Tallaght Stadium, home of Shamrock Rovers based in Tallaght, South Dublin and play their trade in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Nicknamed the “Hoops” as they play in White and Green identical to Celtic.
One of Ireland’s most successful clubs and I am delighted that for the third time this year I’ll be visiting the Tallaght Stadium to see them face their fiercest rivals: Bohemian FC! It’s the Dublin Derby! Only St Patrick’s Athletic, UCD, Bray Wanderers and the Aviva Stadium to go to complete Dublin… Unless Croke park hosts football soon… Euro 2028?
The third time in Dublin, the third time on the Stena Line and an early drive on the A55 to Holyhead and the 3 hour ferry ride across the sea to the Irish shores. This place looks like a second home to me! 2023 will be the Dublin year for me!
With time to kill and research into the Guinness guru, let’s see some of these bars! The 3 hidden gems for Guinness: The Confession Box, The Celt & Briody’s and the verdict is:
- The Confession Box – Underwhelming…
- The Celt – Amazing! Love the bar inside as well!
- Briody’s – Amazing again! Friendly people in there as well!
Time rolls on and with me being an early bird, is off to the tram stop and into Tallaght. One last Guinness before the game in the Maldron Hotel which is crawling with Rovers fans! Guinness gone and into the ground! €20 to watch the Dublin Derby! AMAZING!
Out come the teams! A pyro in the packed out away end with the Bohs fans with a banner and the same behind the goal with the Rovers fans! Who’s pyro will shine the brightest in 90 minutes time?
Kick Off! A good start from both sides but as the game rolls on, Shamrock are having more of the ball and are taking the game to Bohemians. A lot of corners in this game so far as well!
26 minutes in and Bohs come forward now, they get into the box… Was that a Penalty? The Bohs fans think so but the Referee doesn’t… I think they’re unlucky there in all fairness!
39th minute and Rovers are really starting to dominate now! It comes for Markus Poom in the box on the left and he shoots… It’s saved but it falls for Ronan Finn for the rebound… Over!
43 minutes now and it’s another corner for Shamrock, in it comes… Lee Grace with the header… It’s there!! Rovers lead in the Derby!! 1-0! That is how it remains at half time.
Second half, “Oh yes sir, I can boogie but I need a certain song!” Rovers fans in great spirits now! 49th minute and Rovers come forward with Rory Gaffney on the left and he cuts inside, he plays a fabulous ball to Ronan Finn who’s onside… BRILLIANT FINISH!! Rovers strike again!! Just what they needed! Off go the pyros again! 2-0!
Rovers continue to dominate and they have Bohs right where they want them! And the Bohs fans are getting quieter and quieter unfortunately for them…
80 minutes now and here come Rovers again, it’s played out left and played across… Blocked! But it comes back to Neil Farrugia in the box on the left and he goes for goal… AND THAT’S HOW TO SEAL THE DEAL!! WHAT A GOAL!! Rovers are winning this Derby now! 3-0!
Rovers push for a fourth… But they will have to settle for 3!
FT: Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Bohemians
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 9/10 – Fabulous atmosphere here tonight especially from behind the goal! A bit quiet at times in the first half and it was just behind the goal where the noise was coming from.
- The Ground: 7/10 – I like this ground but I would say that it’s League One level in England but I still like it!
- Expense: 10/10 – €20 to watch the Dublin Derby I can’t complain about!
- Overall Experience: 8/10 – Really enjoyed it and it’s another hit to the bucket list!!
34/40