As excitement builds before the Swifts’ second Irish Cup semi-final appearance in as many years – and only the sixth in the history of the club – they are preparing for the next step in their defence of the trophy against 2025 runners-up Cliftonville.
The Swifts booked their semi-final spot after defeating H&W Welders in the quarter-final, following wins against Portadown and Ards in previous rounds.
Cliftonville have followed a very similar path to Windsor Park, beating Championship opponents in the quarter-final (Loughgall) and fifth round (Dundela), and overcoming Premiership opposition in the form of Glenavon in between.
Manager Rodney McAree welcomes the challenge of today’s match, saying:
“We have to look forward to it, and we have to embrace the challenge. It’s a tough opportunity, but it’s a great opportunity to maybe sample another day out.
“We’re only one of four teams left in the competition, and we have to be proud of that, and then we have to try and find a way of overcoming Cliftonville.”
The Swifts, like last year at this stage in Seaview, promise to bring a large, vocal crowd to be the team’s twelfth man.
It has already been another hugely successful season for the club in securing another top six finish and reaching the semi-final of the Irish Cup, and the fans have played their part in that.
“I just hope that everybody comes out and supports us. We had a fantastic travelling support at the cup final and the semi final last year, so we’re hoping for something similar this year as well, so supporters come out and support – get behind us!” Rodney said.
In terms of availability, the Swifts were dealt a hammer blow last week when it was announced that full-back Steven Scott was ruled out of the match, and it is doubtful whether he will return for any part of the remaining season.
Attackers Sean McAllister and Sam Anderson are also doubtful for the game today.
Neither team is coming into the match in their best league form of the season, with both the Swifts and the Reds winning just one game out of their last five in the Premiership.
The Swifts, however, have the edge over Cliftonville this season, winning two and losing one, including an exciting 3-2 victory over the north Belfast side at Stangmore Park in February.
The teams are just a point apart at this stage of the season, confirming there is little to separate the sides.
Rodney’s men, of course, also came out on top at Windsor in their historic Irish Cup final victory last year, securing the cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
It is the third successive semi-final appearance for The Reds, winning the trophy in 2024 before their narrow defeat to the Swifts last year.
Today’s game is a huge one, so make sure to get your tickets and help the Swifts to continue their cup defence and seal another memorable day out in May.
Up the Swifts!