Coleraine secured their place in the Clearer Water Irish Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Larne at Windsor Park on Saturday, setting up an all-Irish League showpiece against holders Dungannon Swifts on May 2.
Joel Cooper gave Coleraine the lead with a rising shot in the 13th minute after receiving an inch-perfect pass from Will Patching, but Matty Lusty equalised for Larne in the 62nd minute after reacting quickly to a blocked shot to force extra time.
With the tie seemingly heading for a penalty shootout, Matthew Shevlin proved the hero for Coleraine, capitalising on a missed clearance by Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson from Mark Coyle's cross to guide the ball home from close range in the 112th minute and send the Bannsiders to their first Irish Cup final since they last won the trophy in 2018.
The result ended Larne's hopes of a historic league and cup double, with the Inver Park side having been chasing a first-ever Irish Cup success. Manager Tiernan Lynch was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that Coleraine had taken their chances when it mattered most.
"It's a massive occasion for this club," said Coleraine manager Mark Coyle. "We've been building towards something special this season and to reach the final is a huge achievement. Now we want to go and win it."
The final will be a repeat of the 2025 decider, with Dungannon Swifts having beaten Cliftonville on penalties in Friday's other semi-final at Windsor Park. The Swifts, who are bidding to become back-to-back Irish Cup winners, will face a Coleraine side in excellent form and hungry to reclaim the trophy they last lifted eight years ago.
The Irish Cup final takes place at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on Saturday 2 May, with kick-off expected at 3pm.
