Irish Cup: Personal tragedy shapes Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins’ road to final

Higgins left his role as Derry City manager in 2024 by mutual consent after three years at the Brandywell.

In addition to an FAI Cup triumph, Derry finished second in the Irish Premier Division twice – in 2022 and 2023 – under his tutelage.

Higgins said while his final season at Derry City ended in difficult circumstances – with a 2-0 cup final loss to Drogheda – he is hugely proud of what he achieved and says he has taken the lessons learned from his time with the Candystripes into his approach with managing Coleraine.

“The time I had at Derry was fantastic. It didn’t finish brilliantly but over the three and a half years, there’s no doubt it was really successful,” he said.

“During that time I had a lot of personal tragedy and difficulties. That’s what I am really proud of.

“I remained manager through what were really two of the most difficult years I ever had in my life – and probably ever will have.

“No-one apart from my closest friends and family really knows what I actually went through. I am proud of myself for being able to manage a massive football club through those experiences.”

Higgins says he now feels “unbelievably strong”.

“I do feel my brother and mother are with me and I am really enjoying my life,” added the 41-year-old, who won a League of Ireland title with Dundalk in his playing days.

“I think there are really good days ahead of me, the club, the staff, the players and everyone connected to Coleraine FC.”