The 2025 Irish FAI Senior Cup clash between Shamrock Rovers and Wexford, set for Friday, 18 July at 20:00 UK time at Tallaght Stadium, is shaping up to be a highlight of the Irish domestic football calendar[3]. For British viewers eager to catch the action, coverage—complete with expert commentary—will be available on LOI TV, the official streaming service for League of Ireland matches and selected cup fixtures. The broadcast will be led by Con Murphy (main commentator) and Barry Murphy (co-commentator), two voices synonymous with Irish football broadcasting.

Unlike major British competitions, where the FA Cup might be found on BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, or TNT Sports, coverage of the FAI Cup outside Ireland remains more niche. There is no direct British broadcaster for this fixture, and the world feed is not widely distributed in the UK. This makes LOI TV the primary—and often only—option for fans outside Ireland seeking live coverage, albeit with geo-restrictions and a paywall in place[geo/R, $]. It is worth noting that the match does not feature on mainstream British channels, leaving enthusiasts reliant on dedicated streaming platforms for their fix of Irish football.

LOI TV: Your Gateway to Irish Football

For those unfamiliar, LOI TV is the League of Ireland’s official streaming platform, offering live and on-demand coverage of Premier Division, First Division, and selected FAI Cup matches. While the service is subject to regional geoblocking and requires a subscription, it is a lifeline for expats and dedicated followers of Irish club football. The platform is known for its high-quality production values, in-depth analysis, and familiar commentary team, making it a reliable choice for the purist.

In the UK, where coverage of the League of Ireland has historically been sparse, LOI TV fills a crucial gap. With no mainstream British broadcaster currently holding rights to the FAI Cup, fans looking for comprehensive coverage—including pre-match build-up, half-time analysis, and post-match reaction—are best served by this dedicated service.

The Commentary Team: Con Murphy and Barry Murphy

Con Murphy: The Voice of Irish Football

Con Murphy is a mainstay of Irish sports broadcasting, with a career spanning decades. He is best known for his extensive work with RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, where he has covered everything from Gaelic games to international football. Murphy’s voice has become synonymous with major Irish sporting events, including FAI Cup finals, League of Ireland title deciders, and Republic of Ireland internationals. His encyclopedic knowledge of the domestic game and his calm, authoritative delivery have earned him widespread respect among fans and peers alike.

Murphy’s versatility is a key asset. Whether calling a tense cup tie or a routine league encounter, he brings the same level of professionalism and insight. His ability to capture the drama of the occasion while keeping casual viewers informed has made him one of the most recognisable voices in Irish sport. For British audiences tuning into LOI TV, Murphy’s commentary provides both context and colour, helping to bridge any gaps in familiarity with the League of Ireland.

Barry Murphy: From Pitch to Commentary Box

Barry Murphy brings a different perspective to the broadcast team. A former professional goalkeeper who enjoyed spells with Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Bohemians, Murphy transitioned seamlessly into punditry and co-commentary after hanging up his gloves. His playing experience at the highest level of Irish football gives him unique insight into the tactical and technical aspects of the game—a quality that enriches any broadcast.

Since retiring, Murphy has become a regular analyst and co-commentator for both RTÉ and LOI TV. His articulate breakdowns of key moments, combined with his affable on-air persona, have made him a fan favourite. Murphy’s understanding of the pressures faced by players in high-stakes cup matches—having experienced them firsthand—adds depth to his analysis, offering viewers a glimpse behind the curtain of professional football in Ireland.

The Match: Shamrock Rovers v Wexford

On paper, Shamrock Rovers—the most successful club in League of Ireland history—enter this FAI Cup tie as heavy favourites. The Hoops, based at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, have dominated domestically in recent years and will be eager to add another cup triumph to their collection[3]. Wexford FC, meanwhile, will be hoping to spring a surprise. The south-east club has shown resilience in lower divisions and will relish the opportunity to test themselves against top-flight opposition on the national stage.

The FAI Cup has a rich tradition of giant-killings and dramatic moments, and this fixture is no exception. With the eyes of the Irish football community firmly fixed on Tallaght Stadium, viewers can expect a passionate contest, expertly narrated by Con Murphy and Barry Murphy.

How to Watch

For British and international viewers, LOI TV is the destination for live coverage. Subscribers can access the stream via the official website, with options for single-match passes or seasonal subscriptions. While geo-restrictions apply, a reliable VPN service can help bypass these for fans outside Ireland. The platform offers high-definition streams, multiple camera angles, and commentary in English—ensuring a premium viewing experience. Match highlights and extended analysis are typically available after the final whistle, catering to those unable to watch live.

It is worth reiterating that there is no UK broadcast on BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, or TNT Sports for this fixture. The world feed, if available, is not accessible through mainstream British channels, making LOI TV the only viable option for comprehensive coverage[geo/R, $].

External Resources

For more information on Shamrock Rovers, visit their official website.

Details on the FAI Cup and its history can be found on the Football Association of Ireland’s official site.

To learn more about the League of Ireland and streaming options, explore LOI TV.

Conclusion

The Irish FAI Senior Cup remains one of the most cherished competitions in Irish football, and the clash between Shamrock Rovers and Wexford on 18 July 2025 is set to be a memorable encounter. For British fans, LOI TV—with its acclaimed commentary duo of Con Murphy and Barry Murphy—offers the best way to experience the drama live. While mainstream UK channels are absent from coverage, the dedicated service ensures that all the action, insight, and atmosphere are just a click away for those willing to seek it out.