherty last night.
But when the Finglas man arrived at the Louth club during the summer it was a fresh start. He had a point to prove not just to others, but to himself too.
“I did have something to prove, yeah, because obviously Damien has let me go and everyone has seen that he’s let me go,” said Farrell, who assisted Andrew Quinn for Drogheda’s first-half opener.
“People are probably saying, ‘He’s finished now, he’s gone from Shelbourne.’ But since I came into Drogheda, we were eight points behind Dundalk and we finished eight points above them. Now we have a cup medal too. I just think it’s confidence. I probably needed a fresh start.”
While his FAI Cup medal is safe now, his Premier Division winner’s medal is also in the post having made 17 appearances for Shels in the first half of the season before departing the Reds.
“I don’t want to be a double winner and lose [promotion/relegation play-off] on Saturday,” he added.
“It’s on the way. I could be the first League of Ireland player to win the double and get relegated, it’s a bit crazy.”
From 2022 heartbreak to 2024 triumph, what a difference two years can make. For Farrell, this one will taste sweet.
