The two sides' two previous meetings that season had been in the League, with one win for Dundalk and a draw. Limerick had come off a poor 1976–77, finishing 12th in the League, but had won that season's Munster Senior Cup. They had won their most recent cup final in 1971. To reach the 1977 final they had overcome Sligo Rovers, Waterford, and Drogheda United.[1]
Defending league champions Dundalk had finished fifth, and were in their first FAI Cup final since winning in 1958. They had already won the Leinster Senior Cup that season.[2] To reach the final, they had defeated non-League Pegasus (2–1), Cork Celtic (1–0), and St Patrick's Athletic (1–0 in a replay, following a 1–1 draw).[3]
The match was not broadcast live. Highlights were shown that evening on the RTÉ show Sports Scene.
Match
Summary
Going into the match Dundalk were seen as strong favourites.[4] Limerick started the match strongly, however, creating a succession of chances – Limerick's Dave Kirby hitting the crossbar and Dundalk's Synan Braddish having to clear off the line with his head, with goalkeeper Richie Blackmore stranded. An injury to Limerick winger John Walsh in the 25th minute, which saw him withdrawn in the 31st, appeared to distract them, however. Dundalk took a 33rd-minute lead against the run of play, when player-manager Jim McLaughlin crossed for Terry Flanagan to tap home. Thereafter, Limerick lost their composure and the final was settled three minutes from time, when Flanagan headed home a Seamus McDowell corner.[5] The match was stopped briefly in the second half due to stone and bottle throwing by Limerick fans, but an intervention from Limerick manager Frankie Johnston cooled the situation.[6]
