 Derry City, aiming for the double, were rocked with the news of the sudden death of the younger brother of Tony O'Dowd just days before the final and Devine stepped up to take his place between the sticks.They were defeated 2–0 by Shelbourne in Dalymount Park on a weekend where football very much took a back seat.Devine remained at the Brandywell for the start of the 1997–98 season but again found his opportunities limited and returned to Omagh Town.