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RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Four-goal Shamrock Rovers earn big victory in Gibraltar
Shamrock Rovers have one foot in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round following a 4-0 victory over St Joseph's at the Europa Sports Park in Gibraltar. Rory Gaffney, Daniel Mandroiu, John McGovern and Jack Byrne were all on target with the second leg to come next Thursday in Tallaght Stadium. The Hoops went into this match after a five-day break following their 4-0 victory over Wexford in the FAI Cup, and just four players remained from the starting XI last Sunday at Tallaght Stadium. Ed McGinty, Josh Honohan, Roberto Lopes, and Lee Grace all kept their places for a game with a St Joseph's outfit that got the better of Cliftonville last week in extra-time at Solitude. Rovers took a deserved lead in the 13th minute through Gaffney after the striker dinked the ball over an onrushing Bradley Banda. Graham Burke followed that up by getting underneath a Dylan Watts' free-kick and his effort was pushed out for a corner that easily dealt with by St Joseph's. St Joseph's grew into the game, but their issue was creating something that really tested Ed McGinty. The home side did manage to pry Rovers open and win a corner from an awkward Daniel Cleary clearance in the 36th minute and like everything else they put together, it came to nothing. Joseph's eventually went to the bench and brought on on Mitch Gibson, a senior Gibraltar international that hit six goals in 13 appearances at domestic level last season. Bradley responded by replacing Burke with Byrne, and a newfound sense of control created three goals in eight minutes. Hohohan kicked things off with a low effort that was pushed away by Banda. Mandroiu got to the loose ball on the edge of the area and his shot went in via a deflection in the 67th minute. This continued with McGovern marking his European debut in a hooped jersey by stabbing in a cross at the near post in the 73rd minute. Just 90 seconds later, Byrne completed the rout with the pick of the bunch. The midfielder picked his spot from 25 yards out and fired into the opposite corner with a stunning strike that Banda had no chance of getting to. It means the tie is effectively over going back to Dublin, with the Hoops likely looking towards a crucial league game against Derry City after the second leg, followed by the third round. St Joseph's: Bradley Banda; Ethan Jolley (Leon Volz 29), Javi Paul, Geovanni Barba, Angel Martinez (Javi Forjan 58), Manuel Sánchez, Juanma, Facundo Alvarez, Adrian Armental (Mitch Gibson 58), Pablo Rodiguez, Alvaro Rey (Hassane Amadou 86). Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Danny Grant (Darragh Nugent 80), Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Daniel Cleary, Josh Honohan, Danny Mandroiu (John McGovern 71), Matt Healy, Dylan Watts (Aaron McEneff 64), Graham Burke (Jack Byrne 64), Rory Gaffney (Michael Noonan 71).
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Brilliant Bohemians claim more derby joy against Shamrock Rovers to close gap at top of Premier Division
The Bohemians manager gestured to the home supporters to raise the noise levels, and they responded positively and vociferously. It was an exchange that highlighted the change of mood around Dalymount Park since the stunning derby turnaround in Tallaght on Easter Monday where some Bohs fans were joining in with Rovers chants that Reynolds was about to be sacked in the morning as the Hoops opened up a two-goal lead. Reynolds hung back in the post-match celebrations that followed a thrilling comeback, with all sorts of emotions visible in the Bohs camp. They have been a different team since then and while last Friday's loss in Waterford was a bump in the road, this fully-deserved victory over the league leaders – it's three from three for Bohs against Rovers this term – moves Reynolds' side within nine points but, crucially, with two games in hand. It's still a big ask but maybe, just maybe, the storyline void left by events just down the road might be filled for the rest of this campaign by another north Dublin club infused with unexpected energy. Certainly, if they can maintain this performance level for the rest of the campaign, Bohs fans will realistically be thinking about European endeavours next summer, five years on from their last appearance at that stage. The return of Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney, two big elements of the Keith Long side that caused Rovers more problems than anyone as they started on their march to four in a row, has helped to make Bohs a potent force again with their quality having a very significant influence. Within two minutes, it was clear that this derby would break from the script that appeared to have been developing in recent weeks; the sense of inevitability that has accompanied an apparent Rovers procession towards the title. Waterford had challenged the angle that Bohs were emerging as a genuine rival to the Hoops but they burst out of the blocks with the look of a team liberated from any disappointments. As the Dalymount patrons took a bit of amusement from Aaron Greene tripping over himself while attempting a backheel, Bohs struck with purpose, clipping the ball in the direction of the strong running James Clarke who chased down Roberto Lopes and helped to force an uncharacteristic error that allowed the Gypsies attacker to seize control and tee up Dayle Rooney who powered a first time left footer past Ed McGinty. Sometimes, an early goal can lead to a team taking the foot off the gas. Bohemians pressed down, however, just as they were pressing Rovers relentlessly in their own half. Reynolds is operating without a recognised striker and Clarke has been characterised as a false nine but, in truth, that position rotated. Devoy was a constant in the centre of the park, but ahead of him, it was a combination of Tierney, Rooney, Clarke and Adam McDonnell that rotated to good effect. A goalkeeper stoppage after a helpful Ed McGinty knock allowed Rovers to take a breather and have a little spell in the ascendency but when opposite number Kacper Chorazka went down, Bohs were able to find their rhythm. Graham Burke got more involved in Rovers brief spell, but the playmaker and Jack Byrne found it hard to locate the space that has been a feature of their better derby days here. Instead, it was the Devoy and Tierney show that doubled the advantage just before the interval, with the old pals entering five a side mode with a quick interchange and a sumptuous Devoy backheel that was anticipated by Tierney who drove into the area and crossed into the box where covering Dan Cleary could only clear against Clarke with the momentum pulling the ball into the net. Bohs were in dreamland. In contrast to April, what they needed was a second half devoid of major events. All things considered, they managed it reasonably well, despite Rovers showcasing their frightening depth with Michael Noonan, Dylan Watts and Danny Mandroiu all on the pitch within 10 minutes of the restart. They began to ask questions of Bohs but a focused rearguard succeeded in preventing Choraza from being exposed to real danger. The closest the game came to a third goal was a Bohs break that culminated in Lopes clearing a Devoy effort off the line. It didn't matter. This time around, Bohs didn't need three goals for the three points. At full-time, they celebrated in unison with no mixed feelings, their summer suddenly alive with possibility. Bohemians: Chorazka, Smith, Morahan, Cornwall, Flores; Smith, Devoy, Mountney; Rooney, Tierney, McDonnell (Buckley 64), Clarke. Shamrock Rovers: McGinty, Cleary (Ozhianvuna 81), Lopes, Grace (Kovalevskis 87); Grant, Byrne (Mandroiu 53), Healy, McEneff (Watts 53), Honohan; Burke, Greene (Noonan 45).
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Shamrock Rovers threatening to make this title race a procession
A few short weeks ago, we were teeing up the most open title race in recent League of Ireland memory. Dropped points by all the leading contenders over Easter gave the sense that no one quite had the upper hand. The table looked bunched, the possibilities were compelling. Yet as we approach the halfway point of the season, Shamrock Rovers have begun to pull away with a ruthless calm that has turned the narrative in their favour. There's a rhythm and relentlessness to their recent form that hasn't just yielded points, it's reasserted a dominance we have seen from them throughout the years. The kind of dominance that forces you to ask whether the title race is already effectively over, even before the summer sun has fully arrived. Over the Easter weekend, the title picture looked blurred. All the contenders flattered to deceive. Rovers themselves weren't yet fully clicking. But like everything, it's about timing, and no one has timed their upswing better than Stephen Bradley's side. Since that round of stutters and stalemates, Rovers have done what champions do - they've gone on a run. With key players like Jack Byrne and Graham Burke returning to full fitness, Rovers now resemble the side that has set the standard for years. "The off-season arrival of Ed McGinty in goal has flown under the radar, but it shouldn't have." When they're humming, there's a comfort and control in their play that no other team in the league can match. They've won games without ever having to hit top gear. And now, it looks like they're shifting into it. Burke and Byrne's performances has added creativity and a calmness in possession, but it's not just about the attacking stars. A stable defence has been just as vital. The off-season arrival of Ed McGinty in goal has flown under the radar, but it shouldn't have. His presence has brought a composure and confidence to the back line that was occasionally missing last season. With McGinty behind them, the defence is tighter, calmer, and significantly harder to break down. That solidity has translated to real numbers. Rovers have conceded the fewest goals in the league, and they've done it without changing their style of play. Their control of possession and positioning like we saw against Drogheda often means the threat never develops in the first place. Depth is often spoken about in vague terms, but if you want a real-time example, just look at the substitutions Rovers made in their recent win over St Patrick's Athletic. Their introductions made in the second half were Trevor Clarke, Aaron Greene, Danny Mandroiu, Aaron McEneff and Dylan Watts - five players who'd start for almost any other team in the country. Bradley's squad rotation has been very effective. The fitness levels across the squad are peaking just at the right time, and with the European fixtures approaching, that bodes well both at home and abroad. Rovers' strong position is even more impressive considering the challenges of their off-season. The departures of Daragh Burns, Neil Farrugia and Johnny Kenny, all players who offered pace and athleticism, could have left gaping holes. McGinty was one part of the fix. The emergence of versatile squad players stepping up when called upon and the introduction of some young rising stars has done the rest. And there's more to come. With the transfer window opening soon, expect further additions to complement an already stacked squad. There's a sense of regularity about this Shamrock Rovers rise. For all the talk of a wide-open league, it feels all too familiar now. Rovers finding their stride, the chasing pack struggling to match their consistency. What Rovers are doing now isn't flashy, it's efficient. It's the kind of form that wins titles, often quietly, often without fuss. And while there's still half a season to play, the momentum and the fear they inspire is already shifting things in their favour. Rovers now head into the summer months with real belief. Their focus will, of course, begin to shift toward European competition, where they'll want to represent the league with the kind of conviction their domestic form is beginning to suggest. If the rest of the league doesn't find form fast, we may be talking about Shamrock Rovers regaining the league title early, not as a possibility, but an inevitability.
RTÉ News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Milestone goal for Aaron Greene as Shamrock Rovers defeat Sligo Rovers
Aaron Greene scored his 100th league goal as Shamrock Rovers got back to winning ways against bottom-of-the-table Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. The 35-year-old, in his 17th season in the domestic game, doubled Rovers' lead in an utterly dominant first half, as they earned a first win in five to sit a point off league leaders Drogheda United ahead of meeting them in Dublin 24 on Friday. Graham Burke, central to everything good about Stephen Bradley's side in the first 45 minutes, had earlier put them ahead from the penalty spot. Utterly outplayed in the first half, Sligo had far more about them on the resumption as Hoops lost their way somewhat. But with ex-Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty making fine saves to deny Matt Wolfe and Ronan Manning, Sligo couldn't come close to repeating their win over the Tallaght side from earlier in the season as they remain three points adrift at the foot of the table. Burke twice got sight of the Sligo goal, working Sam Sergeant before a second effort was deflected for a corner, as Hoops started very much on the front foot. Following some patient build-up play, Jack Byrne then curled an audacious effort just wide. Sligo were creaking and their goal was finally breached on 25 minutes. Burke was everywhere for Hoops and it was he who got to the end line to see his cross strike the hand of Sligo right-back Conor Reynolds. Referee Rob Hennessy pointed to the spot despite Sligo's protests before Burke (above) sent Sergeant the wrong way from the spot. Adam Matthews blazed wastefully over the bar when he should have at least hit the target ahead of Rovers making no mistake in extending their lead three minutes before the interval. Byrne and Burke were the architects, the latter chipping a sublime ball over the home defence. Greene timed his run perfectly to swivel and volley to the net for his 47th goal for Rovers and the milestone century of league strikes in his career. It might have been worse for Sligo right on the blow of the break but for a brave block tackle by skipper John Mahon on Darragh Nugent, who pulled the trigger from Matthews' cross. Sligo regrouped at the interval and enjoyed a good spell of pressure early in the second half from a series of corners, with McGinty denying Wolfe with his feet. Hoops skipper Roberto Lopes then cleared an Owen Elding header off the line from Will Fitzgerald's cross as Sligo pressed to get back into the game. Greene brought relief when having a goal disallowed before bringing a parry save from Sargeant. Back at the other end, Francely Lomboto blew a glorious chance when ballooning his shot off target from Elding's through ball. Manning then brought a tipped save over the crossbar from McGinty as Sligo maintained their resurgence, if to no avail as Rovers' first-half dominance proved more than enough. Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Cory O'Sullivan; Adam Matthewst, Darragh Nugent, Matt Healy (Gary O'Neill 67), Jack Byrne (Nichael Noonan 67), Danny Grant (Victor Ozhianvuna 83); Graham Burke (John O'Sullivan 67); Aaron Greene (Rory Gaffney 83). Sligo Rovers: Sam Sergeant; Conor Reynolds (Harvey Lintott 77), Gareth McElroy, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Matt Wolfe (Daire Patton 77), Ronan Manning; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki (Cian Kavanagh h-t; Stephen Mallon 82), Will Fitzgerald; Francely Lomboto (Wilson Warweru 77).
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Derry City draw with Shamrock Rovers in game which sees two sent-off
Both sides were reduced to 10 men as Derry City picked up a point from their 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers in their Premier Division encounter at the Tallaght Stadium on goalkeeper Ed McGinty was shown a straight red midway through the first half for handling the ball outside his numbers were made even when Danny Mullen received a second yellow card minutes before the remain in seventh in the table ahead of their next game at home to Cork City next Friday Rovers sit sixth, level on points with the Candystripes but with a superior goal difference and with a match in to follow.
