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Limavady Upsets Linfield, Advances to Irish Cup Quarters

2/10/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Limavady manager Paul Owens celebrated a 1-0 win over Linfield to reach the Irish Cup quarter-finals.
Ryan McNickle scored a winning goal, sending Limavady into the last eight after eliminating the defending champions.
Larne, Irish Premiership leaders, will face Glentoran or Drumaness Mills in the quarter-finals.
Dungannon Swifts advanced with a comeback win against Portadown, while Cliftonville and Loughgall also progressed.

History

Historical Context

The Irish Cup, established in 1881, has evolved into Northern Ireland's premier football knockout competition. Derry City's 2010 victory marked their first title since 1989, while Limavady's recent upset over Linfield reflects a growing competitiveness among smaller clubs. Historically, Belfast teams have dominated, winning 104 of 141 competitions, but recent trends suggest a shift in the landscape of Northern Irish football.

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Story summary

Limavady manager Paul Owens celebrated a 1-0 win over Linfield to reach the Irish Cup quarter-finals.
Ryan McNickle scored a winning goal, sending Limavady into the last eight after eliminating the defending champions.
Larne, Irish Premiership leaders, will face Glentoran or Drumaness Mills in the quarter-finals.
Dungannon Swifts advanced with a comeback win against Portadown, while Cliftonville and Loughgall also progressed.

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