Derry City skipper Michael Duffy led the fightback as the Candystripes booked their place in the FAI Cup semi-finals with a comeback victory over Dundalk at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Duffy, a former Dundalk player, scored twice and created another to help interim boss Mark Connelly's side overturn an early deficit to win 4-2 and keep alive hopes of a first cup triumph since 2022.

Sixth in the league in what has been a disappointing domestic season, cup glory also represents Derry's best hope of securing European football next season and they travel to Galway United in the last four.

The visitors, who are six points and two places better off than their opponents in the League of Ireland Premier Division table, started brightly and soon got their reward.

With 11 minutes on the clock, Derry failed to clear a corner and Shane Tracey fired home through the legs of Nick Twisk on the line.

The lead lasted until the 22nd minute when Duffy's fine free-kick was met by the unmarked Paddy McClean. The former Glentoran defender made contact with his shoulder rather than head but the ball looped into the top corner.

Three minutes before the break, Brandon Fleming got in behind the Dundalk defence and Ronan Teahan slipped before inadvertently handling the ball on his way to ground.

The referee awarded the penalty and Duffy, having created the first from a set-piece, produced an assured finish from the spot.

While Dundalk enjoyed another purple patch in the second half, chances were at a premium until the hosts killed the game off late on.

Kevin Dos Santos came off the bench and, via a pair of deflections, gave Derry the crucial two-goal cushion going into the game's final 10 minutes.

Duffy put the result beyond any doubt five minutes from time when he poked home after Liam Boyce's pass bobbled into his path.

Trevor Clarke hit the bar late on for Dundalk before his pass was tapped home by Leo Gaxha for a consolation in added time.