Ryan Brennan is hoping for better luck this time around in Sunday's Sports Direct FAI Cup final after the scars of the 2013 decider.
In an absorbing final, the midfielder struck an injury-time goal to level matters for Drogheda against Sligo Rovers.
However, with seconds remaining, Anthony Elding found the net to break Drogheda hearts and seal Sligo’s third cup success in four years.
Eleven years later and Drogheda are still waiting for just a second FAI Cup title. What illustrates the strength of the domestic game is that around 17,500 spectators filed through the turnstiles in 2013, while more than 40,000 are expected to pack out the Aviva on Sunday afternoon, all the more noteworthy for a decider without Dublin representation.
"The last (FAI Cup) final I played in there were 17 or 18,000 fans, so Sunday will be more than double that. It’s exciting times for the league."
With club captain Gary Deegan enjoying only limited game time since recovering from a hip problem, Brennan is likely to have the skipper’s armband once again. Few neutrals expect him to wake up Monday morning, on his 33rd birthday, as an FAI Cup-winning captain.
Despite Derry’s form trailing off badly in the league, they have enjoyed a most impressive run to the final.
The Candystripes have seen off a resurgent St Pat's, the champions of the second and first tiers in Cork City and Shelbourne, as well as negotiating a tricky semi-final trip to Bohemians.
On the other hand, the Louth club have beaten struggling Dundalk, Athlone Town and non-league Wilton United before scraping past Wexford 3-2 at the penultimate stage.
How can they topple the favourites who are seeking a second cup success in three years?
"We can go out and put our best foot forward," he said. "We beat Derry not too long ago at home. I know the bigger pitch might suit them a bit better, but we will play our own game and our form has been good. We won’t do anything too different and give them a right game.
"It’s a massive occasion. It’s a brilliant atmosphere to look forward to, but you can’t dwell on it for too long. You have to prepare like you would for any other game."
A veteran of more than 200 appearances with the club, Brennan concedes his team may have taken Wexford a little lightly in the semi-final, and has warned there will be no complacency for next week’s promotion/relegation play-off against Bray Wanderers where their Premier Division status is on the line.
Of immediate concern however is cup glory. While only a young teenager when Declan 'Fabio’ O’Brien lifted the trophy in 2005 for the first time in the club’s history, leading the side out on Sunday will be a special moment for the local boy.
"It’s a massive honour," he said. "I’m stand-in captain, Gary is the club captain. I got in lucky enough during the season and I held onto the jersey.
"It is a massively proud moment for me and my family and one I’ll definitely look back on with fond memories."
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