'This has been the hardest week of my life'

Ruaidhri Higgins admits it has been the toughest week of his life after returning to the touchline for Derry City’s President’s Cup victory over Shamrock Rovers.

The City boss has spent time away from the club in recent days following the tragic death of his older brother Kevin, but returned to lead his team this evening.

“It’s been the hardest week of my life, there’s no getting away from it,” he said afterwards. “Coming here tonight, I was dreading it all day to be honest, and I was dreading it yesterday, but when I walked through the gates, I don’t know what it was, it just felt right. I’m delighted that I’m here. There are tough weeks ahead, and I understand that, but I’m so grateful for the people I have around me, my family, my wife; we’re really close-knit and it’s a kick in the teeth, but we’ll get on with it in his memory.”

The Candystripes won the game 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Will Patching and Michael Duffy and Higgins felt the win was thoroughly deserved.

“As I’ve said loads of times before, pre-season friendlies do my head in as does pre-season; it’s fake and it’s false, but I think this was the perfect game, just before the league campaign starts,” he reflected. “I thought our crowd was brilliant considering there wasn’t that much on the line being honest, but to beat Shamrock Rovers here, and deservedly so, and to out in a performance at this stage of the year is really pleasing, and I thought there was a couple of exceptional performances as well.”