IN PICTURES: Road to the FAI Cup final continues at Hollybush PS

Derry City FC’s interim manager Mark Connolly and newly-signed Dutch midfielder Nick Twisk received a rapturous "Red and White" welcome during a special school visit to Hollybush Primary School on Friday morning.

The visit marked a community milestone ahead of the club's upcoming FAI Cup Final appearance on November 8, drawing a crowd of over 400 pupils as well as staff, who gathered to showcase the pupil’s artwork, banners, and an audio-visual tribute celebrating the squad's recent sporting successes. The youngsters also got to ask questions of the two cup finalists.

The celebration held deep local significance, as both of Mark’s children attend the Hollybush school. Standing at the front of the packed assembly hall alongside their father, Primary 7 student Ora and Primary 4 student Rohan joined the Derry duo as they addressed the packed assembly hall.

The pupils got to ask a number of questions of the Derry duo as well as getting photos and witnessing an impromptu ‘Gaelic’ skills assessment of the Dutch-Derry player.

"I know Derry have a home game at the Brandywell tonight against Dundalk," noted Hollybush Principal Mr. Feargal Friel, who extended his personal gratitude to the staff and players for taking time out of a demanding competitive schedule.

‘We are delighted to see you both here today. And we are proud that Mark’s children Ora is in Primary 7 and Rohan in Primary 4 are part of the family here at Hollybush.

‘Indeed, Mark has been a long-time friend of the school, always available for a visit, and lending support to the work of the school wherever he can, despite his hectic schedule. I’d like to note that and thank him for his continued support.’

"We are over the moon to see both Mark and Nick this morning. Hollybush will be rooting for you, Lads!"

The visit comes as Derry City enters the final stretches of its dual domestic campaign. The club returns to the Brandywell tonight for a vital League of Ireland Premier Division fixture against Dundalk F.C. before shifting structural focus toward securing silverware in the looming cup final next month.