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The 42
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Shelbourne and Drogheda share spoils in stalemate
Shelbourne 0 Drogheda United 0 Darryl Geraghty reports from Tolka Park SHELBOURNE AND DROGHEDA United were forced to settle for a point each in the race to the summit with both defences coming out on top in a full-blooded clash at Tolka Park. The champions, who welcomed back Damien Duff to the dugout, were desperate to bounce back from Friday's costly defeat to rivals Bohemians, in which they lost their skipper Mark Coyle and Ali Coote to dismissals at Dalymount, but showed no signs of rust early on. A flowing move down the right side eventually saw Harry Wood cross to the back post to James Norris. The on-loan Liverpool fullback cushioned a header to Ellis Chapman, who's first time strike was bravely blocked by Elicha Ahui. The Drogs had been unbeaten against the hosts this season with a win and a draw and defended resolutely. They began to grow in confidence and almost took the lead themselves when Conor Kearns misjudged an Elicha Ahui cross, and luckily for the Shels stopper it trickled just wide. Shelbourne's Ellis Chapman battles with Andrew Quinn. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO Both sides went into the clash desperately seeking a win – with matching records of one win in their last seven games – and there was nothing to separate the sides as the half developed. Advertisement The home side were dealt a blow when Conor Kearns seemed to pick up a knock after his error, receiving treatment on his calf as the impressive Lorcan Healy entered the fray to make his league debut. But despite the loss it was the home side who finished the half the stronger with Harry Wood having three chances in quick succession – the first of which saw the Englishman show great movement to get on the end of Tyreke Wilson's deep cross, and his flick towards goal went agonisingly close. The start of the second half followed the same pattern as the first ended as Shels looked to pin back the FAI Cup winners, just lacking a cutting edge in the final third. Kevin Doherty's side sent a quick reminder of the threat they possessed when Douglas James-Taylor got a free run to get on the end of Owen Lambe's outswinging corner but failed to hit the target. Another long ball from Dennison caused all sorts of confusion for Shels' defence with the towering Andrew Quinn winning a header before the ball was eventually scrambled away. The tension was palpable as the game entered the final stages, with one goal looking like it would be enough for either side. With time running out, James-Taylor was brilliantly denied by Healy having shown excellent feet to twist and turn inside the area. There was still time for substitute Thomas Oluwa to show his power and pace getting in behind to round the onrushing Healy, who forced him wide before saving low and on the rebound, the busy Markey failed to get his shot through a sea of bodies in the box as it remained 0-0. Shelbourne: Conor Kearns (Lorcan Healy, 29'); Sean Gannnon, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; Evan Caffrey, Ellis Chapman, JJ Lunney (John Martin 7, 65'), Kerr McInroy, James Norris (Ryan O'Kane, 72'); Harry Wood (John O'Sullivan, 72'), Mipo Odubeko. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Owen Lambe, Elicha Ahui, Conor Keely, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell (Darragh Markey, 74′); Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 72'), Douglas James-Taylor. Referee: Rob Hennessy
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Honours even as Drogheda deny Shelbourne once again
It was the defences who came out on top as both Shelbourne and Drogheda played out an entertaining goalless stalemate at Tolka Park in which both teams will feel they had chances to take all three points. The champions, who welcomed back Damien Duff to the dugout after his suspension, were desperate to bounce back from Friday's costly defeat to rivals Bohemians, in which they lost their skipper Mark Coyle and Ali Coote to dismissals at Dalymount, but showed no signs of ring-rust early on. A flowing move down the right side eventually saw Harry Wood cross to the back post to James Norris. The on-loan Liverpool full-back cushioned a header to Ellis Chapman, whose first-time strike was bravely blocked by Elicha Ahui. The Drogs, who have been enjoying the tussle at the opposite end of the table to what most would have predicted, had been unbeaten against the hosts this season with a win and a draw and defended resolutely. Both sides went into the clash desperately seeking a win - with matching records of one victory in their last seven games - and there was nothing to separate the sides as the half developed. Growing in confidence, they began to grow in confidence and almost took the lead themselves when Conor Kearns misjudged Ahui's cross but it just trickled wide. The home side were dealt a blow when Kearns seemed to pick up a knock after his error, receiving treatment before departing to allow Lorcan Healy to make his league debut But despite the loss it was the home side who finished the half the stronger with Wood having three chances in quick succession. The first of which the Englishman showed great movement to get on the end of Tyreke Wilson's deep cross, but saw the flick towards goal go agonisingly wide.. The start of the second half followed the same pattern as the first ended as Shels looked to pin back the FAI Cup winners, but they just lacked a cutting edge in the final third with the final killer ball lacking. Kevin Doherty's side sent a quick reminder of the threat they possessed when Douglas James-Taylor got a free run to get on the end of Owen Lambe's out-swinging corner but failed to hit the target. Another long ball from Dennison caused all sorts of confusion for Shels defence with the towering Andrew Quinn winning a header before the ball was eventually scrambled away. The tension was palpable as the game entered the dying embers, with one goal looking like it would be enough for either side. With time running out, James-Taylor was brilliantly denied by the impressive Healy, having shown excellent feet to twist and turn inside the area. Substitute Thomas Oluwa had a glorious chance to nick a winner, showing his power and pace to get in behind before rounding the onrushing Healy who forced him wide before saving low and on the rebound, the busy Markey failed to get his shot through a sea of bodies in the box as it remained 0-0. Shelbourne: Conor Kearns (Lorcan Healy, 29); Sean Gannnon, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; Evan Caffrey, Ellis Chapman, JJ Lunney (John Martin, 65), Kerr McInroy, James Norris (Ryan O'Kane, 72); Harry Wood (John O'Sullivan, 72), Mipo Odubeko. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Owen Lambe, Elicha Ahui, Conor Keely, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell (Darragh Markey, 74); Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 72), Douglas James-Taylor.
Irish Examiner
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Shels and Drogs battle to hard-fought draw
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Shelbourne 0 Drogheda United 0 Shels and Drogheda couldn't be separated in a bruising battle with a genuine derby feel at a balmy Tolka Park. Despite their best efforts it was a point apiece for two sides who will feel as if they left chances to win on the field. The champions, who welcomed back Damien Duff to the dugout, were desperate to bounce back from Friday's costly defeat to rivals Bohemians, in which they lost their skipper Mark Coyle and Ali Coote to dismissals. They showed no signs of a hangover early on. A flowing move down the right side eventually saw Harry Wood cross to the back post to James Norris. The on-loan Liverpool full-back cushioned a header to Ellis Chapman, whose first time strike was bravely blocked by Elicha Ahui who threw his body in the way. The Drogs, who have been enjoying the tussle at the opposite end of the table than most would have predicted, had been unbeaten against the hosts this season with a win and a draw and defended resolutely. They began to grow in confidence and almost took the lead themselves when Conor Kearns misjudged Elicha Ahui's cross, that luckily for the Shels stopper trickled just wide. Both sides went into the clash desperately seeking a win - with matching records of one win in their last seven games - and there was nothing to separate the sides as the half developed. The home side were dealt a blow when Conor Kearns seemed to pick up a knock after his error, appearing to receive treatment on his calf. But despite the loss it was the home side who finished the half the stronger with Harry Wood having three chances in quick succession. The first of which the Englishman showed great movement to get on the end of Tyreke Wilson's deep cross, but saw the flick towards goal go agonisingly close. The start of the second half followed the same pattern as the first ended as Shels looked to pin back the FAI Cup winners but just lacked a cutting edge in the final third with the final killer ball lacking. Kevin Doherty's side sent a quick reminder of the threat they possessed when Douglas James-Taylor got a free run to get on the end of Owen Lambe's outswinging corner but failed to hit the target. Another long ball from Dennison caused all sorts of confusion for Shels defence with the towering Andrew Quinn winning a header before the ball was eventually scrambled away. The tension was palpable as the game entered the dying embers, with one goal looking like it would be enough for either side. With time running out, James-Taylor was brilliantly denied by Healy having shown excellent feet to twist and turn inside the area. There was still time for substitute Thomas Oluwa to show his power and pace getting in behind to round the onrushing Healy who forced him wide before saving low and on the rebound, the busy Markey failed to get his shot through a sea of bodies in the box as it remained 0-0. SHELBOURNE: Conor Kearns (Lorcan Healy, 29'); Sean Gannnon, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson; Evan Caffrey, Ellis Chapman, JJ Lunney (John Martin 7, 65'), Kerr McInroy, James Norris (Ryan O'Kane, 72'); Harry Wood (John O'Sullivan, 72'), Mipo Odubeko DROGHEDA UNITED: Luke Dennison; Owen Lambe, Elicha Ahui, Conor Keely, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell (Darragh Markey, 74'); Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 72'), Douglas James-Taylor Referee: Rob Hennessy
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Damien Duff watches on as Shelbourne fall to derby defeat to Bohs
League of Ireland Premier Division: Bohemians 1 (Rooney 36) Shelbourne 0 Summer soccer in all its glory. The only problem with a blazing sun setting throughout the first half of this north Dublin derby was it left Bohemians goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka largely blind to proceedings. Shelbourne failed to take advantage. The defending champions' fourth loss of the campaign leaves them sixth in the Premier Division, seven points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers after 16-year-old Michael Noonan scored a crucial goal for Stephen Bradley's men down in Waterford. Dayle Rooney's 36th-minute penalty in front of 4,392 at Dalymount Park moves Bohemians up to third. READ MORE Ross Tierney was denied the opening goal after taking Rooney's pass in stride and rounding Shels goalkeeper Conor Kearns only to see his shot hit off Sean Gannon's body on the goal line and out for a corner. Referee Robert Harvey waved away the penalty shouts. This time. Harvey had a busy shift, dishing out six yellows and three red cards. Rooney gave Bohs the lead by punishing Shelbourne for using a holding midfielder, Mark Coyle, as the central defender in a back five. It proved the winning and losing of the game as Coyle was shown a straight red for pulling down Rooney after the winger dispossessed the Shels skipper. Midfielders can get away with a heavy first touch, not the last man. Kearns got a hand to Rooney's penalty before it nestled in the net. SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Dalymount Park, Dublin 16/5/2025 Bohemians vs Shelbourne Bohs' Dayle Rooney celebrates after the game Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Bryne Harry Wood almost equalised inside two minutes but his shot skidded wide before the English winger was booked for diving after a clean tackle by Dawson Devoy. Devoy was next to come close from distance but the sun was still a nuisance with Tierney stalling in the middle of a counter-attack to shield the glare and see whether the overlapping Niall Morahan was a Bohs or Shels player. When the redevelopment of Dalymount is complete, sometime in the late 2020s, the pitch will be moved to face north-south. The bumpy surface also played its part, saving Bohs in first-half injury time when Mipo Odubeko latched on to Kerr McInroy's arcing pass. Taking advantage of Rob Cornwall's slip, Odubeko evaded Seán Grehan only for the ball to bobble just before he blasted over the crossbar. Another subplot throughout the evening was the sight of the suspended Shelbourne manager on the bank behind the goal. Damien Duff received a one-game suspension for picking up his fifth caution of the season last Friday against St Patrick's Athletic. Interesting viewpoint for Damien Duff at Dalymount Park. 👀😂 — Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) Armed with an iPad and notebook there was no suggestion that Duff was relaying messages to his assistant coach Joey O'Brien in the dugout, unlike Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley who got an additional two-match ban for using a walkie-talkie in the stand last season. The second half was a tactical affair. McInroy and Wood covered acres of grass to make up for the loss of Coyle as Odubeko tried to snatch an equaliser on the break. Kearns kept Shels afloat with a superb save after Devoy and Tierney combined to give Rooney a chance to nail down all three points. That left the door open for a late, late revival. Instead, Ali Coote's second yellow card ensure that Shelbourne finished with nine men while assistant coach David McAllister was also dismissed from the line. Shels can turn the page on Monday when they welcome Drogheda Untied to Tolka Park. Elsewhere, St Pat's climbed to fourth in the table after a 96th minute effort from Jamie Lennon secured a 3-2 victory over Cork City in a game that will be remembered for Mason Melia's brilliant headed goal. Bohemians: Chorazka; Morahan, Grehan, Cornwall, Flores; Rooney, Devoy, McDonnell (Buckley 74), Brennan (Parsons 65); Tierney (Meekison 89); Clarke (Whelan 73). Shelbourne: Kearns; Gannon (Wilson 82), Coyle, Ledwidge, Norris (Kelly 82); Caffrey, McInroy, Lunney (Martin 57); O'Sullivan (Coote 57), Wood (Chapman 69); Odubeko. Referee: Robert Harvey.
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
League of Ireland: Shels draw level against Shamrock Rovers; Pat's lead Bohs – follow all the action from around the country
Live | Today at 14:00 It's another busy evening in the League of Ireland, with two Dublin derbies in store as champions Shelbourne head to Tallaght to face Shamrock Rovers and a resurgent Bohemians play host to St Patrick's Athletic. Elsewhere, league leaders Drogheda United travel to face Galway United, while managerless Waterford take on Derry City. Keep up to date with all the Premier and First Division action is it happens here. Key updates 51' GOAL! Shels restore parity in style! Shamrock Rovers 1 – Shelbourne 1 What a beaultiful goal and what a dream substitution from Damien Duff as Ali Coote pulls Shels level in an instant. Jamie Norris crosses from the left and Harry Wood breaks it down for Coote to make the run from deep and poke the ball past Ed McGinty! Unbelievable considering Shels didn't manage a shot on target in that entire first-half! Drogs in front at Eamonn Deacy Park! Galway United 0 - Drogheda United 1 Galway almost took the lead a handful of minutes earlier but Luke Dennison came to his side's rescue. All of a sudden on the stroke of half-time, the ball drops to Darragh Markey on the edge of the box. The March player of the month reacts first and drills it into the bottom corner. Waterford find the opener at the RSC! Waterford 1 - Derry City 0 It's not the prettiest but Waterford fans won't care in the slightest! Conan Noonan's corner leads to a goal-mouth scramble which is eventually poked home by Darragh Leahy in the 40th-minute. 28' GOAL! Matt Healy puts Rovers ahead! Shamrock Rovers 1 – Shelbourne 0 It's not a great look for Shels' shot-stopper Conor Kearns as it looked like a tame enough strike. Jack Byrne rolls it to Matt Healy outside the box who uses Mark Coyle's frame to curl it around the Shels' captain and into the net. It didn't look particularly powerful - perhaps Kearns' vision was obstructed by Coyle as he attempted to block the strike. Saints take the lead at Dalymount! Bohemians 0 - Athletic 1 After some neat play, Axel Sjoberg's cross from right is blocked by a hand in the box. Match referee Damien MacGraith doesn't hesitate and points straight to the spot. Chris Forrester shows his experience as he sends Kacper Chorazka the wrong way from the resulting penalty. League of Ireland Premier Division (all kick-offs 7.45pm) (61 mins) Bohemians 0 - Athletic 1 Galway United 0 - Drogheda United 1 Waterford 1 - Derry City 0 Shamrock Rovers 1 – Shelbourne 1 League of Ireland First Division (all kick-offs 7.45pm) (61 mins) Bray Wanderers 3 - Kerry 0 Cobh Ramblers 3 - Finn Harps 0 Treaty United 0 - Athlone Town 0 Wexford 0 - UCD 0 4 minutes ago 57' Close! Jack Byrne has been a thorn in Shels' side tonight. The midfielder swivels and aims for the top-right corner - just over the bar. Conor Kearns was rooted to the spot. 5 minutes ago GOAL! Bray Wanderers 3 - Kerry 0 (51 mins) What a night at the Carlisle Grounds for Danu Kinsella-Bishop who makes it a hattrick just six minutes into the second-half! GOAL! Cobh Ramblers 3 - Finn Harps 0 (49 mins) Things get even better for the Rams as Luka Le Bervet picks out Cian Bargary to extend the host's lead. 8 minutes ago 51' GOAL! Shels restore parity in style! Shamrock Rovers 1 – Shelbourne 1 What a beaultiful goal and what a dream substitution from Damien Duff as Ali Coote pulls Shels level in an instant. Jamie Norris crosses from the left and Harry Wood breaks it down for Coote to make the run from deep and poke the ball past Ed McGinty! Unbelievable considering Shels didn't manage a shot on target in that entire first-half! Virgin Media Sport on Twitter / X 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓!!! 🔴🔴Ali Coote on the pitch a matter of seconds and he's equalised!What a substitution! #LOI | @shelsfc Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 25, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 10 minutes ago 49' A double substitution from Damien Duff as Sam Bone and Kerr McInroy are replaced by Ali Coote and Sean Gannon. 12 minutes ago 47' Chance! Shamrock Rovers resume where they left off before the interval as a poor kick-out from Conor Kearns is picked off. Michael Noonan finds himself in on goal from an acute angle - Kearns does well to make amends with a strong left leg to save the day. 14 minutes ago 46' The second-half gets under way in Tallaght as Shels get the ball rolling once again. No changes to either team after the break. 17 minutes ago WATCH: Half-time analysis from Keith Tracey on the Virgin Media panel League of Ireland on Twitter / X Post-match analysis at half-time in Tallaght. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 25, 2025 23 minutes ago GOAL! Cobh Ramblers 2 - Finn Harps 0 (45+2 mins) A second goal of the game for the Rams as David Bosnjak turns provider just before the half-time whistle as Barry Coffey taps in. 27 minutes ago Half-time: Shamrock Rovers go into the break with the advantage! Sean O'Connor has his say... Half-time here at Tallaght and it's Rovers on top so far. Graham Burke and 16-year-old Michael Noonan threatening the Reds back line but Matt Healy broke the deadlock before the hour mark with his first goal for the club. The shot seemed to catch out Kearns, as the ex-Ireland U-21 man celebrated with a golf swing in front of an ecstatic south stand. Rovers could have double it just before the break there as Roberto Lopes headed just wide. Shels started well but local lad Mipo Odubeko has yet to test really test Ed McGinty so far. 29 minutes ago Drogs in front at Eamonn Deacy Park! Galway United 0 - Drogheda United 1 Galway almost took the lead a handful of minutes earlier but Luke Dennison came to his side's rescue. All of a sudden on the stroke of half-time, the ball drops to Darragh Markey on the edge of the box. The March player of the month reacts first and drills it into the bottom corner. 33 minutes ago 45' Some neat work between Graham Burke and Dylan Watts wins a free for Rovers right on the edge of the box as Evan Caffrey commits the foul. The wall comes to Shels' rescue. There will be 2 minutes of additional time in Tallaght. 35 minutes ago Waterford find the opener at the RSC! Waterford 1 - Derry City 0 It's not the prettiest but Waterford fans won't care in the slightest! Conan Noonan's corner leads to a goal-mouth scramble which is eventually poked home by Darragh Leahy in the 40th-minute. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Darragh Leahy puts Waterford in front! 🔵The Blues take the lead approaching the break. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 25, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 38 minutes ago 40' Another nervy moment for Conor Kearns! Jack Byrne goes long and Kearns races from his line to try and claim it. The 26-year-old keeper is beaten to it by Micheal Noonan, but Shels scramble to clear their lines before Noonan can capitalise on the half-open goal. 42 minutes ago 34' A decent effort to reply from Shels as Harry Wood crosses to the back post for the lurking Mipo Odubeko. Dan Cleary manages to get a vital touch on it to concede the corner which yields nothing for Damien Duff's men. 43 minutes ago GOAL! Cobh Ramblers 1 - Finn Harps 0 (28 mins) Park delights as Nolan Evers finds space to pick out David Bosnjak who placed his shot past David Aziaya in the Finn Harps goal. League of Ireland on Twitter / X David Bosnjak puts The Rams in front! 🐏Cobh Ramblers score the opening goal at St. Colman's Park. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 25, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 48 minutes ago 28' GOAL! Matt Healy puts Rovers ahead! Shamrock Rovers 1 – Shelbourne 0 It's not a great look for Shels' shot-stopper Conor Kearns as it looked like a tame enough strike. Jack Byrne rolls it to Matt Healy outside the box who uses Mark Coyle's frame to curl it around the Shels' captain and into the net. It didn't look particularly powerful - perhaps Kearns' vision was obstructed by Coyle as he attempted to block the strike. Virgin Media Sport on Twitter / X 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐘! ☘️Rovers lead in Tallaght. Conor Kearns got this one all wrong! #LOI Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 25, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 51 minutes ago Saints take the lead at Dalymount! Bohemians 0 - Athletic 1 After some neat play, Axel Sjoberg's cross from right is blocked by a hand in the box. Match referee Damien MacGraith doesn't hesitate and points straight to the spot. Chris Forrester shows his experience as he sends Kacper Chorazka the wrong way from the resulting penalty. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Chris Forrester from the spot! ⚽The Saints take the lead in Dalymount. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) April 25, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 56 minutes ago 21' Michael Noonan has been impressive so far for the Hoops with some strong hold-up play to bring teammates into the game. Shels have pressed aggressively out of possession thus far, but they have struggled wrestle control of the game from Rovers' grasp. Today 03:02 PM GOAL! Bray Wanderers 2 - Kerry 0 (11 mins) Two goals in as many minutes for Bray as Danu Bishop Kinsella bags an early brace. The 23-year-old opened the scoring in the 9th-minute before netting a second just two minutes later.
