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Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Shamrock Rovers hold the lead as season reaches its halfway point – what we learned from Friday's League of Ireland
Mid-season break may have its benefits Damien Duff questioned the merit of the League of Ireland 's mid-season break this week, but results on Friday night suggest a small rest might be appropriate. Eight goals were scored across the five games, with half of them coming in Waterford and Drogheda's 2-2 draw at the RSC. Even the imperious league leaders, Shamrock Rovers , looked lethargic as they played out a 0-0 against an admittedly impressive Galway United defensive unit. Duff's comments disregarded that the break coincides with a round of international fixtures, for which the league pauses at other points throughout the year. Joseph Anang was on the bench for Ghana against Nigeria on Wednesday and flew back to take part in a 1-0 victory for St Pat's in Sligo. Others, including Josh Honohan, have games to look forward to in a week's time. Regardless of international commitments, this interval has been part of the league's schedule for years. Still, on the evidence of last night, some sides could use a small rest. READ MORE Shamrock Rovers finally held but lead remains intact You have to go back to March to find the last game in which Shamrock Rovers failed to score a goal, but the league leaders were frustrated by a resilient Galway side in Tallaght on Friday night. The Tribesmen seemed to take a lot from their hard-fought victory over Cork City last week, coming out with a confident zip to their play belying a run of four defeats in five. Gradually, the Hoops did take control, but aside from one impressive save to deny Danny Grant, Evan Watts didn't look overly stretched in Galway's goal. Rovers' lead at the top stays at six points, and confidence will be high heading into the second half of the campaign. Galway will hope to build off an organised, disciplined performance – the sort of foundation that John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan demand. Late goal specialists flip the script Bohemians have developed a reputation for winning games late on this season, with memorable victories arriving at the death against the likes of Shamrock Rovers, St Pat's and Galway United. The moment of consequence in their game against Derry City, however, arrived within 30 seconds. James Clarke's strike from the edge of the area hit Mark Connolly's arm, and referee Rob Hennessy pointed to the penalty spot. It felt harsh in the moment, and Connolly would argue he had no time to adjust. As he did against Shelbourne two weeks ago, Dayle Rooney converted. Bohemians' Dayle Rooney scores a penalty against Derry City. Photograph: INPHO/James Lawlor Bohs deserved their victory and should have scored more. Derry were unusually disordered, emphasised by Tiernan Lynch making four substitutions by the time the second half began. To make matters worse, his fifth change Robbie Benson managed to collect two yellow cards in 20 minutes – neither the product of particularly harsh challenges. The home side can now look back on an impressive first half of the season. If they manage to wholly avoid a repeat of the poor form they showed in the opening seven games, European football looks likely. Drogheda remain tough to beat Drogheda United's scintillating early season form may have cooled, but their cockroach qualities are going nowhere. Like many sides before them, Waterford discovered how difficult it is to bury the Drogs, who twice scored from corners to escape the RSC with a point. Conor Keeley's injury time goal, smashed in from all of two yards, will haunt John Coleman as he looks to address his side's Achilles heel – set pieces. Pádraig Amond, who set up Tommy Lonergan early on, looked to have won the game when he cleverly diverted Dean McMenamy's drive past Luke Dennison. The away side though, despite a late red card for Elicha Ahui, remain in second place thanks to a valuable draw. Nash's Cork City show signs of life Ger Nash claimed his first point as Cork City manager but may feel as though his side could have taken more in an impressive showing against the champions. Damien Duff talked up the weight of Shelbourne's trip to Cork in the build-up, but his side struggled to echo his message on the pitch in a lacklustre first-half performance. Cork were the better side, with Djenairo Daniels and Seani Maguire looking like a cohesive pairing and playing into each other's strengths. Shels looked solid but docile. Shelbourne's JJ Lunney and Djenairo Daniels of Cork City. Photograph: INPHO/Bryan Keane Despite his best efforts, Mark Coyle has looked understandably uncomfortable at times in his makeshift centre-half position this season. Another such occasion arrived near the hour mark – Maguire, making his first start since suffering a hamstring injury against Waterford at the beginning of March, leapt high above the Shels captain to head home a looping cross from Milan Mbeng. Plenty of times this season, Shelbourne have patiently controlled the ball and struggled to unlock well organised defences. Here though, Cork looked comfortable at 1-0 and may have gone on to win had there not been a moment of inspiration from Ali Coote. On as a substitute, Coote twisted on the edge of the area and arrowed a low strike in off Tein Troost's far post. Neither side will be thrilled with a point, and both have plenty to improve on in the second half of the season. Still, with David Meyler now in alongside Nash as Cork's number two, there may be something to build on. Looking ominous for Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers didn't play badly but came away with nothing on Friday night, in a familiar and disheartening story for the league's bottom-placed side. Like Bohemians, St Pat's took advantage of an early penalty (converted by Aidan Keena) and never needed to build on their lead. The Bit O'Red had decent half-chances without ever mounting a barrage on their visitors. Sligo now have one win in eight games and sit 11 points behind eighth place Waterford. With the constraints of their fully supporter-owned model, it is difficult to imagine much can be solved in the July transfer window. Still, games like last night's make it feel like the gap on the pitch is only marginal.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
McGovern joins Shamrock Rovers from Dungannon Swifts
League of Ireland Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers have completed the signing of forward John McGovern from Irish Premiership side Dungannon 22-year-old striker joins Rovers for an undisclosed was a key figure in Dungannon's successful 2024-25 season, which saw them finish fourth in the league and win the Irish Cup by beating Cliftonville 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after extra-time, thereby securing European football for the Stangmore Park former Northern Ireland Under-21 international and Newry City frontman scored the opening goal in the showpiece decider and contributed 14 league goals in 29 appearances for Rodney McAree's team."After many weeks of negotiations, the club agreed a transfer fee with Dungannon Swifts which will remain undisclosed," read a statement from the Dublin club on Tuesday."This transfer is subject to International and Domestic clearance which, when approved, would allow John to be available for selection from July 1st, 2025."John has attracted much interest in recent months but has been fully committed in his desire to play for Shamrock Rovers."Speaking on the Shamrock Rovers club website, external, manager Stephen Bradley explained that he had McGovern in his sights for "over a year"."We were up quite a lot to watch John. We tried quite a bit over the last year to get him, but it wasn't possible. "John was at university and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. So, it was a case of continuing to monitor John and thankfully we've got him in now. "We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait on John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time. He fits the group, has a good age profile and we really like what he's about. So we waited and now we got it done."McGovern told the club's website that it was "a no-brainer" to make the move."I'm absolutely delighted. It's a massive club, the biggest in the country. You look at the success Shamrock Rovers have had in recent years and throughout the club's history."I want to win trophies, I want to win medals, and continue the legacy of the club."Rovers are six points clear of nearest challengers Drogheda United at the top of the Premier Division table.
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Shamrock Rovers show their mettle, Duff's gamble pays off – what we learned from Friday night's League of Ireland action
Shamrock Rovers do what champions do With 25 minutes to go at the Brandywell, Danny Mullen put it up to Shamrock Rovers. Swept in behind by Carl Winchester, the Derry striker dinked a lovely finish over Ed McGinty, pointedly testing the mettle of the league leaders. After swatting St Pat's aside in a formidable 4-0 win on Monday, this was a different challenge for Rovers, and one they duly embraced. Just minutes after falling behind, Pico Lopes sensed an opportunity from distance. His sprayed lob was tipped on to the crossbar by Brian Maher, but the save proved little more than a backboard alley-oop for Michael Noonan, who was unmarked as he headed the rebound into the corner. Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley celebrates after their win over Derry City. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho A point would have been a fine result on the road in Derry, but Rovers are in no mood to settle these days. It was a returning son, Aaron McEneff, that pinched a late winner , slotting a Danny Grant cutback under the feet of Maher. McEneff cupped his ears and goaded the home support – perhaps a sign of the ruthless streak that is once more revealing itself at the heart of the Rovers machine. Five wins on the bounce and a six point gap now at the top of the table. Mason Melia is a special talent As if it needed saying. Having passed his driving test earlier in the day, Mason Melia underlined his precocious talent once more as St Pat's laboured to a 2-2 draw at home to Waterford. READ MORE A five-minute spell at Richmond Park on Friday evening was evidence enough for why Tottenham Hotspur are happy to pay close to €2 million for Melia. At 17, he looks faster, sharper and smarter than most of the players around him. His goals were devastating, both zipped into the bottom left corner past a helpless Stephen McMullan after the striker had pounced on the defensive uncertainty his presence instils. Mason Melia on his way to scoring his St Pat's second goal. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/INpho In a Pat's side blessed with some of the best and most experienced footballers in the League of Ireland, Melia looks like a talisman. This was another poor display from Stephen Kenny's men overall. Far from a motivated, wounded beast after their Monday night drubbing in Tallaght, the home side looked downtrodden and lacklustre. Waterford were fully deserving of a point and will accept it given Conan Noonan's well taken equaliser came with just 10 minutes left to play, but John Coleman will feel his side could have taken more. Shels find scoring touch Having watched his side toil towards two goals in their last five games, Damien Duff changed tack on Friday night at Tolka Park, bringing in John Martin to lead Shelbourne's line. He'd have taken a goal in return, but Martin rewarded him with three. The Kilkenny native had Evan Caffrey to thank for his first-half brace – his two inswinging crosses from the left flank were pacy and inviting. Martin's finishing was neat on both occasions, a level of composure that Duff has been desperate for in recent weeks. Shelbourne's John Martin celebrates scoring a hat-trick. Photograph: James Lawlor/Inpho Neat can't describe the hat-trick goal, which broke from a cluttered bundle of legs in the six-yard box. Martin emerged from the pile long enough to persuade the ball to trickle past Sam Sargeant and make it 3-1. It was a moment so disorderly that just a minute later, the game was rewarded with a goal of the season contender. Owen Elding, finding a pocket of space 30 yards out, unleashed a left-footed blast that the Tolka Park camera could barely keep up with. Lorcan Healy certainly couldn't, despite diving admirably after the ball. Unfortunately for Sligo, they couldn't build on it enough to take something from the game. An admirable effort, but they and Cork are well adrift of the pack. Stalwarts bring Galway reprieve When things aren't going well, it can help to turn to those you trust. Conor McCormack and Stephen Walsh were two of Galway United's heroes on the 2023 promotion trail, but through injury and rotation, both have watched much of this season from the sidelines. It was an unlikely double act that combined off the bench for a vital winner at Eamonn Deacy Park, ending Galway's run of four defeats on the spin. The home side looked low on confidence throughout the first half and could easily have found themselves behind. Clubs in England are reported to be circling Cork's Cathal O'Sullivan, and the young winger will be hoping none were watching on the cusp of half time. A defensive mix-up between Garry Buckley and Evan Watts afforded O'Sullivan a wide-open goal but, under some pressure from Greg Cunningham, he fired glaringly wide. Cork City manager Gerard Nash dejected after their 2-1 defeat to Galway United. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho In a tight game, the opener arrived at the start of the second period. It was Moses Dyer's handiwork, the striker jinking neatly to the byline and attempting a cutback. Deflected, the ball looped over Tein Troost and somehow trickled in – arbiters of dubious goals may ultimately deny the league's top scorer, but Dyer's effort was decisive. Galway's lead lasted just moments. Jeannot Esua was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball just inside the penalty area, and Djenairo Daniels converted. Cork looked decent value for a point, but John Caulfield found inspiration in his old guard. With five minutes to go, an onrushing McCormack was 40 yards further forward than usually permitted. Walsh, with his back to goal, hid his surprise at the sight of his team-mate and teed him up for an emphatic finish. McCormack leapt into Caulfield's arms in celebration, marking an embrace between two former Cork City men, as Galway moved up to seventh. Elsewhere, in a close fought game at Sullivan & Lambe Park, Drogheda United edged out Bohemians by a goal to nil.
Irish Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Late Aaron McEneff goal nabs Shamrock Rovers win away to Derry
League of Ireland: Derry City 1 (Mullen 65) Shamrock Rovers 2 (Noonan 70, McEneff 89) Derry man Aaron McEneff came back to haunt his hometown club with a last gasp winning goal which sent Shamrock Rovers six points clear at the top. Substitutions on both sides influenced this cat and mouse encounter on Foyleside but it was Michael Noonan and McEneff who earned three vital points for the Hoops in the end. Derry haven't won against Rovers in the league in nine attempts but sub Danny Mullen's fifth goal of the season on 66 minutes put them firmly in the driving seat. That lead lasted less than six minutes as Noonan headed in from close range after Roberto Lopes' long range strike was turned on to the crossbar by Brian Maher. READ MORE Derry reacted well to that setback but it was a former hero turned villain at Brandywell, McEneff who had the last laugh with a 89th minute winner. Fellow sub, Danny Mandroiu threaded a pass through to Noonan who picked out McEneff's run towards the near post and he made no mistake. The midfielder was cautioned for his overzealous celebrations in front of the home support in the Southend Park stand to silence a record 5,000-plus attendance. That goal ensured a fifth consecutive win for Rovers and a seventh game unbeaten as the Dubliners ominously started shifting through the gears. Shamrock Rovers' Aaron Greene and Derry's Gavin Whyte. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho Derry started with promise and Michael Duffy was gifted possession inside the Rovers penalty area when Dan Cleary's attempted clearance fell kindly to the winger but his curling effort sailed harmlessly wide of the far post. Referee Marc Lynch was generous with his bookings and issued three contentious yellow cards inside eight first-half minutes to Boyce and Winchester and Rovers' defender O'Sullivan, who was replaced by Josh Honohan after just 18 minutes as Stephen Bradley wasted no time in turning to his bench. Derry carved open the Rovers defence with a neat pass into the feet of Whyte just inside the penalty area on 25 minutes and the ex-Portsmouth man glided past his man before picking out Boyce eight yards from goal. The striker's first time strike was deflected behind by Adam Matthews who recovered well. From the corner the ball eventually came to Ferguson in space at the back post but the full-back fired his effort wide of the target. Rovers' first shot on target arrived on 33 minutes after Ferguson's pass was intercepted inside his own half. Aaron Greene crossed low towards Graham Burke but his powerful strike was saved comfortably by Brian Maher. Rovers were bossing the ball at the start of the second half but it was Derry who broke the deadlock in devastating fashion on 66 minutes. Winchester won the ball from Byrne before finding McMullan on the right flank. The winger played a delicious pass to send his fellow Scot Mullen into space and the former Patrick Thistle striker finished expertly past Ed McGinty. Rovers' Josh Honohan and Derry's Shane Ferguson. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho That lead lasted less than six minutes as Roberto Lopes' ferocious strike from distance was turned on to the bar by Maher but substitute Noonan reacted to the rebound quickest and headed into the net from close range. McMullan and Mullen combined brilliantly again on 75 minutes but the latter couldn't get enough lift on the ball to guide it over the head of McGinty who snuffed out the danger. Matthews made an important block to deny Duffy's close range strike with nine minutes remaining as Derry went in search of a winner. Rovers issued a killer blow in the final minute when Mandroiu split the defence with a searching pass into Noonan who picked out the run of McEneff and the Derry man made no mistake with a clinical finish. Four minutes of stoppage time was signalled but Derry couldn't find an equaliser as their four match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end. Elsewhere Drogheda United earned a 1-0 win over Bohemians at Weavers Park to climb above Derry into second spot. St Pat's were held 2-2 in Inchicore by Waterford, Galway left it late to earn a 2-1 win against Cork while Shelbourne came from behind against Sligo Rovers to return to winning ways. DERRY CITY: Maher; Ferguson (Doherty 77 mins), Connolly, Holt, Cann, Todd; Whyte (McMullan 60), O'Reilly (Benson 84), Winchester, Duffy (Hoban 84); Boyce (Mullen 60). SHAMROCK ROVERS: McGinty; Matthews, Lopes, Cleary, Grant, O'Sullivan (Honohan 18 mins), Byrne (McEneff 77), Nugent (Mandroiu), Burke (Watts 64), Greene (Noonan 64). Referee: Marc Lynch.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Duff says viral photo 'embarrassing' for league
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff says a viral photograph of him looking like "the fool on the hill" while watching his side during a touchline ban is "embarrassing" and "mortifying" for the League of Ireland. Photographs of the former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger viewing Shelbourne's Dublin derby away to Bohemians on Friday from a grassy bank behind a stand at Dalymount Park attracted much attention on social media. Duff was serving a touchline suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card in his side's win over St Patrick's Athletic earlier this month. "Probably the most difficult thing of the whole evening was for the league," Duff told Virgin Media before Monday's draw with Drogheda United."I thought it was an embarrassing, mortifying photo for the league when it's in such a good place."Speaking to reporters after the Drogheda game, Duff - who led Shelbourne to the league title last season - said it was an "awful reflection on the league". "We call it the greatest league in the world, I call it the greatest league in the world, but a picture has gone to a lot of countries around the world, some big people in the football world have texted me laughing," added the 46-year-old. "I think for too long now people have laughed at Irish football and everything about us." Duff added his comments were "not me having digs". "Like I said, it's probably got a lot of traction. I stood in a meadow on top of a hill. Here, as the Beatles sing, I was probably the fool on the hill."But again, I was probably the butt of the jokes, but I shouldn't be. Because it was an awful reflection of the league."That's all I'm saying. Embarrassing. Like I said, you can read into that what you want. I said it before, I said it after, because I utterly believe it."Monday's draw with Drogheda means Duff's side have won just one of their past eight matches, leaving them nine points adrift of pacesetters Shamrock Rovers in sixth year, Duff - who was appointed in 2021 - led Shels to their first League of Ireland Premier Division title since 2006.
