Joey O’Brien urges Shelbourne to embrace the moment as LOI chases historic European night

Shelbourne boss Joey O’Brien has called on his players to recapture the fearless mentality that won them the league last season as they aim to finish the job against Linfield in Belfast — on a night that could be historic for the League of Ireland.

With a 3–1 first-leg advantage, Shelbourne travel to Windsor Park tonight for the decisive leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff against Linfield. Victory would not only secure progress but also deliver a €3.8m windfall. Alongside Shamrock Rovers, who lead Portuguese side Santa Clara, the League of Ireland could celebrate dual representation in European competition for the first time.

“You perform and you have a cut” — O’Brien

Joey O’Brien has challenged his squad to meet the occasion head-on, insisting that the key is to embrace the spotlight rather than shrink under pressure.

“You perform and you have a cut-off whoever you are coming up against, that’s how I see football,” he said. “Rovers have that in the dressing room. That’s why you’re able to make big results and make history, because you’ve that in the players and the management and the football club — and that’s something we’ve created over the last little while in this club.”

Reflecting on their league title triumph last year, O’Brien added: “We won the league last year. Nobody gave us a chance. We backed our players, we wanted our players to perform when it mattered. Nobody fancied us to get over the line but we went out, had a cut at it and we did it.”

“Motivation cannot be a tension”

O’Brien warned that the pressure of the occasion cannot be allowed to turn into fear: “In this game we have a big moment and a motivation, but that motivation cannot be a tension. That’s a big thing. Sometimes when the level goes up, and the pressure goes up from outside, players get a little bit tense and that’s when you freeze.”

Linfield still fighting

Linfield manager David Healy insists his side remain alive in the tie thanks to their attacking threat, despite being without Matthew Fitzpatrick after his controversial first-leg red card.

“Hopefully the league is celebrating two teams” — Bradley

O’Brien admitted it would be “brilliant for the League of Ireland” if both Shels and Rovers progressed, but was keen to stress that “there’s still a long way to go.”

His Shamrock Rovers counterpart Stephen Bradley echoed the sentiment as his team prepare to face Santa Clara in Tallaght. “On the pitch the league is getting better and stronger and we’ve been at the forefront of that for a long time,” Bradley said. “We want to keep pushing the boundaries and expectations. Hopefully tonight the league as a whole is celebrating two teams.”

The post Joey O’Brien urges Shelbourne to embrace moment as League of Ireland chases historic European night appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

League of Ireland Premier Division

Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM

Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City (3-1) and Waterford (1-0). Another victory here would send out a strong statement of intent.

A sell-out crowd of 5,100 is expected at the famous Drumcondra venue, and the home side has received a major boost with a fully fit squad available for selection.

For Shamrock Rovers, this fixture provides a chance to make a statement after being edged out by Shels for the title on the final day of last season. Stephen Bradley’s side endured a disappointing opening-day defeat to Bohemians but had last weekend off due to a postponement, giving them extra time to prepare.

The 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 Derby in the 1920s, the 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮 Derby in the 1990s.

No matter the name, no matter the decade.

The 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆 Shels v Rovers is a big one. pic.twitter.com/8C5xR09QpS

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) February 26, 2025

Shelbourne Team News & Preview

Shels’ strong start has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an ability to take chances when they come. New signings Mipo Odubeko, Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, and Ryan O’Kane have settled in well, adding quality to Duff’s squad.

Duff knows that derby wins will be vital if Shelbourne are to retain their crown.

“Derbies were a topic we referenced in a team meeting this morning,” he said. “They’re not about bragging rights, they’re about putting points on the board. If you want to win the league, you have to win Dublin derbies.

“You also need a strong points return from Friday-to-Monday games. More often than not, if you manage that, you’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

With back-to-back games in quick succession, Duff has highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising his medical and coaching staff for keeping players fit.

Shamrock Rovers Team News & Preview

Rovers’ title defence crumbled in the early months of last season, and Bradley is determined to ensure they hit their levels consistently this time around.

“We just need to be better than what we were last season,” Bradley said. “We don’t look at any individual team, we never have or never will. It’s more about what we know—if we do what we do to our best, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of being successful.

“Last season we didn’t do that domestically. The second half of the season was good, but that’s not enough at this club. It’s not enough to do it for four or five months, and we know that wasn’t acceptable.”

Bradley is boosted by the return of Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, and Adam Matthews, though Darragh Nugent and Danny Mandroiu remain out.

Despite Shels’ improvements, the Rovers boss isn’t expecting any major tactical surprises from the hosts.

“They’ve added some good players, but they pretty much do similar things,” he noted. “They’re good at what they do, but it’s similar to what they’ve done last season and the one before.”

Key Battle: Shelbourne’s Defence vs Rovers’ Attack

Shels had the best record in Dublin derbies last season, and their defensive structure frustrated Rovers at times. Rovers, meanwhile, will look to Johnny Kenny, Graham Burke, and Aaron Greene to provide the firepower needed to break through.

Match Prediction

Shelbourne have momentum and home advantage, but Rovers’ extra preparation time could prove crucial. Expect a tight and physical contest under the Tolka Park lights.

Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

Team News

Shelbourne

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Darragh Nugent, Danny Mandroiu

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Match Details

Fixture: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin

Kick-off: 7.45 PM

Referee: Neil Doyle

The post Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Northern Ireland semi-final will see Linfield face Coleraine while 2020 League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers will play the runners-up in the 2021 SSE Airtricity Premier Division with the fixture date to be confirmed.

Launching the plans for an expanded 2021 Champions Cup today at Windsor Park, Unite Regional Secretary Jackie Pollock expressed his union’s pride in the initiative and hopes that it would continue to use football as a vehicle to unite communities and address disadvantages.

“The Unite The Union Champions’ Cup promotes Diversity, Equality and Community and it does so through focussing on our common love of the beautiful game that is football,” said Pollock.

“After an unavoidable one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are re-launching the Champions’ Cup in an expanded format. This year’s games set for November and December will see the leading teams, north and south play-off before the champions come forward for an all-island final.

“But the Unite the Union Champions’ Cup is about more than just world-class football. The initiative seeks to celebrate our diversity, promote equality and build community – while also providing enjoyment and a positive occasion for all to enjoy.

“I’m very proud that this year again, Unite is providing funding of £50,000 which goes directly into communities and schools in the catchment areas of the teams involved.  This money is targeted at improving the lives and opportunities of those in greatest need.”

Vice-Chair of Unite the union’s Irish Executive Therese Maloney spoke at the launch pointing to the recent STEM initiative under the Champions’ Cup launched by the union in catchment schools.

“Over recent months and despite the pandemic, Unite has been working with schools in marginalised communities in the Republic to roll out a new STEM education initiative sponsored by Unite.

“Today we will also be launching this exciting new initiative, combining technology, learning, football and fun, for local schools in the North.

“The unique educational resource we are making available to young people comprises six miniature football pitches together with 15 interactive robots programmed by the learners to perform tasks, such as playing football, helping develop skills in sport, maths, computer programming and coding.  My own background is in science, so I am particularly excited by this initiative.

“While we are all looking forward to the prospect of the three football matches ahead of us – we can also recognise the value of the other aspect of the Champions’ Cup. It’s about more than a match – it’s about using football as a means to reach into communities and make a real difference.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: “Our League of Ireland clubs are really looking forward to this expanded Unite the union Champions Cup.

“The COVID-19 pandemic meant we were unable to host the competition in 2020 but the new expanded format is a direct result of the increased interest from our clubs and their desire to play in this competition.

“We are fully committed to expanding our relationship with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League and I know the players and fans from all four clubs will be excited by the return of this Unite The Union Champions Cup and all will do their very best to win it.”

Football Association of Ireland President Gerry McAnaney added: “We are delighted to be here in Belfast today for the launch of the 2021 edition of the Unite the union Champions Cup.

“Our relationship with the Irish Football Association is very important to our Association and this competition further strengthens the bond between our Associations and our Leagues.

“I want to commend everyone involved with today’s launch and in particular everyone from Unite the union whose commitment to and passion for this Cup has been inspirational.

“The cross-community focus is to be applauded and I look forward to another successful Unite the Union Champions Cup campaign and wish all four teams the very best of luck as they compete for this unique title.”

Conrad Kirkwood, Irish FA President said: “This is a really exciting competition and, after a Covid hit year, it’s back and we are delighted about that.

“Its values of diversity, equality and community dovetail with that of the association. In Northern Ireland football really is for all.

“The game is strong on both sides of the border; I know NIFL is in a really good place, and I’m delighted to be embarking once again on this footballing journey with our counterparts at the FAI. A big thanks to Unite the Union too for its backing.”

The post Unite the Union Champions Cup launched after year-long hiatus appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

As part of its sponsorship of the Unite the Union Champions Cup, Unite has partnered with Shamrock Rovers and Spheros to provide an educational STEM resource to the Tallaght/Clondalkin community.

This ground-breaking resource introduces students to football and STEM education through hands-on, football-themed coding and mathematics activities.

Commenting, Unite’s Community Coordinator Rhona McCord said:

“Unite is delighted to launch this initiative with Shamrock Rovers and Spheros Sports as part of our sponsorship of the Unite Champions Cup.

“The programme will provide educational STEM resource to the Tallaght/Clondalkin community and builds on the Champions Cup theme of ‘Diversity, Equality, Community,’ which started in 2019 when Unite gave supports to children in Direct Provision engaged in football.”

𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝘼𝙡 #RoversNumberOne pic.twitter.com/o0P90Xjhja

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) September 7, 2021

This educational resource, which is unique on the island of Ireland, comprises six floormats designed as football pitches, together with 15 interactive robots programmed by the participants to perform tasks, such as playing football.

This develops skills in sport, maths, computer programming and coding. Five local teachers have been trained up to roll out this STEM education in the local community.

The programme will begin this September in schools across Tallaght and Clondalkin and is being formally launched on Tuesday, September 14th at 10:30 in Tallaght Stadium.

Among those attending the launch will be Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley, who is himself from Jobstown, and midfielder Aidomo Emakhu from Clondalkin. Shamrock Rovers Academy Director Shane Robinson will also be present.

Shamrock Rovers F.C.’s Community Officer Tony O’Neill added:

“Community is at the heart of Shamrock Rovers Football Club and the club is continuously engaged in supporting and building relationships with the local community. Our schools’ programme has enabled hundreds of children from schools in the area to engage in physical wellbeing workshops, delivered by our community and academy coaches.

“I look forward to working alongside our team of volunteers implementing this engaging and inclusive project, providing coding classes for children in our partner schools. We are proud to work with Unite on this initiative.”

Shamrock Rovers Football Club today confirm the transfer of underage star Kevin Zefi to Inter Milan. We wish Kevin all the very best at his new club and we look forward to seeing him enjoy a very successful career in the time ahead.https://t.co/cYqu1BplPz pic.twitter.com/4f2IQeLH5E

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) September 7, 2021

The post Rovers announce sports science initiative in local community appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The defending SSE Airtricity League Champions were knocked out by Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup on Sunday.

The two sides were reduced to 10 men each after a scuffle between Bohs forward Georgie Kelly and Rovers captain Ronan Finn led to both players receiving their marching orders – Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley does not agree with Finn’s dismissal but says his side “have to accept it.”

Bradley reflected on the game and noted that he felt that it was a match of poor quality throughout.

The post Shamrock Rovers Looking To Bounce Back Against Finn Harps appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The squad got the first half of the job done in Tallaght with a late 1-0 victory thanks to substitute Aidomo Emakhu.

Now preparing in the Stadiumi Niko Dovana, Rovers have a full squad with Neil Farrugia back from injury. Rovers have now won their last six games on the bounce and hope to go another better.

Manager Stephen Bradley spoke about the team’s excitement to play this game in a recent press conference.

“We’re a very experienced group in Europe. We know what it takes. We’ve been together a long time; we’ve played in a lot of big games and played in Europe a lot. So, the players are ready and focused and going into this game in really good form. It’s one we’re really looking forward to,” said Bradley.

𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲

#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/IgoKQ2fewZ

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) August 10, 2021

Other Irish clubs in European action

PAOK Thessaloniki (1) v Bohemians FC (2) – 18:00 – Thessaloniki, Greece

Dundalk (2) v Vitesse (2) – 20:00 – Oriel Park, Dundalk – Available on LOI TV

The post Rovers in high hopes for important European tie appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Rovers come into the game in good form going unbeaten in their last six home games. They have gotten three wins in a row in the league.

They were placed in the Europa Conference League after beating Slovan Bratislava but losing on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers. 1,500 home tickets have been sold for the game, with the fans bringing some well-needed atmosphere to the tie.

Neil Farrugia will be the only player missing for Rovers as Graham Burke was passed fit to play the game.

Manager Stephen Bradley is optimistic of Rovers chances in the game, especially with the good form they are in.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Bradley said:

“The players are playing with a lot of confidence, and we’ll obviously look to take that into Thursday night. Again, we understand at this level of Europe it’s a very difficult game, that’s what we expect but we couldn’t be facing into it at a better time.

“We’re in really good form and it’s a game that we’re really looking forward to. It excites us, and we’ve got to try and make Thursday another special European night in Tallaght.”

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 @tallaghtstadium #RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/UM1eF7LmgC

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) August 5, 2021

Although they have high hopes, Bradley is making sure the squad knows that they will face tough opposition tonight.

“We’ve learned that they’re a very dangerous team going forward. We’ve watched a lot of their games; the players have seen a lot of them now and we know that they’re dangerous,” added the manager.

“So, we know a lot about them, we know it’s going to be difficult tie but it’s one we’re really looking forward to and we’re ready for.

” They’re a different type of player and tactically very clever in the attacking part of the pitch but similar to what we’ve faced. Some really technical players and when you play at this level in Europe, that’s what you face. ”

The bookies had made Rovers heavy favourites for the European game. Hopefully this will be one victory of many for Irish teams tonight.

Dundalk also face Vitesse away at 18:00.

This is our starting XI for this evening's game in Holland.⁣
⁣
Vinny Perth makes one change to the side that won in Estonia last week. Michael Duffy returns in place of Will Patching.⁣
⁣
You can stream the game live for just €10 on #LOITV. pic.twitter.com/TvkupnejmG

— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) August 5, 2021

The post Bradley hopeful for Rovers chances in European tie appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

“That has to be our aim if we want to create more nights like we did on Tuesday and make that a regular thing. We’ve got to make sure we get ourselves back there next year and obviously, that means going and taking care of games domestically.”

Shamrock Rovers at the Brandywell this Friday night

Live on https://t.co/zY6DYHUz6K – Tickets now sold out

@KMorrison810 pic.twitter.com/YRAesGehU4

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) July 14, 2021

League leaders Rovers travel to the Brandywell to face 6^th place Derry City in an important league tie.

With eight games left in the season Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, and St. Patrick’s Athletic are all tied on 38 points.

Manager Stephen Bradley believes his team’s spirits are still high after a tough defeat on aggregate to the Slovakian champions in the Champions League qualifying on Tuesday.

To see the match report from that big Champions League game, click here.

“You’re playing against a top team, and we knew that we had to be right on our game to turn it around. The players were excellent and each and every one of them performed and stood up to it,” Bradley said.

“Like I said on the night I felt the players’ performance deserved more. They deserved to go through, but it wasn’t to be. But we’ll learn from it and move on.”

From all of us to all of you, thank you for the brilliant support last night#WeAreRovers #TogetherAsOne pic.twitter.com/eJcNpzdVND

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) July 14, 2021

The manager expects the squad to bounce back even stronger in tomorrow’s game and to bring home three valuable points.

History is in their favour having won on each of their last five visits to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

The team will be missing a few players with Sean Hoare and Chris McCann suspended. Midfielder Neil Farrugia is also still out with a hamstring injury.

Derry come into the match with a mixed run of form. They only stand nine points ahead of the relegation qualification places and they hope Dundalk will not overtake them with a game in hand.

Derry are also missing forward Marc Walsh through a hamstring injury.

Onto next week

@sportsfile pic.twitter.com/tq3PDDlbQA

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) July 10, 2021

The match kicks off tomorrow, 16^th July at 19:45 in Derry.

“Derry is going to be a really difficult game, we know that, but this group is hungry for more nights like Tuesday night and that starts with Derry on Friday, going up there and getting three points,” added Bradley.

The post Shamrock Rovers ready for important game against Derry appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Stephen Bradley’s side needed to overturn a two-goal deficit but failed to progress in front of their fans in Tallaght Stadium.

Rovers started on the backfoot with Bratislava getting the early chances courtesy of Ezekiel Henty but came into the game quickly with Danny Mandriou offering creative ability between the lines.

Graham Burke slotted home a 15th-minute penalty to fuel the belief inside the stadium after being brought down inside the box.

Gary O’Neill, who played Burke through for his chance, was a figure of inspiration in the opening half for Rovers, who prioritised attack throughout the game.

Bratislava struggled to get a foothold after their first 10 minutes and went in at half-time looking very beatable.

Rovers came out in the second half playing with the same intent and came close several times in the first 15 minutes of the half.

Bratislava attempted to sit back and snuff out any chances when Rovers players were in advanced positions but Richie Towell found a way through the sea of dark blue to level the tie.

However, less than ten minutes later, Vladimir Weiss (son and namesake of Slovan Bratislava manager Vladimir Weiss) grabbed the winning goal of the tie and sealed Rovers’ fate.

Shamrock Rovers centre-back Roberto Lopes claimed that he was fouled in the build-up

Lopes came closest to an equaliser but it wasn’t to be for Bradley’s league champions, who brought Aaron Greene on to freshen legs in the attack.

They will now be placed into the draw for the UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round having been granted a bye.

The draw will take place next Monday.

Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Joey O’Brien (Sean Hoare 81), Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace; Ronan Finn, Richie Towell (Aaron Greene 84), Gary O’Neill (Dylan Watts 72), Danny Mandroiu, Liam Scales; Rory Gaffney, Graham Burke.

Slovan Bratislava: Adrián Chovan; Jurij Medveděv, Guram Kashia, Vasil Bozhikov, Vernon De Marco; David Hrnčár (Aleksandar Čavrić 59), Jaba Kankava, Joeri de Kamps (Myenty Abena 90), Rafael Ratão (Jaromír Zmrhal 82); Vladimír Weiss (Alen Mustafić 90); Ezekiel Henty (Rabiu Ibrahim 59).

The post Shamrock Rovers Win On Night But Fail To Progress appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The winners of the 2021 FAI Cup will earn qualification to the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Dundalk will make the first step towards defending their trophy after beating Shamrock Rovers in the final last year.

Holder’s Dundalk will travel to Market’s Field to take on First Division high-flyers Treaty United.

Last year’s runners-up, Stephen Bradley’s Shamrock Rovers, have First Division opposition as well, in the shape of Galway United.

Sligo Rovers will host the 2017 FAI Cup Champions Cork City at the Showgrounds.

St. Patricks Athletic will go up against Bray Wanderers in the first round for the second time in three seasons, with their last meeting in the competition ending 2-1 in favour of the Inchicore-based side.

Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps will travel to Limerick to face Fairview Rangers.

UCD and Shelbourne will be one of the ties to watch as two attacking philosophies will collide.

Four ties in the first round will see non-league sides go head-to-head against each other – Crumlin United v St. Mochtas’, Killester Donnycarney v Usher Celtic, St. Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh and Maynooth Uni’ Town v Malahide United.

Dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course with all matches set to take place the week ending Sunday, July 25th.

FAI Cup First Round Draw

Fairview Rangers v Finn Harps

Wexford v Cabinteely

Drogheda United v Derry City

Liffey Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers

UCD v Shelbourne

Crumlin United v St Mochtas

Killester Donneycarney v Usher Celtic

St Kevin’s Boys v Kilnamanagh

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

College Corinthians v Bohemians

Athlone Town v Waterford FC

Treaty United v Dundalk

Shamrock Rovers v Galway United

Maynooth v Malahide United

St Pat’s v Bray Wanderers

Bangor GGFC v Longford Town

The post FAI Cup 2021 First Round Draw – All Ties appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.